. -
s.
OP THl
Ea
OF
S. C. Mason
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN
AND HOME GROUNDS.
First Edition, November 1883.
Second ,, February 1889.
Third ,, May 1893.
Fourth ,, June 1895.
Fifth „ June 1896.
Reprinted, February 1897.
Sixth Edition, May 1898.
Reprinted, November 1898.
Seventh Edition, May 1899.
Eighth ,, June 1900.
Reprinted, December 1900.
,, May 1901.
,, June 1902.
/»«* 1903.
THE ENGLISH
FLOWER GARDEN
AND HOME GROUNDS
Design and Arrangement shown by existing
examples of Gardens in Great Britain and Ireland
followed by a Description of the Plants
Shrubs and Trees for the Open-air Garden
and their Culture By W. ROBINSON
J \\
Author of c The Wild Garden '
Illustrated with many Engravings on Wood
Eighth Edition
" You see, sweet maid, we marry
A gentler scion to the wildest stock,
And make conceive a bark of baser kind
By bud of nobler race : this is an art
Which does mend nature, change it rather, but
The art itself is nature." — Shakespeare.
London John Murray Albemarle Street
m.dcccciii
Ml*
RICHARD CLAY AND SONS, LIMITED,
BREAD STREET HILL, B.C., AND
BUNGAY, SUFFOLK.
jftienb
MONS. B. LATOUR-MARLIAC
WHO, BY HIS PATIENT EXPERIMENTS, HAS ADDED THE
CHARM OF VARIED COLOUR TO THE HARDY WATER LILIES
OF THE NORTH, THIS NEW EDITION OF THE
-ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN "
is BeMcatefc
K8743812
" Laying out grounds^ as it is called, may be considered as a liberal
art, in some sort like poetry and painting; and its object, like that of all
the liberal arts, is, or ought to be, to move the affections under the control
of good sense. If this be so when we are merely putting together words
or colours, how much more ought the feeling to prevail when we are in
the midst of ttie realities of things ; of the beauty and harmony, of the
j.oy and happiness of living creatures ; of men and children, of birds
and beasts, of hills and streams, and trees and flowers, with the changes
of night and day, evening and morning, summer and winter, and all
their unwearied actions and energies" — WORDSWORTH.
FOREWORDS TO NEW EDITION.
THIS book is the muster of various once forlorn hopes and
skirmishing parties now united with better arms and larger aims,
and its beginnings may have an interest for others. I came to
London just when the Royal Horticultural Society's garden at
Kensington was being laid out, a series of elaborate patterns set at
different levels, and the Crystal Palace, in its glory, was described
by the Press of the day to be the most wonderful instance of
modern gardening — water-temples, water-paths, vast stone basins and
all the theatrical gardening of Versailles reproduced in Surrey.
There was little or no reason admitted into garden design :
the same poor imitation of the Italian garden being set down in
all sorts of positions. If the place did not suit the style, the ground
had to be bolstered up in some way so that the plan might be carried
out — a costly way to get an often ridiculous result. The great
writers of the past had laughed the carpenter's rule out of the
parks of England, and pictures arose where they were once impos-
sible ; but the ugliness of the garden about the house was assumed
to be an essential part of the thing itself, removing that for ever
from the sympathies of artistic people.
The flower garden planting was made up of a few kinds of
flowers which people were proud to put out in thousands and tens
of thousands, and with these, patterns, more or less elaborate, were
carried out in every garden save the very poorest cottage garden.
It was not easy to get away from all this false and hideous " art,"
but I was then in the Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, where there
was at that time a small garden of British plants, which had to be
kept up, and this led me into the varied country round London,
from the orchid-flecked meadows of Bucks to the tumbled down
undercliffs on the Essex coast, untroubled by the plough ; and so I
FOREWORDS TO NEW EDITION.
began to get an idea (which should be taught to every boy at
school) that there was (for gardens even) much beauty in our native
flowers and trees, and then came the thought that if there was so
much in our own island flora, what might we not look for from the
hills and valleys of the countries of the northern and temperate
world ?
From thoughts of this kind if I turned to actual things, I
saw the flower-gardener meanly trying to rival the tile or wall-
paper men, and throwing aside with contempt all the lovely
things that through their height or form did not conform to this
idea (so stupid as to life), and this too the rule, not only in the
villa garden, but in our great public and private gardens. There was,
happily, always the beauty of the woods and lanes and the lovely
cottage gardens in the country round London, and here and there,
though rare, a quiet garden with things as the great mother made
them and grouped them. And so I began to see clearly that the
common way was a great error and the greatest obstacle to true
gardening or artistic effects of any kind in the flower-garden or
home landscape, and then, made up my mind to fight the thing out
in any way open to me.
The English Flower Garden consists of two parts : the first
dealing with the question of design — the aim being to make the
garden a reflex of the beauty of the great garden of the world itself,
and to prove that the true way to happiest design is not to have
any stereotyped style for all flower gardens, but that the best kind of
garden should arise out of its site and conditions as happily as a
primrose out of a cool bank.
The second part includes most of the trees and plants, hardy
and half-hardy, for our flower gardens and pleasure grounds, and
it is illustrated with a view to show the beauty of the things spoken
of, as few know the many shrubs and trees worth a place in our
open-air gardens, and it is of little use to discuss arrangement if
the beauty of the flowers is hidden from us. No stereotyped garden
of half-a-dozen kinds of plants will satisfy any one who knows that
many beautiful aspects of vegetation are possible in a garden in
spring, summer, and autumn.
This is not a botanical book, as should be clear from its title ;
but some may expect in the book technical terms which I wish
to keep out of it. Although the debt of the gardener to Botany
is great, the subordination of the garden to Botany has been
FOREWORDS TO NEW EDITION.
fruitful of the greatest evil to artistic gardening. The way of
arranging a garden like a book, and a very ugly book, as in
the French botanic gardens (Caen, Angers, Rouen), in which one
sees a sea of showy labels, where one might look for the life and
peace of a garden, is a blinding obstacle to beautiful gardening,
and the Garden of Plants, in Paris, may be cited as one having
had for ages a disastrous effect in the gardening of France.
It is the spirit of natural beauty we should seek to win into the
garden, and so get away from the set patterns on the one hand,
and labelled "dots" on the other.
English names are given where possible — as it is best to speak
of things growing about our doors in our own tongue, and the practice
of using in conversation long Latin names, a growth of our own
century, has done infinite harm to gardening in shutting out people
who have a heart for a garden, but none for the Latin of the gardener.
There is no more need to speak of the plants in our gardens by their
Latin names than to speak of the dove or the rabbit by Latin names,
and where we introduce plants that have no good English names we
must make them as well as we may. Old English books like Gerard
were rich in English names, and we should follow their ways and
be ashamed to use for things in the garden a strange tongue — dog
Latin, or as it may be. Every plant grown in gardens should have an
English name, among the many reasons for this being the frequent
changes that Latin names undergo in the breaking down of the
characters which are supposed to separate genera. For instance,
Azalea and Rhododendron are now one genus ; such changes are
even more troublesome when they occur in less well-known plants ;
and one of the most beautiful plants of our gardens, the Irish
Heath (Dabcecia, now Boretta), will not be found now by its hitherto
recorded name in the London Catalogue of British Plants. But if
we have a good English name, these ceaseless botanical changes are
of less consequence. It is impossible for gardeners and nurserymen
to keep up with such changes, not always indeed accepted even by
botanists themselves. The fact that in speaking of plants we use
English names does not in the least prevent us from using the Latin
name in its right place, when we have need to do so. The systematic
nomenclature followed is that of the Kew list, wherever use does not
compel us to adhere to old names like Azalea.
For the second part of this book the storehouse of information
in The Garden has been taken advantage of, but articles have been
FOREWORDS TO NEW EDITION.
specially written where necessary, and the following are the names
of the writers whose contributions are embodied in the second part of
the book, and frequently marked by their initials :—
T. Allen
"|. Atkins
P. Barr
W. J. Bean
J. Birkenhead
\. Britten
W. Brockbank
F. W. Burbidge
G. A. Champion
Latimer Clarke
E. T. Cook
J. Cornhill
Mons. H. Correvon
Rev. Harpur Crewe
A. Dean
R. Dean
D. Dewar
Rev. C. Wolley Dod
Rev. H. H. Dombrain
: Douglas
Dundas
.ev. Canon Ellacombe
H. J. Elwes
Rev. H. Ewbank
W. Falconer
D. T. Fish
Dr. M. Foster
P. Neill Fraser
O. Froebel
T. W. Girdlestone
i\
I
W. Goldring
P. Grieve
J. Groom
W. E. Gumbleton
T. Hatfield
W. B. Hemsley
I. Anderson- Henry
A. Herrington
T. H. Archer-Hind
E. Hobday
Rev. F. D. Homer
Miss F. Hope
C. M. Hovey
E. Jackson
Miss G. Jekyll
Miss R. Kingsley
A. Kingsmill
Max Leichtlin
H. Selfe-Leonard
E. G. Loder
R. I. Lynch
J. M'Nab
B. Latour-Marliac
R. Marnock
G. Maw
F. W. Meyer
A. B. Freeman- Mitford
H. G. Moon
F. Moore
G. Nicholson
J. C. Niven
Miss C. M. Owen
A. Perry
J. T. Bennett- Poe
R. Potter
A. Rawson
The Very Rev. The Dean of
Rochester
A. Salter
C. R. Scrase-Dickens
C. W. Shaw
J. Sheppard
J. Simpson
J. Smith
T. Spanswick
J. Stevens
Rev. Canon Swayne
W. Thompson
W. P. Thomson
G. Van Tubergen, Junr.
Rev. F. Tymons
Maurice L. de Vilmorin
Dr. A. Wallace
W. Watson
J. Weathers
W. Wildsmith
Miss Willmott
G. F. Wilson
J. Wood
E. H. Woodall
W. R.
CONTENTS.
PART I.
CHAP. PAGE
I. — ART IN RELATION TO FLOWER-GARDENING AND GARDEN DESIGN ... 3
II. — DESIGN AND POSITION; AGAINST STYLES, USELESS STONEWORK, AND
STEREOTYPED PLANS ; TIME'S EFFECT ON GARDEN DESIGN ; ARCHI-
TECTURE AND FLOWER GARDENS ; DESIGN NOT FORMAL ONLY ; USE
IN THE GARDEN OF BUILDERS, AND OTHER DEGRADED FORMS OF
THE PLASTIC ART 15
III. — VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS : MAINLY CHOSEN FOR THEIR BEAUTY ;
COTTAGE GARDENS IN KENT AND SOMERSET ; MOUNT USHER ;
GREENLANDS ; GOLDER'S HILL ; PENDELL COURT ; RHIANVA ;
SHEEN COTTAGE; DRUMMOND CASTLE; PENSHURST; COMPTON
WINYATES ; KETTON COTTAGE ; Powis ; COTEHELE ; EDGE HALL ;
SHRUBLAND ; CHILLINGHAM ; BULWICK ; OFFINGTON ; WILTON ;
STONELANDS, AND OTHERS 29
IV. — BORDERS OF HARDY FLOWERS 73
V. — THE RESERVE AND CUT-FLOWER GARDENS 89
VI. — HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS, AND THEIR GARDEN USE . 95
VII.— ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS, HALF HARDY PLANTS ANNUALLY
RAISED FROM SEED 108
VIII. — FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE 116
IX. — CLIMBERS AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE 125
X. — ALPINE FLOWER-, ROCK- AND WALL-GARDENS 137
XI. — THE WILD GARDEN 153
XII. — SPRING GARDENS 164
THE SUMMER GARDEN BEAUTIFUL:—
XIII.— THE NEW ROSE GARDEN 179
XIV. — CARNATION, LILY, IRIS, AND THE NOBLER SUMMER FLOWERS .... 196
XV. — SUMMER-BEDDING 202
XVI. — PLANTS IN VASES AND TUBS IN THE OPEN AIR . 211
CONTENTS.
CHAP. PAGE
XVII.— BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN, AND HEREIN ALSO OF
THE SUB-TROPICAL GARDEN 222
XVIII.— THE FLOWER GARDEN IN AUTUMN 235
XIX.— THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER -244
XX.— WATER GARDENS BY VARIOUS WATER GARDENERS 251
XXL— THE BOG GARDEN 264
XXIL— THE HARDY FERN GARDEN ... 271
XXIII.— COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN .280
XXIV.— FRAGRANCE 287
XXV.— SIMPLER FLOWER GARDEN PLANS AND THE RELATION OF THE FLOWER
GARDEN TO THE HOUSE 291
XXVI.— WALKS AND EDGINGS 3°5
XXVII. — THE FLOWER GARDEN IN THE HOUSE 316
XXVIII.— EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS 324
XXIX. — CLIPPING EVERGREEN AND OTHER TREES 335
XXX.— AIR AND SHADE 345
XXXI.— LAWNS AND PLAYGROUNDS 354
XXXIL— FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND HOUSES, BRIDGES, SEATS AND
FENCES 362
XXXIIL— THE ORCHARD BEAUTIFUL 374
XXXIV.— LABOURS FOR GOOD OR EVIL; SOILS; WATER; DRAINING; EVAPORA-
TION ; ROTATION ; WEEDS AND RUBBISH HEAPS ; MONOTONY ;
STAKING : GLASS ; WASTED LABOUR IN MOVING EARTH ; WOODEN
TRELLISING BEST 383
PART II.
CONTAINING THE FLOWERS, FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, EVERGREENS, AND
HARDY FERNS FOR THE OPEN-AIR FLOWER GARDEN IN THE BRITISH ISLES,
WITH THEIR CULTIVATION AND THE POSITIONS MOST SUITABLE FOR THEM IN
GARDENS 403
INSECTS 877
INDEX TO PARTS I. AND II .883
THE
ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN
PART I
ART IN THE GARDEN. DESIGN AND PLANS IN RELATION
TO THE HOUSE AND HOME LANDSCAPE. VARIOUS KINDS
OF FLOWER GARDENS WITH A VIEW TO ARTISTIC EFFECT
AND GOOD CULTIVATION. ARTISTIC USE OF THE GREAT
GROUPS OF PLANTS FOR THE OPEN AIR GARDENS IN THE
BRITISH ISLES. ALPINE, ROCK AND BORDER PLANT'S,
CLIMBERS, ANNUALS AND BIENNIALS, FLOWERING TREES,
SHRUBS, AND EVERGREENS; WATER AND BOG PLANTS,
HARDY FERNS, FINE-LEAVED, BEDDING AND HALF-HARDY
PLANTS, ROSES, SPRING, SUMMER, AUTUMN AND WINTER
GARDENS, HARDY BULBS; ORCHARD BEAUTIFUL. THE
WILD GARDEN, FLOWERS FOR CUTTING, COLOUR AND
FRAGRANCE. LABOURS FOR GOOD OR EVIL. LAWNS AND
PLEASURE GROUNDS. ILLUSTRATED FROM EXISTING
EXAMPLES OF BRITISH GARDENS ENGRAVED ON WOOD.
" An unerring perception told tlie Greeks that tlie beaut if id must also
be tlie true, and recalled tJieui back into tJie way. As in conduct tJiey
insisted on an energy which ivas rational, so in art and in literature
they required of beauty that it too should be before all tilings rational"
—SOME ASPECTS OF THE GREEK GENIUS.
THE
ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CHAPTER I.
ART IN RELATION TO FLOWER-GARDENING AND GARDEN DESIGN,
THERE is no reason why we should not have true art in the garden,
but much why we should have it, and no reason why a garden
should be ugly, bare, or conventional. The word " art " being used
in its highest sense here, it may perhaps be well to justify its use,
and as good a definition of the word as any perhaps is " power to
see and give form to beautiful things," which we see shown in
some of its finest forms in Greek sculpture and in the works of the
great masters of painting.
But art is of many kinds, and owing to the loose, " critical "
talk of the day, it is not easy to see that true art is based on clear-
eyed study of and love for Nature, rather than invention and the
bringing of the "personality" of the artist into the work, of which
we hear so much. The work of the artist is always marked by its
fidelity to Nature, and proof of this may be seen in the greatest
art galleries now open to all, so that there is little to hide evidence as
to what is said here about art in its highest expression. But as a
number of people write much about art in the magazines and papers,
while blind as bats to its simple law, there is infinite confusion in
many minds about it, and we may read essay after essay about art
without being brought a bit nearer to the simple truth, but on the
other hand get the false idea that it is not by observing, but by
inventing and supplementing, that good work is done. The strong
man must be there, but his work is to see the whole beauty of
the subject, and to help us to see it, not to distort it in any way
for the sake of making it " original." This is often a way to popu-
larity, but in the end it means bad work. It may be the fashion for
B 2
THE ENGLISH FLOWER CARD EX.
a season, owing to some one quality ; but it is soon found out, and
we have to return to the great masters of all ages, who are always
distinguished for truth to Nature, and who show their strength by
getting nearer to her.
The actual beauty of a thing in all its fulness and subtlety is
almost the whole of the question, but the critics of the day will not
take the trouble to see this, and write essays on art in which many
long words occur, but in which we do not once meet with the word
truth. " Realism " and " idealism " are words freely used, and bad
pictures are shown us as examples of " realism," which leave out
all the refinement, subtlety, truth of tone, and perhaps even the very
light and shade in which all the real things we see are set.
There are men so blind to the beauty of the things set before
their eyes in sky, sea, or earth, that they would seek to idealise
the eyes of a beautiful child or the clouds of heaven ; while all who
see natural beauty in landscape know that no imagining can come
near to the beauty of things seen, art being often powerless to
seize their full beauty, and the artist has often to let the brush fall in
despair. There are more pictures round the year in many a parish
in England than all the landscape painters of Europe could paint in
a century. Only a little, indeed, of the beauty that concerns us most —
that of the landscape — can be seized for us except by the very greatest
masters. Of things visible — flower, tree, landscape, sky, or sea — to
see the full and every varied beauty is to be saved for ever from
any will-o'-the-wisp of the imaginary.
But many people do not judge pictures by Nature, but by pictures,
and therefore they miss her subtleties and delicate realities on which
all true work depends. Some sneer at those who " copy Nature,"
but the answer to such critics is for ever there in the work of the
great men, be they Greeks, Dutchmen, Italians, French, or English.
It is part of the work of the artist to select beautiful or memorable
things, not the first that come in his way. The Venus of Milo
is from a noble type of woman — not a mean Greek. The horses
of the Parthenon show the best of Eastern breed, full of life and
beauty. Great landscape painters like Crome, Corot, and Turner
seek not things only because they are natural, but also beautiful ;
selecting views and waiting for the light that suits the chosen subject
best, they give us pictures, working always from faithful study of
Nature and from stores of knowledge gathered from her, and that is
the only true path for the gardener, all true art being based on her
eternal laws. All deviation from the truth of Nature, whether it be
at the hands of Greek, Italian, or other artist, though it may pass for
a time, is in the end— it may be ages after the artist is dead— classed
as debased art.
ART IN RELATION TO FLOWER-GARDENING.
Why say so much here about art? Because when we see the
meaning of true " art " we cannot endure what is ugly and false in art,
and we cannot have the foregrounds of beautiful English scenery
daubed with flower gardens like coloured advertisements. Many
see the right way from their own sense being true, but others may
wish for proof of what is urged here as to the true source of lasting
work in art in the work of the great artists of all time. And we may
be as true artists in the garden and home landscape as anywhere else.
There is no good picture which does not image for us the beauty
of natural things, and why not begin with these and be artists in
their growth and grouping ? — for one reason among others that we
are privileged to have the living things about us, and not merely
representations of them.
So far we have spoken of the work of the true artist, which is
always marked by respect for Nature and by keen study of her.
But apart from this we have a great many men who do what is
called " decorative " work, useful, but still not art in the sense of
delight in, and study of, things as they are — the whole class of
decorators, who make our carpets, tiles, curtains, and who adapt
conventional or geometric forms mostly to flat surfaces. Skill in this
way may be considerable without any attention whatever being paid
to the greater art that is concerned with life in all its fulness.
This it is well to see clearly ; as for the flower gardener it matters
much on which side he stands. Unhappily, our gardeners for ages
have suffered at the hands of the decorative artist, when applying his
" designs " to the garden, and designs which may be quite right on a
surface like a carpet or panel have been applied a thousand times to
the surface of the much enduring earth. It is this adapting of absurd
" knots " and patterns from old books to any surface where a flower
garden has to be made that leads to bad and frivolous design —
wrong in plan and- hopeless for the life of plants. It is so easy for
any one asked for a plan to furnish one of this sort without the
slightest knowledge of the life of a garden.
For ages the flower-garden has been marred by absurdities of
this kind of work as regards plan, though the flowers were in simple
and natural ways. But in our own time the same " decorative " idea
has come to be carried out in the planting of the flowers under the
name of " bedding out," " carpet bedding," or " mosaic culture." In
this the beautiful forms of flowers are degraded to the level of crude
colour to make a design, and without reference to the natural form or
beauty of the plants, clipping being freely done to get the carpets
or patterns " true." When these tracery gardens were made, often by
people without any knowledge of the plants of a garden, they were
found to be difficult to plant ; hence attempts to do without the
A Devonshire Cottage Garden, Cockington, Torquay. Engraved from a photograph
by S. W. Fitzherb/rt.
ART IN RELATION TO FLOWER-GARDENING.
gardener altogether, and get colour by the use of broken brick, white
sand, and painted stone, as in Nesfield's work at South Kensington
and Sir C. Barry's at Shrubland. All such work is wrong and degrad-
ing to the art of gardening, and in its extreme expressions is ridiculous.
Why are such designs bad ? The good sense of all is the final court
of appeal for even artistic things, and to many people these remarks
need not be made, but the stereotyped gardens that abound in many
places show us that the fight against the ugly garden has only begun.
The modern garden is often no more interesting than an oilcloth
pattern, because instead of beautiful form and colour we see emphasis
given to pattern-work and plants robbed of all their grace. But
while the artist may be driven from the common bedding garden, he
will perhaps go to rest his eyes on a cottage garden, and make a
picture of it, as the cottage garden is itself often a picture. Why
should the cottage garden be a picture when the gentleman's garden
is not ? Here is an engraving of a small cottage garden in Devon-
shire : an artistic garden in its simplest expression. There was very
little in this beyond Roses and a few Pansies, and yet it was right
and beautiful, and there are many as good in every county in England.
May the large gardens be as good in proportion to the money spent
upon them and their size as this little cottage garden ? Certainly :
the gardens shown in this book prove it, although it is rarely now-
adays that a large garden shows anything like the charm of simplicity
that many cottage gardens do.
The gardener should follow the true artist, however modestly, in
his love for things as they are, in delight in natural form and beauty
of flower and tree, if we are to be free from barren geometry, and if
our gardens are ever to be pictures. The gardener has not the
strenuous work of eye and hand that the artist has, but he has plenty
of good work to do : — to choose from ten thousand beautiful living
things ; to study their nature and adapt them to his soil and climate ;
to get the full expression of their beauty ; to grow and place them
well and in right relation to other things, which is a life-study in itself,
in view of the great numbers of the flowers and flowering trees of the
world. And as the artist's work is to see and keep for us some of the
beauty of landscape, tree, or flower, so the gardener's should be to keep
for us as far as may be, in the fulness of their natural beauty, the living
things themselves. The artist gives us the fair image : the gardener
is the trustee of a world of fair living things, to be kept with care and
knowledge in necessary subordination to the conditions of his work.
And as there is other and higher design than that of the decorator
of flat surfaces with patterns, so there is an absolute and eternal
difference between conventional form as he expresses it, and the true
forms of cloud or hill, vale, stream, path, oak, palm and vine, reed
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
and lily. And the first duty of all who care for the garden as a
picture is to see these noble natural forms in every part of life and
nature, and once they see them they will never mistake decorative
patterns for art and beauty in a garden.
In some writings on garden design, it is assumed as a truism
that the landscape and naturalistic view of that design was the
invention of certain men, and a mere passing fashion, like many that
have disfigured the garden. This is a serious error, as it was based
on observation of the landscape beauty which has existed ever since
the eyes of men were first opened to the beauty of the earth, whether
on wild mountain woodland, or in the forest plain, apart altogether
from man's efforts, as seen in the parks of England from Alnwick to
Richmond ; and in either case it is too lovely a lesson to forget so
long as man has any eyes to see beauty. If all the works of man in
landscape planting were swept away, there would still be beautiful
landscape on vast areas in many lands. There are ten thousand
grassy lawns and glades among the mountain Pines of Switzerland,
as there are on the mountains of California and Cashmere, and,
indeed, the many other woody mountain lands of the world ; and
many of these are suggestive of all that is most beautiful in planting.
Apart from the planning of ground and its form, there is the
question of the arrangement of all the beautiful things of earth-
flower, shrub, or tree in right or wrong ways. Here there are always
lessons to be learned in nature : lovely colonies of Bird's-eye Primrose
in the bogs of Westmoreland ; and of Gentian by the alpine streams,
islets of wild Heath, lakes of wild Hyacinth, and wood carpets of
Primrose; groups of Venetian Sumach cropping out of the hot
southern rocks ; and of May on the hill, the stately groves of the
lowland forest, and the Grey Willows of the marsh land. In plant-
ing in like ways we are simply taking a lesson from Nature, and not
dabbling in a mere fashion. Even the creatures of earth and air are
held together beautifully— wild birds in the air, delicate brown flocks
of them by the cold northern sea, as well as many groups of nobler
birds on the banks of the Nile and southern rivers; the cattle
on a thousand hills : in no other way could their forms or colours
be so well seen. And so it must ever be in the garden where
natural grouping is the true and artistic way.
The expression of these ideas may seem to some to imply that
the garden generally is to be a tangled wilderness. But having plants
in natural forms does not in the least prevent us from making a
straight walk along a straight wall, or from having the necessary wall
protection for our gardens. A straight line is often the most beautiful
that can be used ; but its use by no means implies that we are not to
group our plants or bushes naturally alongside it.
Town-Garden, The Broadway, Worcestershire. From a picture in possession of the author.
io THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
As I use the word " artistic," in a book on the flower-garden,
it may be well to say that as it is used it means right and true
in relation to all the conditions of the case, and the necessary limita-
tions of our art and all other human arts. A lovely Greek coin, a bit
of canvas painted by Corot with the morning light on it, a block
of stone hewn into the shape of the dying gladiator, the white moun-
tain rocks built into a Parthenon — these are all examples of human
art, every one of which can be only fairly judged in due regard to
what is possible in the material of each — knowledge which it is part of
the artist's essential task to possess. Often a garden may be wrong
in various ways, as shown by the conifers spread in front of many a
house — ugly in form, not in harmony with our native or best garden
vegetation ; mountain trees set out on dry plains and not even hardy ;
so that the word inartistic may help us to describe many errors.
And again, if we are happy enough to find a garden so true and right
in its results in many ways as to form a picture that an artist would
be charmed to study, we may call it an artistic garden, as a short way
of saying that it is about as good as it may be, taking everything into
account.
THE FALLACY AS TO " MATTERS OF TASTE."
The man behind the counter often tells us that " it is a matter of
taste " if we say a word as to the ugliness of some of his wares, and
many other people have the same false idea that obscures all issues
about artistic things. If it were confined to the ignorant it would do
little harm, but we hear it expressed by men of education. To take a
recent instance, the author of " Pages from a Private Diary "(1898)
protests against
making a religion of what is purely a matter of taste. Weeds are as natural
as flowers. A lawn left to Nature would soon become a meadow. A hedge
left to Nature would become monstrous and useless, because pervious. A well-
grown Yew tree is undoubtedly a beautiful object, but a Yew clipped intelligently
is quite as beautiful ; and if a tree will clip, it is not unnatural to clip it.
Here we have some common ideas written by a man of wit, but
who in this instance has not thought of what he writes about ; and if
we find these notions in such men, how are we to blame the many who
with fewer advantages have to study the question of garden design or
planting ? For this and all artistic questions are only " matters of
taste" to those who have not thought of them. The merit of a
portrait by Rembrandt and the first Academy daub is not a matter of
taste, but of very serious fact. So also we may compare an Elizabethan
house with one of the carpenter's Gothic of our century ; the sculp-
tures of the Parthenon with the statues in our squares ; a symphony
ART IN RELA TION TO FL 0 WER- GARDENING. 1 1
by Beethoven with the " Maiden's Prayer ; -" an English cottage garden,
quite simple in plan and full of flowers in their natural forms, with the
imitations of very bad carpets (vile in colour and without form) which
we now see in French and German watering places (mosaiculture) !
So far from its being true that good or bad garden design or
planting are merely matters of taste, the very first thing we should
teach to every one who has to think of it is that they are matters of
fact, truth and observation. The assumption in the paragraph that
any one advised leaving hedges, &c., to Nature does not surely need a
reply ; but that a Yew clipped intelligently is quite as beautiful " as a
well and naturally grown Yew tree " is a statement that could hardly
be made save in jest by any one who has thought the least about tree
beauty or natural form of any kind. For here it is not a difference of
degree we have to deal with, but a difference in kind, because a clipped
tree is a thing without any true form, light or shade, motion or voice.
Vast as are the differences above named, between none of them is
there so great and hideous a difference as between the divinely given
form of the northern evergreen tree, whether of the tree-fringed
mountain lawns of Jura, the mountains of the Pacific coast of North
America, or the rocks of Scotland, and the ridiculous results of the
distortion of forest trees by man.
Yet the fact that garden design or planting is a matter of know-
ledge of the natural forms, harmonies and colours of things does not
mean that this writer or any one is not to do what he pleases in his
garden. But when he tells us that the judgment which enables us to
distinguish a good picture from a bad one is to abandon us before the
absurdities seen in our gardens, and too often marring the foregrounds
of the home landscape of our country houses, he is leading all who
trust him into error. Moreover, individual likes and dislikes are
wholly separate from the problem of what is best in a given situation
as to design and planting.
The question, like so many others, is made needlessly hard for the
student by the writing without knowledge, which, unhappily, is
devoted to it. To practice an art without any knowledge of it is bad
enough, but when men write about an art dealing with so many living
things as planting, when clearly they have given no heed to its simplest
elements, they do infinite harm in spreading the false idea that it is all
" a matter of taste." Of such quotations as the above, in which every
phrase is an error or a false assumption, a volume might easily be put
together.
One of the commonest and grossest errors is to take the worst
possible work, abuse it, and say nothing about the better way.
Deception is a primary object of the landscape gardener. Thus to get variety \ and
to deceive the eye into supposing that the garden is larger than it zs, the paths are
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
to -cind about in all directions and the la-ens tire not to be left a broad e.vpanse, but
dotted about icith Pampas Grasses, foreign shrubs, or anything else that id 1 1 break
up the surface. As was said by a witty Frenchman, " Nothing is easier than to
lay out an English garden ; one 'has only to make one's gardener drunk and follow
him about}'- THE FORMAL GARDKN.
There is not a word said here of the plain fact that we may have
true and artistic ways, as well as stupid ones, of forming paths and
getting fine variety of surface by planting, without dotting lawns with
Pampas Grass, or of the equally plain fact that we can make walks
through lawn or wood or by river in lines of easiest gradation and most
convenient access without going through any of the antics above
described or in any way violating good sense. There is not a word in
the above paragraph which is true of good work in landscape planting.
That bad and ignorant work is done we can no more deny than
the existence of the barrel-organ or the Victorian villa, but a man
must be blind to the truth who writes thus without knowledge, as
there are innumerable instances in every county of picturesque plant-
ing without deception of any kind. The true work of the landscape
gardener is wholly different ; it is to study the natural forms of the
ground and keep to the best of them ; to have keen eyes for every
charm of natural growth and to save it for the future beauty of the
place ; to know also all the trees of the northern world fitted to adorn
it ; to make living pictures, in fact — easy to those who have eyes and
hearts for the work, but impossible otherwise.
Another like statement of the writer on clipping trees that wearies
us by its want of knowledge of Nature is this : —
A clipped Yew tree is as much a part of Nature — that is, subject to natural laius,
as a forest Oak; but the landscapist, by appealing to associations which surround
the personification of Nature, holds up the clipped Yew tree to obloquy as something
against Nature. Sofar as that goes, it is no more unnatural to clip a Yew tree than
to cut grass.
The answer is that we mow turf to walk upon ; for the pleasure to
the eye of short turf, or for the pleasure of walking on it in the hot
days, or for the relief and repose it gives ; for by cutting grass short
we disfigure nothing, throw no naturally beautiful things into grotesque
or ugly forms offensive to the artist, and all who care for true form.
Moreover, short turf is not an artificial thing, as there are many
natural lawns on the mountains of Europe, short and crisp as ever
lawn was seen ; set, too, with alpine flowers and guarded by outposts
of stately mountain trees.
LANDSCAPE PAINTING AND GARDENS,— There are few pictures of
gardens, because the garden beautiful is rare. Gardens around country
houses, instead of forming, as they all might, graceful foregrounds
to the good landscape views, disfigure all, and drive the artist away
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
in despair. Yet there may be real pictures in gardens ; it is not a
mere question of patterns of a very poor sort, but one of light and
shade, beauty of form, and colour. In times when gardens were
made by men who did not know one tree from another, the matter
was settled by the shears — it was a question of green walls only.
Now we are beginning to see that there is a wholly different and
higher order of beauty to be found in gardens, and we are at the
beginning of a period when we may hope to get much more pleasure
and instruction out of this art than ever before.
We have seen in Bond-street a variety of picture exhibitions
devoted to gardens, generally of the trifling stippled water-colour
order. The painters of these pictures, for the most part ten-minute
sketches, have one main idea — that the only garden worth picturing is
the shorn one, and pictures of such places are repeated time after
time ; a clipped line of Arbor-vitae, with a stuffed peacock stuck by
tthe side of it, is considered good enough for a garden picture. Work
of this kind, which is almost mechanical, is so much easier than the
drawing of a garden with the elements of varied beauty in it. In
the work of Alfred Parsons and a few others we see the beginning of
things of beauty in the painting of gardens, but it is for us gardeners
to commence by first being artists ourselves, and opening our eyes to
see the ugly things about us.
Artists of real power would paint gardens and home landscapes if
there were real pictures to draw ; but generally they are so rare that
the work does not come into the artist's view at all. Through all
the rage of the " bedding-out " fever, it was impossible for an artist
to paint in a garden like those which disfigured the land from Blair
Athol to the Crystal Palace. It is difficult to imagine Corot sitting
down to paint the Grande Trianon, or the terrace patterns at Versailles,
though a poor hamlet in the North of France, with a few willows
near, gave him a lovely picture. Once, when trying to persuade
Mr. Mark Fisher, the landscape painter, to come into a district
remarkable for its natural beauty, he replied : " There are too many
gentlemen's places there to suit my work," referring to the hardness
and ugliness of the effects around most country seats, owing to the
iron-bound pudding-clumps of trees, railings, capricious clippings and
shearings, bad colours, and absence of fine and true form, with, almost
certainly, an ugly house in the midst of all. But we ought to be able
to do better than be makers of garden scarecrows to the very men
who would enjoy our work most, and delight in painting it, rich as
we are in the sources of all beauty of tree or flower, and the three
illustrations in this chapter prove at least that in both cottage, to\vn;
and castle garden, we can get away from geometrical form into
freedom of grace and leaf, flower and tree.
CHAPTER II.
DESIGN AND POSITION — AGAINST STYLES, USELESS STONEWORK,
AND STEREOTYPED PLANS — TIME'S EFFECT ON GARDEN DE-
SIGN— ARCHITECTURE AND FLOWER GARDENS — DESIGN NOT
FORMAL ONLY — USE IN THE GARDEN OF BUILDERS', AND
OTHER DEGRADED FORMS OF THE PLASTIC ART.
ONE aim of this book is to uproot the idea that a flower garden must
always be of set pattern placed on one side of the house. The wants
of flowers can be best met, and their varied loveliness best shown,
in a variety of positions, and the first thing to do is to consider the
effect of arraying all our flowers in one spot under the same con-
ditions, as such a plan can never give us a tithe of the beauty which
our gardens may afford. The settled way has too often been to regard
one spot with the same soil and aspect — with every condition alike,
in fact — as the only home for open-air flowers, though near at hand
there may be positions, each favourable to different groups of flower.
For all that concerns us in this artistic question there are laws which
will guide us if we seek for them. The laws here meant are Nature's
laws — not merely landmarks set out by man for his convenience.
Only they are not laws that bind with weary fetters, but as infinite in
delightful change as the restless clouds on the hills. We shall never
settle the most trifling question by the stupid saying that it is " a
matter of taste," and if the reader will come with me through these early
chapters, I hope to convince him that flower-gardening is " a matter
of reason." The laws of all true art can only be based on the eternal
laws of Nature, and these are the source from which all our guid-
ance should come.
One of the first things we have to do is to get a clear idea of
the hollowness of much of the talk about " styles " that forms a great
part of what has been written in books about laying out gardens,
and there are many dissertations on the several styles, the authors
going even to China and to Mexico for illustrations. The first
thing every writer on this subject does is to puzzle his readers with
1 6 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
words about "styles," but when all is read, what is the result to
anybody who looks from words to things ? That there are two
styles : the one strait-laced, mechanical, with much wall and stone,
with water-squirts, plaster-work, and absurd sculpture ; the other
natural — in most cases, once free of the house accepting the ground
lines of the earth herself as the best, and getting plant beauty from
its natural source — the flowers and trees arranged in picturesque
ways.
There are positions where stonework is necessary; but the beauti-
ful terrace gardens are those that are built where the nature of the
ground required them ; and there is nothing more melancholy than the
walls, fountain basins, clipped trees, and long canals of places like the
Crystal Palace, not only because they fail to satisfy the desire for
beauty, but because they tell of wasted effort, riches worse than lost.
There are, from Versailles to Caserta, a great many ugly gardens in
Europe, but at Sydenham we have the greatest modern example of
the waste of enormous means in making hideous a fine piece of ground.
This has been called a work of genius, but it is the fruit of a poor
ambition to outdo another ugly extravagance — Versailles. But
Versailles is a relic of the past, and was the expression of such know-
ledge of the gardening art as men then possessed. As Versailles
has numerous tall water-squirts, the best way of glorifying ourselves
was to make some taller ones at Sydenham ! Instead of confining
the terrace gardening to the upper terrace, by far the greater portion
of the ground was devoted to a stony extravagance of design, and
nearly in the centre were placed the vast and ugly fountain basins.
The contrivances to enable the water to go down-stairs, the temples,
statues, dead walls, all costly rubbish, praised by the papers as the
marvellous work of a genius. When a private individual indulges
in such fancies, he may not injure many but himself; but in this
public garden — set up as an example of all that is admirable — we
have, in addition to wasteful outlay, what is hurtful to the public
taste.
Many whose lawns were, or might readily have been made, the
most beautiful of gardens have spoiled them for sham terraced
gardens, and there is a modern castle in Scotland where the embank-
ments are piled one above another, till the whole looks as if Uncle
Toby with an army of corporals had been carrying out his grandest
scheme in fortification. The rude stone wall of the hill husbandman,
supporting a narrow slip of soil for olive-trees or vines, became in the
garden of the wealthy Roman a well-built one; but it must be
remembered that, even where the wall is necessary, the beauty of the
true Italian garden depends on the life of trees and flowers more
than on the plan of the garden, as in the Guisti garden at Verona
1 8 . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN
whereas in our sham examples of the Italian garden all is as flat
and lifeless as a bad mosaic.
TERRACED GARDENS, allowing of much building (apart from the
house), have been much in favour with architects who have designed
gardens. The landscape gardener, too often led by custom, falls in
with the notion that every house, no matter what its position, should
be fortified by terraces, and he busies himself in forming them even
on level ground, and large sums are spent on fountains, vases, statues,
balustrades, useless walls, and stucco work, where these are out of
place. By the extensive use of such materials many a noble lawn is
cut up ; and often, as at Witley Court, the " architectural " gardening
is pushed so far into the park as to curtail and injure the view. If
the cost of the stone and stucco ornament lavished on the garden
were spent on its legitimate object — the house — how much better it
would be for architecture, as well as for gardening !
The best effect is to be got not by carrying architectural features
into the usually small level town garden, but by the contrast between
the garden vegetation and its built surroundings. This contrast
should be got, not by the sham picturesque, with rocks, cascades,
and undulations of the ground, but mainly by the simple dignity
of trees and the charm of turf. It was said that none but an Italian
garden would suit South Kensington, and we had an elaborate garden
there carried out with the greatest care, yet the result, as everybody
knows, was miserable. There are many private gardens in European
cities, with as formal surroundings as those of South Kensington,
which are as beautiful as it was stiff and ugly.
Elaborate terraced gardens in the wrong place often prevent the
formation of beautiful lawns, though a good lawn is the happiest thing
in a garden. For many years past there has been so much cutting
up, geometry and stonework, that it is rare to find a good lawn left,
and many a site cut up would be vastly improved if changed into a
large, nobly fringed lawn. A very common, poorly built house with a
fine open lawn has often a better effect than a fine one with a recti-
lineal garden and terraces in front of it, though there are cases where
tvalls would be the way to a good result.
A style of garden " design " that for a long time has had an
injurious effect on many places is the "railway embankment" phase
of landscape gardening madness — one in which we see a series of
sharply graded grass slopes, exactly like well-smoothed railway
embankments. It is curious that any one should imagine that such a
plan, marring the whole landscape, should give pleasure to any human
being, or do anything but make the foreground of the house weari-
some to the last degree. In this variety we often find several
sharp banks falling one below the other without a protecting wall
C 2
20 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
at the top, and the sharp green angles cutting horrible capers from
various points of view, and this perhaps in the face of a beautiful
landscape. Of this there was, until lately, an instance at Verdley
Place, in the midst of one of the most beautiful landscapes in
England, and many others might be named in almost every county.
A beautiful house in a fair landscape is the most delightful
scene of the cultivated earth, all the more so if there be an artistic
garden — the rarest thing to find ! The union between the house
beautiful and the ground near it — a happy marriage it should be — is
worthy of more thought than it has had in the past, and the best
way of effecting that union artistically should interest men more and
more as our cities grow larger and our lovely English landscape
shrinks back from them. We have never yet got from the garden
and the home landscape half the beauty which we might get by
abolishing the needless patterns which disfigure so many gardens.
Formality is often essential to the plan of a garden but never to the
arrangement of its flowers or shrubs, and to array these in rigid
lines, circles, or patterns can only be ugly wherever it may be !
After we have settled the essential approaches and levels around
a house, the natural form or lines of the earth itself are in nearly all
cases the best to follow, and it is often well to face any labour to get the
ground back into its natural grade where it is disfigured by ugly or
needless banks, lines, or angles. But in the true Italian garden on the
hills we have to alter the natural line of the earth, or " terrace it,"
because we cannot otherwise cultivate the ground or stand at ease
upon it, and in such ground the strictly formal is as right as the lawn is
in a garden in the Thames valley. But the lawn is the heart of the
true English garden, and as essential to it as the terrace to the gardens
on the steep hills, and English lawns have been too often destroyed
for plans ruinous both to the garden and the home landscape. Some-
times on level ground the terrace walls cut off the landscape from
the house, and, on the other hand, the house from the landscape !
We may get every charm of a garden and every use of a country
place without sacrificing the picturesque or beautiful ; there is no
reason, either in the working or design of gardens, why there should
be a false line in them ; every charm of the flower garden may be
secured by wholly avoiding the knots and scrolls which subordinate
all the plants and flowers of a garden, all its joy and life, to a
wretched conventional design. The true way is the opposite. With
only the simplest plans to insure good working, we should see the
flowers and feel the beauty of plant forms, and secure every scrap of
turf wanted for play or lawn, and for every enjoyment of a garden.
Time and Gardens. — Time's effect on gardens is one of the
main considerations. Fortress-town and castle moat are now without
22 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
further use, where in old days gardens were set within the walls. To
keep all that remains of such gardens should be our first care — never
to imitate them now. Many are far more beautiful than the modern
gardens, which by a wicked perversity have been kept bare of plants
or flower life. At one time it was rash to make a garden away from
protecting walls ; but when safety came from civil war, then arose
the often beautiful Elizabethan house, free from all moat or trace
of war.
In those days the extension of the decorative work of the house
into the garden had some novelty to carry it off, while the kinds of
evergreens were very much fewer than now. Hence if the old
gardeners wanted an evergreen hedge or bush of a certain height,
they clipped a Yew tree to the form and size they wanted. Not-
withstanding this, we have no evidence that anything like the flat
monotony often seen in our own time existed then. To-day the
ever-growing city, pushing its hard face over our once beautiful land,
should make us wish more and more to keep such beauty of the earth
as may be still possible to us, and the horrible railway embankments,
where once were the beautiful suburbs of London, cry to us to save
all we can save of the natural beauty of the earth.
Architecture and Flower Gardening^ — The architect is a good
gardener when he makes a beautiful house. Whatever is to be done
or considered afterwards, one is always helped and encouraged by its
presence ; while, on the other hand, scarcely any amount of skill in
gardening softens the presence of an ugly building. No one has
more reason to rejoice at the presence of good architecture than the
gardener and planter, and all stonework near the house, even in the
garden, should be dealt with by the architect.
But when architecture goes beyond the strictly necessary round
the house, and seeks to replace what should be a living garden by an
elaborate tracery on the ground, then error and waste are at work, and
the result is ugliness. The proof of this is at Versailles, at the
Crystal Palace in great part, in the old gardens in Vienna, and at
Caserta, near Naples, where there is a far from beautiful stone garden.
One may not so freely mention private places as public ones, but
many ugly and extravagant things have been done by trying to adapt
a mode of garden design essential in a country like Italy, where
people often lived for health's sake on tops of the hills, to gardens
in the plains and valleys of England. I know a terrace in England
built right against the house, so as to exclude the light from, and
make useless, what were once the reception rooms. That deplorable
result came about by endeavouring to adapt Italian modes to English
conditions, and was the work of Sir Charles Barry. To any one
1 Rc;ul before the Architectural Association on Friday, December 16, 1893.
Hill iiiiiilllilll
24 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
deeply interested in the question, one of the best places to consider it
is the upper terrace at Versailles, looking from the fine buildings there
to the country beyond, and seeing how graceless and inert the whole
vast design is, and how the clipped and often now dying, because
mutilated, Yews thrust their ugly forms into the landscape beyond
and rob it of all grace. To those who tell me this sort of work is
necessary to " harmonise " with the architecture I say there are better
ways, and that to rob fine buildings of all repose by a complex
geometrical " pattern in the foreground is often the worst way.
Cost and care of stonework in gardens. — Where stone or stucco
gardening is done on a large scale, its cost and maintenance are
monstrous. Even with the wealth of France, the repair of elaborate
stonework in gardens is a hopeless task, as any one may see at
Versailles or at the Crystal Palace. Is it in the interest of archi-
tecture tjiat noble means should be so wasted? As the cost and
difficulties of the finest work in building increase, the more the need
to keep it to its true and essential uses, especially in face of the fact
that half the houses in England require to be rebuilt if our architec-
ture generally is to prove worthy of its artistic aims.
I delight in walls for my Roses, and build walls, provided they
have any true use as dividing, protecting, or supporting lines. To
take advantage of these and sunny sheltered corners in and about
our old or new houses, and make delightful little gardens in and
near them, as at Drayton or Powis, is quite a different thing from
cutting off the landscape with vast flat " patterns " and scroll-work,
as on the upper terrace at Versailles and at Windsor and many
gardens made in our own day.
" Design " not formal only. — I find it stated by writers on this
subject that " design " can only concern formality — an error, as the
artistic grouping and giving picturesque effect to groups and groves
of Oak, Cedar, or Fir are far higher design than putting trees in lines.
There is more true and subtle design in Richmond Park and other
noble parks in England, where the trees are grouped in picturesque
ways and allowed to take natural forms, than in a French wood with
straight lines cut through it, which the first carpenter could design
as well as anybody else. In our own day a wholly different order of
things has arisen, because we have thousands of beautiful things
coming to us from all parts of the temperate and northern world,
and those who know them will not accept a book pattern design,
instead of our infinitely varied garden flora. The trees of North
America and Asia form a tree garden in themselves, and it is impos-
sible to lay out gardens of any size or dignity without a knowledge of
those and all other hardy trees, not only in a cultivated but in a wild
state. If anything demands special study, it is that of garden design
DESIGN AND POSITION. 25
with our present materials. If that art is to be mastered, the work
of a life must be given to it — more than that, a life's devotion, and no
less is the sacrifice his own art requires of the architect.
No one " style " right. — There is no such thing as a style fitted for
every situation ; only one who knows and studies the ground well will
ever make the best of a garden, and any " style " may be right where
the site fits it. I never see a house the ground around which does
not invite plans for itself only. A garden on the slopes about Naples
is impossible without much stonework to support the earth, while about
London or Paris there is usually no such need. But these considera-
tions never enter into the minds of men who plant an Italian garden
in one of our river valleys, where in nine cases out of ten an open
lawn is often the best thing before the house, as at Bristol House,
Roehampton ; Greenlands, Henley-on-Thames ; and in many gardens
in the Thames valley. And there are right and wrong ways where
we cannot have a lawn garden : — Haddon, simple, right, and charming
on the one hand, and Chatsworth on the other ; Knole and Ightham
and Rockingham without a yard of stonework not absolutely needed
for the house and its approaches, and others with a fortune spent in
vast display of costly stonework, only effective in robbing the fore-
ground of a fine landscape of all repose.
The idea that the old style of building in England was always
accompanied by elaborate terrace gardening is proved to be erroneous
by many beautiful old houses. The Elizabethan house had often an
ample lawn in front or plenty of grass near, and such houses are
quite as delightful in effect as the old houses and castles where
terracing was necessary and right, owing to the ground, such as
Berkeley, Powis, and Rockingham. The mosaic in flower-planting is
a modern idea, and had nothing to do with old gardens, which, how-
ever planned, had their flowers planted in simple ways.
The idea that trees must be clipped to make them " harmonise "
with architecture is a mere survival. In the old days of garden
design, when in any northern country there were few trees in
gardens, these trees were slashed into any shape that met the de-
signer's view. But now that many beautiful trees and shrubs are
coming to us from many countries, the aim of true gardening is, so far
from mutilating them, to develop their natural forms. In by far the
greater number of beautiful places in England, from Knole to Haddon,
and from the fine west-country houses to the old border castles, there
are many of the fairest gardens where the trees are never touched
with shears. Sutton Place, near Guildford, built in 1521, is one of the
most beautiful old houses in the home counties, and its architecture
is none the less delightful because the trees near show their true
DESIGN AND POSITION. 27
natural forms. It is also an example of a fine old house around
which there is no terraced gardening.
It would be as hopeless to design a building without knowing
anything of its uses or inhabitants as to design a garden without full
knowledge of its nobler ornaments — trees and the many things that
go to make our garden flora vary so much in form, habits, and hardi-
ness according to soils, situations, and districts. Errors of the most
serious kind arise from dealing with such things without knowledge,
and any attempt to keep the gardener out of the garden must fail, as
it did in our own day in the case of the broken brick and stone flower
beds at South Kensington. Except for what is mostly a very small
area near the house, the architect and garden-designer deal with
distinct subjects and wholly distinct materials. They should work
in harmony, but not seek to do that for which their training and
knowledge have not fitted them.
On the Flower-Garden as a Show-Ground for Builders' Sculpture and other
Debased Forms of the Plastic "Art" — "In the last century there was a manu-
factory of garden images in Piccadilly ; in fact, there were four. Mr. John Cheece,
the owner, did a splendid trade in cast lead figures — gods and goddesses, nymphs
and shepherds, Pan with his pipes, Actaeon with his hounds, mowers, shepherd-
esses, and Father Time with his scythe ; these sweet suggestive figures still linger
rarely in old-world gardens, almost living by associations of the many that have
loved them." — R. Blomfield (Art and Life, p. 205;.
It is clear from the above that there are men who think of the
garden, not as a living picture of beautiful natural forms, but as a
place to show off one of the most worthless phases of human art. In
a northern country like ours a statue of any high merit as a work of
art deserves to be protected by a building of some kind. The effect
of frost and rain in our climate on statuary out-of-doors is very destruc-
tive, and the face of a statue of some merit put up only a few years
ago opposite the Royal Exchange is now rotted away. The scattering
of numerous statues of a low order of merit, or of no merit at all,
which we see in some Italian gardens, often gives a bad effect, and the
dotting of statues about both the public gardens of Paris and London
is destructive of all repose. If a place be used for the exhibition of
sculpture, well and good ; but let us not in that case call it a garden.
In Britain statues are often of plaster material, and those who use a
garden as a place to dot about such " works of art " do not think of
the garden as the best of places to show the work of Nature, and as
one in which we should see many fine natural forms.
The earliest recollection I have of any large garden or country seat
was one strewn with the remains of statues, but as my evidence as to
effect and endurance might not be thought impartial, we may call as
a witness Victor Cherbuliez, of the French Academy.
" It was one of those classical gardens the planners of which prided themselves
upon as being able to give Nature lessons in good behaviour, to teach her geometry
28 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
and the fine art of irreproachable lines ; but Nature is for geometers a reluctant
pupil, and if she submits to their tyranny she does it with an ill grace, and will
take her revenge The large basin no longer held any water, and the
dolphins which in days gone by spouted it from their throats looked as if they
asked each other to what purpose they were in this world. But the statues had
suffered most ; moss and a green damp had invaded them, as if some kind of
plague or leprosy had covered them with sores, and pitiless Time had inflicted on
them mutilations and insults. One had lost an arm, another a leg ; almost all had
lost their noses. There was in the basin a Neptune whose face was sadly damaged,
and who had nothing left but his beard and half his trident, and further on a
Jupiter without a head, the rain water standing in his hollowed neck."
As to the artistic value of much of our sculpture, Lord Rosebery,
in his speech at Edinburgh in 1896, said—
" If those restless spirits that possessed the Gadarene swine were to enter
into the statues of Edinburgh, and if the whole stony and brazen troop were to
hurry and hustle and huddle headlong down the steepest place near Edinburgh
into the deepest part of the Firth of Forth, art would have sustained no serious
loss."
The Pall Mall Gazette, commenting on this speech, wishes for a
like rush to the Thames on the part of our " London monstrosities,"
and yet this is the sort of rubbish that some wish us to expose in the
garden, where there is rarely the means to be found to do even as
good work as we see in cities. If the politician and the journalist ask to
be delivered from the statues with which the squares and streets of our
cities are adorned, our duty as lovers of Nature in the garden is clear.
In its higher expression nothing is more precious in art than sculp-
ture ; in its lower and debased forms it is less valuable than almost any
form of art. The lovely Greek sculpture in the Vatican, Louvre, or
British Museum is the work of great artists, and those who study it
will not be led astray by either Piccadilly goddesses in lead or New
Road nymphs in plaster. If we wish to see the results of sculpture
in the architect's own work we have but to look at the public build-
ings in London where it is used, mostly to spoil any architectural
grace such buildings should possess, as in the National Portrait
Gallery, the Natural History Museum, and the Home Office build-
ings, and then we may better judge how far we may go in our gardens
with such art.
Real artists in sculpture are not concerned with garden design, and
sculpture is not the business of the builder or landscape gardener. A
statue or two of any artistic value may be placed in a garden with
good effect, never, however, forgetting that a garden is a place for
beautiful life, not death. It is not that we despise other arts than
our own, they may charm and even help us, as in the case of a
landscape painting by a man of genius or even serious student of
the actual beauty of things. Even a drawing of a tree or flower
may be a lesson in form and beauty ; but all debased " art " is as
harmful in the garden as it is anywhere else.
CHAPTER III.
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS, MAINLY CHOSEN FOR THEIR
BEAUTY ; COTTAGE GARDENS IN KENT AND SOMERSET ;
MOUNT USHER ; GREENLANDS ; GOLDER'S HILL ; PENDELL
COURT ; RHIANVA ; SHEEN COTTAGE ; DRUMMOND CASTLE ;
PENSHURST ; COMPTON WINYATES ; KETTON COTTAGE ; POWIS ;
COTEHELE ; EDGE HALL ; SHRUBLAND ; CHILLINGHAM ;
BULWICK ; OFFINGTON ; WILTON ; STONELANDS, AND OTHERS.
THESE gardens should help us to get the most precious lesson as
to design— that the best-laid-out garden is that which is best
fitted for its situation, soil and climate, and without much considera-
tion as to any " style." Once we make a rule and say, this is the best
and only way, it is not only the good architect, and that still rarer
being, the good landscape gardener, who will carry it out, but any-
body who has any influence in building or gardening will do the same
thing in all sorts of positions with any kind of material, including the
" young man in the office " and other persons who have never even
given the slightest thought to any kind of artistic planting, let alone
any serious study of garden design. Of the expression of this
inartistic ruling we see painful evidence everywhere in the terraces
like railway banks out of place and rampant through the land. On
these stereotyped ideas is based another leading to greater evil,
which is that, once you have got your patterned plateau, you cannot
have your flowers in artistic or picturesque ways on it, and so the poor
gardener has to go on trying to adapt ugly patterns in flowers to the
ugly plan that is given him. The second idea is false too, as flowers
may be arranged in right and natural ways in any garden, but that
fact has not killed the common error that we cannot throw formality
overboard in arranging flowers.
The really artistic way is to have no preconceived idea of any
style, but in all cases to be led by the ground itself and by the many
things upon it. Why should we in the plains or gentle meadows of
30 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
England not give effect to the beautiful lines of the landscape, and
make our gardens harmonise with them ? The right way is, to carry
no style in one's head or pocket, and then, before saying much, go
over the ground and see it from every point of view, with a view to
getting the best that the site, soil, and surroundings will give. If the
idea of the bastard Italian garden were the truest that could be
expressed by man, it must inevitably lead to monotony and to stereo-
typing of the garden, and it is only by respecting the site itself and
letting the plan grow out of it that we can get gardens free from
monotony, and suggestive also, as they should often be, of the country
in which they occur. If all our efforts only go to stereotyping the
home landscape, it is hardly worth while going for a change from the
Midlands into Devon. Why should we not in these islands of ours,
where there are so many different kinds of landscape and character-
istics of soil and climate, have gardens in harmony, as it were, with
their surroundings? Also the taste of the owner ought to count.
Why should he be bound to the conventional style ? As no one is so
likely to know the conditions of soil and climate, and the capabilities
of a district as one who has lived amidst them, if we come to
the aid of such an owner with an open mind as to style, we shall be
much better able to give effect to his views in the shape of artistic
and distinct results.
Everywhere the ugliest things are seen, especially in the larger
places, but here and there one sees gardens that are beautiful, and
nothing will help us so well to a clear view of what is best in the
flower-garden as the consideration of such places, but we may first say
something of the new and wrong way of having no flowers near the
house.
Those who notice the ground round country seats find now and
then a house without any flower garden, and with the turf running
hard into the walls — the site of a flower garden without flowers. This
unhappy omission we may suppose to result from the ugliness in
summer, and nakedness in winter, of the common way of planting a
flower garden.
But it is a mistake to suppose that the only alternatives to such
nakedness are coarse perennials and annuals, that flower a short
time and are weedy the rest of their days, or the ordinary summer-
planting. Many delightful things may be grown near a house ;
fragrant plants, too, plants beautiful not only in summer but in
colour even in winter. The ceaseless digging about of the beds
also may prejudice people against flowers in the garden, as the
bedding plants set out in June were taken away in autumn and
replaced by spring-flowering things. These had a short period of
bloom in spring, and were, in their turn, pulled up leaving bare beds
32 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
until the summer flowers were planted, sometimes very late ; so that
in June, when we ought to have flowers or, at least, pleasant colour
wholly over the ground, there was nothing but grave-like earth, but the
spring flowers round a country house should be grown in a different
way. They may be naturalised in multitudes, grown in borders, in
special little gardens for bulbs, and in various other ways without in
the least disturbing the beds near the house, which should for the
most part be planted permanently, so that the greatest amount of
beauty may be had throughout the fine months, without disfiguring
the beds during those months.
But the permanent flowers should be hardy, and of the highest order
of beauty, and such as require more than a few weeks or months for
development ; though here and there blanks might be filled with
good, tender plants, like Heliotrope. Many of the hardy flowers,
too, should be fragrant — Tea Roses, Carnations, and tufted Pansies ;
all those, grown in large groups, give off a grateful odour round a
house. What is the soil in these gardens for ? Why do people make
them ? Surely it is not to have them laid down to grass in a
country like ours where grass in park, meadow, lawn, and playground
is seen on all sides? The objection to the bare surface of beds
in such gardens is a just one ; but it is easily got rid of by
permanent planting ; and if the ground in the early state of the
bed or from any other cause is bare below the flowers, it is quite
easy to surface the beds with small rock and other plants of good
colour nearly all the year.
ENGLISH COTTAGE GARDENS are never bare and seldom ugly.
Those who look at sea or sky or wood see beauty that no art can-
show ; but among the things made by man nothing is prettier than
an English cottage garden, and they often teach lessons that "great"'
gardeners should learn, and are pretty from Snowdrop time till the
Fuchsia bushes bloom nearly into winter. We do not see the same
thing in other lands. The bare cottages of Belgium and North France
are shocking in their ugliness ; even in Ireland and Scotland we do
not see the same charming little gardens, nor are they so good in
some parts of England ; as in Surrey, Kent, and the southern
counties. I often pass a small cottage garden in the Weald of
Sussex never without a flower for nine months in the year. It is
only a square patch, but the beauty of it is far more delightful
than that of the large gardens near, and it is often pretty when they
are bare.
What is the secret of the cottage garden's charms ? Cottage
gardeners are good to their plots, and in the course of years they
make them fertile, and the shelter of the little house and hedge
favours the flowers. But there is something more and it is the
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS.
33
absence of any pretentious " plan " which lets the flowers tell their
story to the heart. The walks are only what are needed, and so we
see only the earth and its blossoms.
A COTTAGE GARDEN IN KENT. — Driving on one of the sunny
days of autumn through the Weald of Kent from Charing to
Ashford — a country strewn with pretty houses and gardens — an old
house set in flowers was seen to the left just after passing the pretty
village of Charing and the big woods above it. We turned from the
A west-country cottage with small open lawn. Engraved from a photograph sent by Mr. E. Brightman.
main road, and, looking over the low garden wall, were asked in to
see the pretty old house, oak-panelled, and to stroll about the small
garden, little more than a cottage garden in its simplicity of planting.
No pretentious plan to consider, only the yellow Sunflowers of the
season massed in their own way and running about inside the little
wall, and by their profusion giving an unity as well as richness of
colour. One lesson of these little gardens, that are so pretty, is
that one can get good effects from simple materials, and the absence
of complexity and pretence of " design " aids these pictures very much.
D
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Many things are not needed for good effect, and very often we see
gardens rich in plants, but not artistic because too much cut up into
dots. There is no reason why gardens should not be rich in plants
and pictures too, but such are rare. A precious thing in a garden is
a beautiful house, and this, with its pretty, brown-tiled roof and oak-
timbered walls, is an example of many in the Weald of Kent which
have braved several hundred winters and are so beautiful in colour.
Old mill-house garden at Mount Usher, Wicklow.
If these cottage gardens are beautiful from such simple materials, how
much more might we get by good hardy flower gardening round
old country houses with lovely backgrounds and old walks. The
Somersetshire cottage garden is in a milder climate than this, and
in Somerset things seem to do so well, and in all that delightful
west-country. In Kent we must trust to the hardy things of which
there are so many that no cottage garden can contain half of them ;
but in Somersetshire we may have many things which seldom thrive
on the eastern side — Myrtle, Bay, and Passion-flower, tall Fuchsias,
and even things in the open air in winter which in many other
districts we have to put in the greenhouse.
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 35
MOUNT USHER, A WICKLOW GARDEN. — A quaint creeper-laden
mill-house at Ashford, with an acre or two of ground, partly
wooded, through which the silvery Vartry River flows, gentle as it
falls over its little rocky weirs in summer, but swollen and turbid
after wintry storms. The place is really an island at the bottom
of a valley ; the hilly country around is beautifully diversified, and
is graced by the finest of native timber trees. The garden is quite
unlike any other garden I have seen, and to see it in the time of
Lilies, Roses, Paeonies, Poppies, and Delphiniums is to see much
lovely colour amongst the rich greenery of the rising woodlands. In
autumn the colour is less brilliant, but equally satisfying as the eye
wanders from the Torch Lilies and Gladioli to the blue Agapanthus,
and thence to the Pine and Fir-clad hills.
An old Ivy-covered wall makes a good background for the
brilliant Tropaeolum speciosum, which everywhere runs wild about
the place, throwing its soft green wreaths over twig and branch, their
tips scarlet with blossoms, or heavily laden with turquoise-blue berries.
Here also the soft rosy Hydrangeas bloom, and may be seen
the big scarlet hips on the great Apple Rose of Parkinson (Rosa
pomifera), with its large glaucous leaves scented like those of the
Sweet Brier. Mount Usher is a charming example of the gardens
that might be made in river valleys, especially those among the
mountains and hills. In such places there is often delightful shelter
from violent winds, while the picturesque effect of the mountains and
hills around offers a charming prospect from the gardens. There is a
distinct charm about many Irish gardens, and the country also is
excellent, at least in the shore districts, for the growth of many
plants that soon perish out of doors in most parts of England.
GREENLANDS is an example of a garden in which the river front
of the house is a simple sloping lawn. Originally laid out by Mr.
Marnock for Mr. Majoribanks, it has long been a garden showing
good work. There are no terrace gardens, and one passes easily from
the house to a pleasant lawn and the well-planted grounds around,
studded with many fine trees, among which are beautiful groups of
Cedars. A flower garden in front of the house is here avoided ; but
at a little distance there are various flower gardens within easy
reach, and this plan keeps the lawn immediately in front of the house
unbroken, instead of, what it too often is, patched with brown earth or,
not always happy, masses of flowers. It would not be the best plan
to follow in every case ; the more variety the greater the charm,
and there are ways of delightful flower-gardening in which no bare
earth can be seen, while there are many cases where the sunny and
secluded sides of the house afford the best of sites for the flower
garden.
D 2
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 37
PENDELL COURT. — It will be seen here that even where it
is desired to have the flower garden, in part, against the house,
it is by no means always necessary that the ground should be
made " architectural." It is a great pleasure to see a beautiful old
house, with no impedimenta to keep one away from the door.
There are three good views of it : first, that of the lawn in front
of the house, which was a flowery meadow yet uncut, with no beds
or other obstructions to the view of the house, and with a fine
group of trees on either hand. It was a poem in building and in
lawn. Quite on the other side a border of flowers and a wall of
climbers ran from the house. Looking along this border to the
house, a shower of white climbing Roses was seen falling from
the wall, and a quaint gable and a few windows and glistening
rich Ivy behind formed a lovely picture. Another view of the
house from across the water, showing its west end, is also very
beautiful. There is a Wild Rose bush on the right and a tuft
of Flag leaves on the left ; before you, the water and its lilies ; then
a smooth, gently rising lawn creeping up to the windows, which on
this side are all wreathed with white climbing Roses. All these
views of the same house, although distinct, show no frivolous patterns,
fountains, statues, and such objects, which often destroy all repose.
The view from the house to the left is also free and charming — a
wide meadow climbing up the hill through groups of trees, and in
the woody part reminding one a little of Alpine pastures.
RHIANVA. — We have not only to deal with ugly gardens, made
in the wrong places, but with a false idea that all the flowers
must be set out as smooth and as " hard " as tin plate, and
that terraced gardens are not suited for our beautiful hardy flowers.
But one may here and there see a better way, and at Rhianva, the
free growth of evergreens and climbers, and the delightful inter-
lacements of hardy flowers, ferns, and creepers, make the garden
beautiful. Again, I remember, the garden at Ockham Park in
Dr. Lushington's time was formal and yet beautiful, through the
freedom of the vegetation. So again in Italy, the stiffness of
the stone is soon softened by the graceful forms of trees, shrubs,
and trailers as at Verona and in many Italian gardens.
Fifty years ago the site of Rhianva, on the banks of the Menai
Straits, was a steep field, with the large gray rocks so characteristic
of Anglesey, and was crossed by a small stream which lost itself in
marshy ground by the shore, where stood a couple of old Apple and
Thorn trees and a little white-washed cottage. The extreme
steepness of the rocky ground made the site difficult to deal
with, and a number of supporting walls were built to form terraces ;
and, by the help of a protecting sea-wrall, the flowers were carried
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
down to the very edge of the water. Facing a little to the
south-east, the garden was protected from the violence of the
westerly gales, while the more tender plants were sheltered from the
east winds of spring by the larger shrubs and trees. The climate is
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 39
mild in winter, and the garden being on a southern slope the trees
and shrubs grew with great rapidity ; so that hedges of red Fuchsias
and of blue and pink Hydrangeas soon hid the stone walls. Myrtles
and Camellias, and some Acacias, were found to thrive out of
doors ; and at the present time the only difficulty is to prevent the
shrubs from injuring each other, through their rapid growth. In
summer the luxuriant abundance of the Roses, climbing from bush
to bush, the Cypresses, the Tamarisk and the Vines ; and the sea,
and the purple mountains in the background, seem to belong rather
to the Lake of Como than to Anglesey. All the borders are mossed
over with small green plants ; large, hardy exotic Ferns are spread
into groups ; and a lacework of Ivy, Vine, and creepers is seen in
many parts. A mixed order of planting is pursued, but in many
cases the shrubs and plants are allowed to spread as they will, and
the climbers take picturesque shapes. Rhianva is an example of the
error of the notion that a terraced garden should only be arranged
as a " bedded-out " garden. We have here a terraced garden in a
position that called for it, namely, a rocky slope, in which the only
way of making a garden was by terracing the ground, but it is a
garden that shelters every treasure of our garden flora, from the
Cyclamen to the Tea Rose.
It has been said that, however valuable the more beautiful hardy
flowers, their place is not the parterre, but some out-of-the-way spot.
Not only may any terrace garden be embellished with hardy flowers,
but it is the best place for them. The odd notion that our fairest
flowers must not show themselves in the flower garden might lead
one to suppose that there never was anything in the flower garden
before bedding-out was invented. Is it well to devote the flower beds
to one type of vegetation only, whether it be hardy or tender? We
have been so long accustomed to forming flat surfaces of colour in
flower beds that few think of better ways of filling them. In Nature
vegetation in its most beautiful aspects is rarely a thing of one effect,
but rather a union or mingling of different types of life often suc-
ceeding each other in bloom. So it might often be in the garden.
The most beautiful effects must be obtained by combining different
forms so as to aid each other, and give us a succession of pictures.
If any place asks for permanent planting it is the precious spot
of ground near the house ; for no one can wish to see large, grave-
like masses of soil frequently dug near the windows. It is easy to
form beds that would look well in all seasons by the use of choice
shrubs of many kinds — Rhododendron, Azalea, Dwarf Cypress, Heath,
Clematis, Honeysuckle, Weigela, Hydrangea, Skimmia, Rock Rose,
Tamarix, Daphne, Yucca, Tree Peony. Why should we not use
beautiful Andromedas or Kalmias or fine evergreen Barberries in the
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
flower garden in the same way as Camellias or Acacias or Tree
Ferns in the winter garden to break and vary the surface ?
The shrubs should be arranged in an open way, the opposite to the
crowding of American shrubs common in our beds. In these all
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 41
individual character and form are crushed away in the crowd ; yet
there is scarcely a shrub that has not a charm of form it will
show if allowed room. One good plan is to allow no crowding, and to
place the finest hardy flowers in groups between the free untortured
shrubs. Thoroughly prepare the beds ; put in the choicest shrubs,
which, without being high enough to obscure the view, adorn the
earth all the winter as well as all the summer, and give us a broken
surface as well as a beautiful one, and, far from leading to monotony,
this would lead to an infinite and varied succession of beauty.
We should not then have any set pattern to weary the eye,
but quiet grace and verdure, and little pictures, month by month.
The beds, filled with shrubs and garlanded with evergreens and
creepers, would everywhere afford nooks and spaces among the
shrubs where we could grow some of the many fine hardy Lilies
with the Gladioli, Phlox, Iris, tall 'Anemone, Peony, and Delphinium.
The choice shrubs suited for such beds are not gross feeders, like
trees, but on the other hand encourage the finer hardy bulbs and
flowers. They also relieve the plants by their bloom or foliage1, and
when a Lily or Cardinal Flower fades after blooming it is not noticed
as it might be in a stiff border. In this way we should not need the
wretched and costly plan of growing a number of low evergreens in
pots, to " decorate " the flower garden in winter.
To get artistic effects in such a flower garden we must not by any
means adopt the usual close pattern beds, because no good effect
can be got from beds crowded on each other like tarts on a tray.
Repose and verdure are essential. Before making the change from
the dwarf plants only, be they hardy or tender, it would be well to
see that there is ample repose or room for the full expression of the
beauty of each bed or group, and no complication or crowding, no
complex or angular beds. The contents of the beds and not their out-
lines are what we should see. By this way of planting with beautiful
flowering summer or evergreen shrubs, with abundant space for
flowers to grow between, we might see beauty in our terrace garden
beds on the dullest day in winter. Between the low bushes we could
have evergreen carpets of Alpine plants and tiny hill shrubs, and
through these the autumn, winter, and spring flowering bulbs could
bloom, untarnished by the soil splashing of the ordinary border.
Shelter, as well as the best culture, could be thus secured for many a
fair flower, which, once well planted, would there come up year after
year. Among the flowering shrubs we have many lovely wild and
garden Roses to help us with our plans.
SHEEN COTTAGE. — The late Sir Richard Owen's garden is one of
the most charming and simple in the neighbourhood of London.
Many a visitor to Richmond Park enjoys the view jof his cottage,
THE ENGLISH FLOIVEK GARDEN.
as it nestles on the margin of the sweep of ground near the Sheen
gate, but it is from the other or the garden side that the picture
is best. A lawn, quite unbroken, stretches from near the windows to
the boundary, and is fringed with numerous hardy trees. Here /and
VA RIO US FL 0 WER GA RDENS. 43
there are masses of flowering shrubs and an odd bed of Lilies, while
numerous hardy flowers are seen among the Roses and Rhododen-
drons. There is in the main part of the garden only one walk, which
takes one round the whole, and does not show, as it glides behind
the outside of the groups which fringe the little open lawn.
Instead of coming quite close to the house it is cut off from it
by a deep border of evergreen shrubs, intermingled with Lilies and
hardy plants, and their flowers look into the windows. Instead of
looking out of the window, as usual, on a bare gravel walk, the eye is
caught by Rhododendrons or Spiraeas, with here and there a Lily, a
Foxglove, or a tall Evening Primrose. From the other side of the
garden the effect of the border is quite charming, and the creeper-
covered cottage seems to spring out of a bank of flowers. The
placing of a wide border with Evergreens against the house is a
pleasant change from the ordinary mode of laying out little gardens.
Another agreeable feature of this garden is the grass walks, which
ramble through a thick and shady plantation. Even in our coolest
summers there is many a day on wrhich such shady walks, carpeted
with grass, are the most enjoyable retreats one can find. And their
margins form capital situations for naturalising many beautiful hardy
plants — Daffodils, hardy Ferns, Scillas, the tall Harebells, Snowrdrops,
and Snowflakes.
CAWDOR CASTLE. — The view of Cawdor shows the good of having
some form and variety of shape in a garden, be the garden large or
small. The trees, shrubs, and bushes give the light and shade and
variety of form which is so often absent from our gardens. The hard
effect which the ordinary garden shows results from the want of all
mystery or variety of surface or form. In the case of Cawdor the
beds are simple, so that we are less concerned with pattern or plan
than with the flowers. This is as it should be. It is not a model to
be followed everywhere, but such freedom and variety is greatly to be
desired in gardens. After all considerations of plan have been settled,
we ought to abolish the too common practice of excluding all things
of a bushy, upright nature from our flower gardens.
DRUMMOND CASTLE. — A house on a rock, graced with many
Ferns and Ivy, and wild flowrers natural to the spot. It would not
be easy to find a more graceful example of " natural " rock gardening.
It is only, however, on going to the south side of the house, where the
ground falls rapidly and is supported by terrace walls, that all
gloom is dispelled by the brightest array of blossoming climbers that
ever clad gray stones with beauty. To fancy one's self in some
fairyland of sun-bathed flowers a thousand miles south in a lap of
the mountains would be easy. No Italian gardens could probably
show the same high beauty at the end of summer, whatever they
44 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
might do earlier, and the very coolness encourages and prolongs
the bloom. The shelter of the terrace, with the house behind,
helps many things ; but, beyond training, there is little artificial help.
It is our privilege of growing so many plants from other countries
that makes our open-air gardens so beautiful in the fall of the year :
here, when the leaves begin to colour, and when even the Harebell
is past its best on the banks, we have a very paradise of flowers. The
fact that this fine plant beauty may be enjoyed by all who have a
patch of ground and a wall makes it a precious gift, and the plants
that here give most flowers are nearly all as easily grown as our
common Honeysuckle.
Loveliest of all the climbers here is the Flame Nasturtium
(Tropaeolum speciosum), which* drapes these stately walls, as it does
those of many a cottage in Scotland. Admirable for walls as is this
fragile and brilliant plant, it is seen to even greater advantage when a
delicate shoot runs over a Yew-hedge, with its arrows of colour,
and near it on the walls are many flowers of the older and once
better-known Tropaeolums ; showy, climbing Nasturtiums of gardens
grow high on the walls, and add to the rich glow of colours.
Nothing could surpass the rich purple of the Clematis here — waves
of colour, and flowers of great size, the cool hill air suiting them
so well.
In the warm or temperate south, in Madeira or the Riviera, the
garden lover sometimes makes a pretty hedge of Oak-leaved
Geraniums ; but, as one does not see them in the South of England,
it is a surprise to see them happy on the walls here in Scotland,
growing from four feet to seven feet high, with fresh foliage and
many flowers. Their spicy fragrance and pretty foliage make them
worth the trouble of storing in the winter, and placing in the open
air in early summer. All the winter they are kept in the house on
trellises, and, carefully trained in summer against the warm wall, soon
make fresh growth and are in good bloom late in September.
Large borders of the common river Forget-me-not remind us of
its value as compared with the wood and Alpine Forget-me-nots
usually grown in gardens. It is beautiful in moist borders, flowering
long through summer and autumn. The charm of the place almost
ceases with the terraces, for below them is one of those wonderful
displays of "bedding out" in its cruder forms, which attains its
greatest " glory " near large Scottish houses, — plants in squares,
repeated by thousands, and walks from which all interest is taken by
the planting on each side being of exactly the same pattern.
STEPS AND TERRACE IN THE OLD PARK, AXMINSTER.— This
engraving is instructive as regards the bare state of many gardens. For
many years past the rule in some of the most pretentious geometrical
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS,
45
gardens has been to allow no vegetation on the walls or balustrades,
but the older and graceful way is to garland all wall surfaces with
beautiful life, and not to wholly hide them in doing so. Dividing
lines and walls may do their work without being as bare as if in a
stonemason's yard.
The idea of the terrace garden came from the steep slopes of Italy
46 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEX.
and Greece. The rough wall of the peasant, which prevented the
earth from being washed away, and gave a little depth on the stony
hillside, became, in the garden of the wealthy man, the built terrace, —
structurally right, and necessary whether men gardened for pleasure
or for profit. Having got their ground level through terracing, it was
the rule to plant with beautiful things — Olive-trees for profit, and
Cypress for shade. If anybody will compare such effects with the
common debased English planting of the flower-garden, where
everything is hard and flat and nothing is allowed on the walls, he will
at once see a vital difference.
PENSHURST. — There is no more essential charm for a garden than
that it should be itself in character and not be a copy of gardens near
it or elsewhere. This merit belongs to Penshurst, and the network
of orchard trees and tall summer flowers beneath them which make
up much of the flower gardening there. Much of the ground between
the kitchen garden and the house is thrown into squares and strips,
which shelter and divide the space, and most of this space between
the hedges is planted with fruit trees, and walks — very often Grass
walks — running between them. The remaining spaces are planted
with flowers, from beds of Carnations to mixed borders of tall
herbaceous plants and Lilies. Foxgloves are at home here, and in
rather broad masses under the trees their effect is charming — the
shade and mystery of the overhead growth give them something of the
look they have in woods. The lines of border after border are broken
by the trees, and the effect is very soft and different from what it so
often is, while the colour tells splendidly in the case of masses of
Orange Lily. The growth is free, and there is no such thing as prim-
ness, which greatly helps the effect. Groups of Acanthus look well
here, and Delphinium, Meadow Sweet, giant Scabious, and many a
hardy flower are refreshing to see.
But Penshurst is an example of the many gardens (new and old)
where the reaction from the hardness of bedding out and the winter
bareness of it have led people to do away with flower beds near the
house. It is not the old way to clear everything away but shaven
Grass near a beautiful old house, nor is it the true way, but it is now
a common one, and it gets rid of much of the ugliness of beds.
But there are ways of putting flowers in charming modesty about
a house as well as that of digging up in early summer ugly grave-like
beds for them. In the old days flowers clustered round the house, and
were the better for its shelter, warmth, and colour. Long before the
massing system, with all its garishness, was discovered, flowers were
planted for many generations in quiet ways about old English houses.
It is right that the main entrance and park side of a great house should
be frank and open, but to make the house bare all round for the sake
48 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
of bare Grass, and to lose all the advantage of shelter and seclusion,
is not the best way by far. Bays and warm corners, and high walls
and their shelter and variety of aspect, are delightful for flowers —
flowers such as could not injure any building ; not even a suspicion of
the injury that comes from Ivy betimes could attach to borders of
Fern or Iris. If we lived in a country where close turf was not seen
in the park, or hills, or fields, there would be a reason for having
nothing but turf under the windows. In the park the short nibbled
turf is often fringed by Bracken, Foxglove, and Wild Rose ; whereas,,
near the house, the way too often now is to let the turf run hard and
straight into the walls, and the winds of heaven strike the house un-
tempered by the breath of a Violet.
The question of some degree of seclusion about country houses is
bound up with this. Nothing is worse than planting that hides sun
and air from a beautiful house, but dividing lines and little sheltered
gardens are often needed. There are so many ways of screening off
such precious spaces, too — Vine, Sweet Verbena, Winter Sweet, and
Jasmine for low walls ; Rose, Sweet Brier, and Honeysuckle for
fragrant or blossoming hedges ; Clematis, Wistaria, and climbing Rose
for arch or pergola. The very lines for shelter or privacy might be
gardens of the most fragrant and beautiful things we have, from the
winter Jasmine to the climbing Tea Rose. No, the Grass alone is not
and never can be the artistic way on all sides of a house, and the
common French way of a waste of gravel all round a house is still
worse. The gray of the Carnation is welcome in winter seen from the
windows, and there are many evergreen rock plants that take their
deepest hues of green in winter, and they are a long way better, even
for their green, than the winter- worn turf. It is often well, too, to see
a glimpse from the windows of the way the Crocus opens its heart to
the sun — brilliant forerunner of crowds of fair blossoms.
COMPTON WlNYATES. — Compton Winyates is one of the dearest
of the old houses jewelled over the land of England, the most
charming of countries for its houses. There are graceful old climbers
and trees near, but not much showy gardening — almost none. There
is also very little of what is called pleasure ground in the ordinary
sense ; but that is too stereotyped a thing to make one regret it in the
presence of such a beautiful home. None the less is it pleasant to
wander over the high fields near and along the deep slopes of the
coombe, especially in the autumn time with the tree leaves rich in
colour, and the Barberry laden with a thousand coral boughs. Compton
Winyates is one of the old houses not surrounded by terraces, but
sits quietly on the turf, and tells us, as other of our finest old houses
do, that each situation demands its own treatment as regards the
surroundings of the house.
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 49
KETTON COTTAGE. — This is one of the Elizabethan farmhouses
common in the villages round Stamford, with some recent additions.
It stands in the village, a short distance from the beautiful church of
St. Mary, a few yards from the little river Chater, which, coming down
from Leicestershire, falls into the Welland a mile or two below Ketton
and as far above Stamford. As the position is sheltered from rough
winds, the small space of ground between the road and the river has
proved a home for such of the hardy shrubs and flowers planted in it
during the last thirty years as find the lime in both soil and water
congenial to them.
The banks of the stream are in places fringed with Royal
Fern and the large American Ferns, all of which bear patiently
the floods which sometimes in summer and often in winter pass
over their heads, lasting now and then for several weeks. All these
Ferns thrive in a bed of rough leaf-mould, 6 inches or 8 inches
above and below the usual water level, partly coated in the course
of years with earth from the floods, and partly denuded by the
action of the water, which is prevented in the exposed portions
from washing away the roots by a covering of heavy stones, between
which there is just room for the crowns to appear. These conditions
prevent the growth of seedling Royal Ferns, but the old plants
are, after more than twenty years, as vigorous as -their kindred in
the Norfolk marshes, the fronds of some in the shade being more
than 6 feet in length. In a place rather more sheltered from the
force of the stream the American Royal Ferns thrive equally well ; as
also on a somewhat higher level a certain number of other strong
Ferns which do not suffer by floods.
On an open part of the bank a quantity of purple Loosestrife makes
a good background for the Ferns, and a patch of Meadow Rue gives
variety and a distinct autumn colour. For the rest the engraving
shows the distinct and very happy effect of the garden, which is a
home for many and beautiful hardy flowers. H.
POWIS CASTLE. — Of the many gardens I have seen, very few gave
me the pleasure of Powis : first, because of its noble drive through
great Oaks with breaks of Fern between, so unlike the dark mono-
tonous avenue which spreads gloom over so many country seats.
The light and shade and the noble forms of the trees make the
picture more beautiful than any primly set-out avenue. The flower
garden is beautiful, partly owing to its position, which is that of a true
terrace garden — i.e. the ground falls so steeply, that terracing is neces-
sary. These terraces were wreathed with Clematis and beautiful with
shrub, and flower, and life, a picture of what a flower garden should be.
As the original name, " Castell Coch," signifies, the castle is built
of red sandstone, and stands on the same rock, and the terraces are
K
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS.
hewn out of. this, which forms the walls, for the most part unaided
by masonry. Glancing over a balustrading from the castle level
on to the terraces beneath, the scene is charming, and we are
struck at once with the harmonious blending of the flowers and
their surroundings. A happy idea is carried out in regard to colours
by the three terraces having each its predominating colour — viz. the
lowest white, the middle yellow, and the highest purple ; not that
other colours are excluded, but these prevailing tones are maintained.
A charm of this terrace has been for years a number of trellises,
8 feet to 10 feet high, covered with Clematis. Here and there
the Flame Nasturtium suspends graceful festoons of brightest colour.
Pyramids, Sweet Peas, good perennials and choice annuals are used ;
the stiffness of hard lines being quite broken by the Clematis, Roses>
Sunflowers, Hollies, Japanese Maples, and Tree Paeonies. The walls
of the terrace are covered with Roses, Clematises, Pears, Peaches,
Nectarines, Pomegranate, which flowers freely every season, Magnolia,
and Wistaria.
COTEHELE, CORNWALL. — This is one of the finest old houses in
the west of England, and the quaint old terraces are laid out in old-
fashioned beds and borders filled with hardy flowers. Very little
masonry is seen in the formation of the terraces, and the old walls
are mantled with various creepers, Vines, Myrtle, Clematis, Magnolia,
Jasmines, and Ivy.
The engraving gives a faithful representation of one side of the
house, looking east. It is situated on the summit of a high hill on
the Cornish side of the river Tamar, with views of its winding course,
also of the distant ranges of hills in both Devon and Cornwall. The
picturesque freedom of the planting is delightful, the house being
prettily covered.
SHRUBLAND PARK.— Shrubland Park, in Suffolk, illustrates the
recent history of English flower-gardening, as it was the great bedding-
out garden, the " centre " of the system, and which provided many
examples for other places in England. The great terrace garden in
front of the house was laid out in scrolls and intricate beds, all filled
with plants of a few decided colours, principally yellow, white, red,
and blue, and edged with Box. In every spot in this garden the
same rigid system of set beds was followed, and not a creeper was
permitted to ramble over the masonry and stonework of the various
terraces. Every bit of Ivy that tried to creep up the walls and
cover the stonework had to be removed, to leave the stone in
its first bareness. Where some particular colour was wanted in a
certain spot, coloured stones were freely used — yellow, red, and blue —
and in the summer, when the hedgerows and meadows are full of
flowers, there were no flowers in this large garden to cut for the
E 2
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
house ! A few years ago, when Shrubland passed into the hands of
the Hon. James Saumarez, the elaborate designs were swept away,
and the terrace-garden planted with the flowers that every one loves —
Roses, Lavender, and among them many of what are called common
things, and climbers of many kinds clothed the walls. The self
Carnation and the Tea Rose are the glory of this garden — the flowers
filling the air with fragrance, the silvery hue of the large groups of
fragrant Lavender, the broad masses of Carnations, and the groups
of monthly Roses, make a delightful picture.
Powis Castle, Welshpool.
Of the Tea Rose, all the finest kinds for our climate are planted.
There is an idea that it succumbs to the first frost, but all the varieties
-at Shrubland, and they include, we believe, every good kind in culti-
vation, passed unharmed through 20 degrees of frost, and this without
shelter. One of the most interesting spots of Shrubland is the Bamboo
walk, a straight walk, planted at one time with smooth ribbon
borders. These were swept away, and Bamboos and tall Lilies now
fill their place, and we have never seen Bamboos make finer growth.
There are fine hardy plants to relieve the foliage of the Bamboos,
and the Plume Poppy with its feathery plumes : Lilies, Funkias, or
Plantain Lilies, and Evening Primroses.
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 53
CHILLINGHAM CASTLE. — Chillingham is on a ridge of land nearly
1,000 feet above the sea in a rocky moorland district, intersected by
deep and beautifully wooded glens. The illustration shows but a
small part of the handsome terrace garden, with its beautiful retaining
wall 1 20 yards in length, the wall a picture, with Clematises hanging in
festoons, with Ivies, Vines, the climbing Hydrangea, and Pyracantha ;
in front of the wall a long border was planted with some of the best
hardy flowers. The flower beds, although somewhat too angular, are
of sufficient size to permit of bold grouping, and this is so well done
that the form of the beds is less seen, and the blending of the colours
of the many flowers is well carried out. Many hardy plants are here
well grown, wild Roses and hardy Fuchsias give height and boldness
to the arrangement, and the terrace on summer and autumn days is
gay with fine colour. The wall at the end of the terrace, which is
partly overhung with trees, has its face in a great part hidden by a
lovely veil of maiden hair spleenwort. From here, ascending a flight
of rough Moss-covered steps, Grass slopes adorned with trees make
pleasant shade, and we pass on to the south front of the castle, which
has a broad gravel walk in the foreground and a lawn that merges
into the park and the adjoining pastures.
WlLTON. — One of the glories of Wilton is its fine Lebanon Cedars,
the tree having been extensively planted here at the time of its first
introduction, and although later years have witnessed a great thinning
of its ranks, enough remain to form the most prominent feature of the
place. The Wilton Cedars are older than those at Goodwood or
Warwick, and although mighty ones have fallen, some still remain,
whilst numerous young ones are growing up to take the place of those
that fall victims to the storms. Whilst the present wise policy of
frequent planting is continued, there will be no break in the history of
this tree at Wilton. The finest old specimen has a grand bole about
15 ft. up to the point of branching and of fairly even diameter
throughout its length of main stem, which girths fully 24 ft. A stem
of greater girth entirely enshrouded in Ivy stands near by, the tree
having perished in a storm some years ago. A noble evergreen Oak
near the Cedars has a stem that girths 19 ft, and at one time it had a
head of branches spreading quite 100 yards in circumference, but a giant
Cedar in its fall broke away a large portion of this Oak on one side.
It is a magnificent tree in perfect health, and bids fair to grow out of
its present disfigured state. Near this tree, and on the west side or
library front of the house, is an Italian garden, and beyond it a long
vista terminated by a stone structure called Holbein's Porch. A fine
Chamaerops Fortunei stands near, this also being a plant out of the
first introduced batch. It has been outside for seventy years, is not
so tall as some younger specimens we have seen, but its stem is
unusually thick and denotes great age.
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 55
The view shown is that of the south front of the house, show-
ing a little garden of stone-edged beds set in gravel. Beyond,
adorned only by the grand trees on it, the lawn spreads away to the
river bank, the river itself being spanned by the " Palladian Bridge,"
built of stone and having a roof supported by rows of columns on
either side. This leads to the deer park, in which the ground rises
upwards to a considerable elevation, whilst along this slope another
informal avenue of Lebanon Cedars is a fine feature amid the great
beauty of native trees in abundance and of large size. An interesting
fact gathered in regard to the Cedars is that on an average once in ten
years they ripen a batch of good seed, which is sown for future
planting about the place.
Looking eastwards from the house, the ground stretches away
almost as flat as a table, but this flatness has been delightfully
broken up by a series of well-arranged groups, chiefly of coniferous
or evergreen trees and shrubs margined in a pretty way with graceful
masses of Savin. A broad gravel walk at right angles to the east front
of the mansion, with lawn and fine trees on either side of it, extends
for 300 yards, and is terminated by a seat hedged round with Yew.
This bold walk and the shrub groups that break up the flatness of and
give distance to the fine expanse of lawn that extends to the waterside
are from the designs of Sir Richard Westmacott, who assisted the
Countess of Pembroke in planning the grounds.
The second engraving shows well that portion of the house com-
manding the view of this broad walk, with its lawn and distant water,
whilst between the trees in the distance is seen the spire of Salisbury
Cathedral. Near the river a statue of Venus on the top of a column
stands in the centre of a little square formed by trees of the Italian
Cypress. The red Cedar was charming in some of the groups, its
branches laden with glaucous fruits, that appeared as a silvery sheen
cast over the tree. Yews, Hollies, and Evergreen Oaks, numerous and
fine, give perennial verdure to the grounds. Coniferous trees in
sheltered breaks and nooks are equally fine, a tree of Picea cephalonica
especially so, being nearly 100 ft. high, whilst many are growing with
great vigour. H.
OFFINGTON. — Ofifington is a very instructive garden, richly stored
and pretty too. Large collections are rarely in the hands of those
who have any thought for general effect, and no garden is more likely
to be inartistic than the one rich in plants, and it is rare to find a
pretty garden which is so full of beautiful things as this is. It is one
of those shore gardens in which there is much gain in point of
warmth and other conditions which allow the growing of plants
we have no chance of keeping in inland districts. The southern
and seashore district in one gives us all the conditions we could
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 57
desire for growing many more plants than are hardy in our country.
In this garden Major Gaisford has gathered together a host of rare
and beautiful trees, shrubs, and plants which, favoured by a genial
climate, give to the garden a distinct aspect. There is here an entire
absence of that conventional gardening which lays down hard,
geometric patterns where we should see the free and graceful forms
of shrubs and flowers. The house is nearly hidden by climbing plants,
and a grand old Ivy-embowered Walnut standing on an airy lawn.
BULWICK. — Rambling about Northamptonshire, and delighted
with its beautiful old houses, many of them, unfortunately, as bare of
flower-gardening as a deserted ship, it was pleasant to come to a real
garden at Bulwick, full of Carnations and many open-air flowers
arranged in various pretty ways, even the house being full of large
basins of Carnations some of them of one self-coloured kind — a rare
pleasure. The flower garden was not one of those places which
astonish us by a showy display, but modest at first sight as regards
flower-gardening in immediate relation to the house, and the chief
charm of the place was rather in various little side gardens and long
and pretty borders backed with Holly and other hedges, and giving
an opportunity for growing a great number of hardy flowers which
bloom in the autumn. These formed picture vistas, of which the effect
is very often better than a flower garden of the usual type. But, more
than this, the excellent plan was followed here by the late Lady
Henry Grosvenor of having what I do not think any garden can be
right without, namely, a " square " or reserve garden in which things
are grown well without reference to effect. It was a large square
of the kitchen garden thrown into 4-feet beds, with little beaten
alleys between, in which many thousand Carnations were grown
in simple masses. One sees at once how much more beauty and
variety can be got in such ways than where all the effort goes to
help one scheme for effect in front of one's windows. What is the
secret of beauty in such a garden, and what the lesson to be learnt
from it ? It is that no one plan will give us a garden beautiful for any
length of time even in the fine season, as any one way is so liable to
failure from the weather or other causes ; that the main source of
success is to have various ways with flowers, as there were at Bulwick.
Hardy plants in beds and borders apart from the flower garden
proper (that, too, being pretty) are the source of the charms of this
garden — the variety of situation, the variety of plants, but of hand-
some, well-chosen and well-grown plants, and even variety of level in
the various gardens, such as occurs at Bulwick, are all good aids, and
the nearness of an interesting kitchen garden with sheltering walls is a
source of beauty and variety.
EVERSLEY. — In the late Charles Kingsley's rectory garden at
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Eversley, we get to see a modest, and simple as charming, type of
garden. The walls and borders are full of flowers, while the Grass
clothes the central space. When Canon Kingsley became rector of
i uu&SJi •:
Steps and terrace, " The Old Park," Axminster. Terrace garden not stiffly planted.
a photograph by Miss Dryden, Canons Ashby.
From
Eversley, in 1844, he found the garden at the rectory in as unsatis-
factory a state as was, in other respects, the rest of his parish ; but
its capabilities he used to the utmost. On the sloping lawn between
the house and the road stood, and still stands, a noble group of three
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 59
Scotch Firs, planted about the time that James I. — who was just then
building the grand old house of Bramshill, hard by, as a hunting box
for Prince Henry — planted the Scotch Firs in Bramshill Park, and
the clumps on Hartford Bridge Flats and Elvetham Mount. Most of
the garden consisted then of a line of ponds from the glebe fields, past
the house, down to the large pond behind the garden and churchyard.
The rector at once became his own landscape gardener, and the ponds
were drained. Plane trees, which threatened in every high gale to
fall on the south end of the house, were cut down, and masses of
shrubs were planted to keep out the cold draughts, which even on
summer evenings streamed down from the bogs on the edge of
Hartford Bridge Flats. What had been a wretched chicken yard in
front of the brick-floored room used as a study was laid down in
Grass, with a wide border on each side, and the wall between the
house and stable was soon a mass of creeping Roses, scarlet Honey-
suckles, and Virginian Creeper. Against the south side of the house
a Magnolia (M. grandiflora) was trained, filling the rooms with its
fragrance. Lonicera and Clematis montana, Wistaria, Gloire de Dijon
and Ayrshire Roses, and variegated Ivy hid the rest of the wall with a
veil of sweetness. In front of the study window, on the lawn, an
immense plant of Japanese Honeysuckle grows, and next to this the
pride of the study garden lay in its double yellow Brier Roses. These
grew very freely, and in June the wall of the house and garden was
ablaze with the golden blooms, the rooms being decorated for two or
three weeks with dishes of the yellow Roses. From the low, damp
situation of the rectory, none but the hardiest plants could be grown
out-of-doors ; but the borders were always gay with such plants as
Phloxes, Delphiniums, Saxifrages, Pinks, Pansies, and, above all,
Roses and Carnations. One bay in front of the house was well
covered with Pyracantha, in which a pair of white-throats built un-
disturbed for many years. Rhododendrons grew in the greatest
luxuriance, and the neighbours always came to see the rector's garden
when two beds, on either side of the front, were in blossom. An
ancient Yew tree, and a slight hedge of Laburnum, Hollies, Lilac,
and Syringa divide the rectory garden from the churchyard, and
here, again, the rector turned his mind to making the best of what
he had. The church, a plain red brick structure, was gradually
covered with Roses, Ivy, Cotoneaster, Pyracantha, &c., and, in order
that his parishioners should look on beautiful objects when they
assembled in the churchyard for their Sunday gossip before service,
the older part of the churchyard was planted with choice trees, flower-
ing shrubs, Junipers, Cypress, Berberis, and Acer Negundo, and the
Grass dotted with Crocuses where it was not carpeted with wild white
Violets.
Wilton, looking from house.
Wilton, another view.
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 61
EDGE HALL garden is one of those in which the hardy flowers of
the northern world are grown in numbers for the owner's delight and
the good of his friends, and it is in such large collections that charming
novelties for our gardens often make their appearance. Such gardens
in our own day carry on the traditions, so to say, of very interesting
English and Scottish gardens of the past, in which numbers of beauti-
ful open air things were grown — among those I have had the happi-
ness to see were the late Mr. Borrer's at Henfield in Sussex, a garden
museum of beautiful hardy plants and of rare British forms of plants and
trees ; the Ellacombes' garden at Bitton ; Mr. Leeds' garden at Man-
chester ; Stirling's at Edinburgh ; Comely Bank, a home for the rarest
and most beautiful plants ; the Rev. Harpur Crewe's ; Mr. Atkins's
garden at Painswick ; Sir George McLeay's at Pendell Court; Major
Gaisford's at Offington, and many other delightful gardens. The riches
of the collection in such gardens are a source of danger as to effect, the
very number of plants often leading to a neglect of breadth and
simplicity of effect ; but there is no real reason why a garden, rich
in many plants, may not also be beautiful in its masses, airiness and
verdure. A mile to the east the well-wooded and well-heathered range
of the Broxton Hills gives shelter, whilst from the south-west to the
north-west the horizon is formed by Welsh mountain ranges. A sunk
fence of sandstone, easily jumped by a fox or a hare, and in other parts
a line of movable hurdles, well wired against rabbits, separate three
acres for house and garden from the surrounding grass fields and from
a small park of eighty acres. About 200 yards from the house the
sand rock comes through, forming a long terrace with an escarpment
towards the west. The woods in spring are carpeted first with Prim-
roses and wood Anemones, then with wild Hyacinths and Pink
Campion, whilst later there is a tall growth of Campanula latifolia
and large breadths of Japanese Knotwort, which have been planted to
supersede Nettles, while overhead is abundance of Hawthorn, Crab
and wild Cherry. The hall stands on the side of a hollow watercourse
worn in the stiff clay, which in Cheshire often lies over the sand
rock. Down this watercourse runs a torrent in heavy rains, but it is
quite dry in summer. On the sloping banks of this, close above the
house, there formerly stood ranges of cow-houses and pig-sties, which
drained into a stagnant pond in the bed of the watercourse within
twenty yards of the bedroom windows. Twenty-five years ago it was
drained, the watercourse confined within a covered culvert ; and the
whole space is now covered all summer with a dense forest of herbaceous
plants — every good kind which will thrive in the cold soil on which
the house stands being cultivated there.
STONELANDS, SUSSEX. — It is pleasant to get out of the conven-
tional and there are many ways of doing so but gardens are often out
62 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
of all sympathy with the surrounding country, whereas the landscape
and sylvan beauty of a pretty country might often be reflected, so to
say, in the home landscape. It might indeed often tell us what to do
as regards grouping, and kinds of trees and the natural character of
the ground even give hints as to ground work in gardens. Stonelands
is characteristic of the small manor house of the woodland district of
Sussex, with its groups of Scotch Firs behind the house and in intimate
connection with the farm buildings near. The house, too, is of a good
Sussex kind with bright sunny windows, stone, pretty in colour, big
chimneys, and there is a small terrace necessary from the lie of the
ground, which also cuts off the house from the road to the farm
buildings near.
GOLDER'S HlLL.^Places where there are simple conditions for
beauty in design and planting are rare, and it is all the more pleasing
to meet with an example of artistic treatment of a garden almost in
London, on the western border of Hampstead Heath. As regards design
and views, it is the prettiest of town gardens, and the conditions of its
beauty are so simple that there is little to be said about them ; an
open lawn rolling up to the house, groups of fine trees, and wide and
distant views over the country, the whole suggestive of good effect
from simple hardy materials both in trees and flowers, but the elevation
is such that no half hardy exotics are likely to succeed, and therefore
hardy things give us our best chances of success.
A sunken fence separates the lawn from some park-like meadow
\vith fine Oaks and Firs ; and beyond, the country north of London
opens up, without any building visible on either side or in the fore-
ground. From almost every other point of view these trees seem to
form a picturesque group, and afford a welcome shade in summer.
In front of the house is an open lawn, which one can get on to at once
from any point. Being on a gentle rise, some would no doubt have
urged this as a reason for making some kind of fortification in the
shape of walls, which would have destroyed the repose, verdure, and
the freedom of the spot. Now the only drawback — if drawback it be
to such perfect freedom and breadth of airy foreground — is the fact
that it offers a temptation to unthinking people to dot it over with
shrubs, or evergreen trees, and many places, well laid out, are spoiled
by this thoughtless dotting about of objects of poor form. The
question of flowers is the greatest difficulty, because people are so well
accustomed to have all their flowers gathered in front of the house, that
if abundant provision is not made for them elsewhere, the carpet is
apt, some day or other, to be dissected into a number of ugly flower-
beds. The best way to guard against this in lawn gardens is to pro-
vide abundance of simple beds elsewhere which, half seen peeping
through the trees, or met with in groups here and there at no great
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS.
distance from the house, may afford better effects than if all the beds
are under the windows. Thus where the foreground is a pleasant
lawn it is often well to have another site for the flower garden ; and
good large beds or groups of beds, in which fine things can be grown.
To have in one spot a group of large beds, simple in outline
with Roses and smaller plants surfacing the ground ; next in some
isolated nook, large beds of Lilies, separated by a group of low shrubs
and flowering Yuccas from a few beds of hardy flowers ; then a varied
flower garden partially cut off and embowered by trees — these and the
like are in certain situations likely to give that variety of treatment
which it is the aim of this chapter to secure.
Lawn garden, Offington, Worthing. Engraved from a photograph by Miss Gaisford.
TOTLEY HALL, NEAR SHEFFIELD, YORKS.— This fine old country
house stands beside the old coach road from Sheffield to Chatsworth
and Haddon Hall, on an elevation with good and extensive views.
Over the front door is the date 1623, about the time when Gerard's
Herbhal was published, and six years before Parkinson's Paradisus
of 1629. Built in such a flower-loving epoch it seems fitting that
it should be a flowery place to-day. Inside the entrance hall there
is some fine old oak carving and staircase, and there was formerly
a quaint old gallery around the hall, but new additions necessi-
tated its removal. The flower garden slopes rather suddenly from
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 65
the fringe of the front lawn and is rich in well-grown Daffodils
and other choice flowers, sheltered by winding hedges. There is a
fine range of hills terminated by a bluff or headland in front
of the house, and to the right are vast stretches of moorland. The
elevated character and breezy freshness of the place are suggestive
of the sea.
Here, in spring, appear in great profusion the chaste flowers of the
Daffodils, for Totley Hall is a home of the Daffodil. Standing at the
lower end of the long flower borders — confined within hedges of
Hollies, intersected by a winding path fringed with seedling Auriculas
— there is seen a host of Daffodils.
As one gazes upon them, with their delicate and fragile heads
waving gently to and fro in the soft westerly breeze, there rush
involuntarily to one's mind Wordsworth's words on his sudden view
of the wild Daffodils at Ullswater—
then my heart with pleasure fills
And dances with the Daffodils.
The deep golden yellows glow with a warmth that suggests the
absorption of the sun's rays at their brightest moments. The chaste
and beautiful whiteness of others appears as if they had quietly
appropriated, in the stillness of the night, the silvery moonbeams
that softly kissed their fragile petals, whilst the paler tints of cream,
sulphur and primrose are suggestive of the soft-coloured mantle spread
o'er the skies by the lingering rays of the setting sun. The Daffodil —
fit emblem of spring — is here in all its forms and colours. — F. W. B.
THE KEEP GARDEN AT FARNHAM CASTLE. — In our own day
when it has been stated that the only garden worthy the name is one
within four square walls, it interests me to come upon gardens
of wholly different character, which show the folly of rules about
a subject which admits of so much variety of position, form, and
detail as a flower garden does. One of the most interesting I have
lately seen is the little flower garden on the top of the old keep at
Farnham Castle, which is as picturesque in situation and informal in
outline as a garden can be, while it is extremely pretty with the
broken walls on all sides clad with Ivy and Clematis, and in the centre
many flowers. The variety of form from the walls surrounding it and
the various climbers give it a singular charm. The hardiest flowers
are grown, as is most fitting for such a garden — Irises in masses and
evergreen perennials, which help to keep some grace in the garden
towards the end of the year, and Tea and other Roses also help.
Although I saw it on the verge of winter, it even then had much
beauty of leaf and flower.
It should be clear that in any such situation it is only possible
through flower gardening of the free and picturesque kind to get a good
F
VARIO US FL 0 WER GA RDENS. 67
result, and, happily, there are so many treasures in our gardens now,
that while growing things for their beauty of form or flower of fragrance,
we may have much variety as to contents, grouping, and succession of
bloom in such a garden.
ELDERFIELD. — In Miss Yonge's garden we are again away from
convention and free to enjoy the charm of trees and shrubs among the
flowers, as in many beautiful British gardens somewhat larger than cot-
tage gardens, but keeping the unstamped grace and variety of the cottage
garden. One of the good points of such gardens is the freedom enjoyed
to do or undo at any time of the year — there is always pleasant work to
do and no violent effort at any one time — as is the case with gardens
that depend on tender flowers only. The true flower-garden is one in
which there is, as in nature and life, ceaseless change. " Elderfield
has always looked an ideal home for an authoress. A little low white
house — nothing but a cottage she calls it herself — covered with creepers,
which keep up a succession of bloom to peep in at the windows
There is a very old Myrtle to the right, shorn of much of its height
since the very cold winter of 1895 ; and round Miss Yonge's drawing-
room window (the i^pper one to the left) a Banksian and a summer
Rose are ever looking in at her as she writes steadily every morning
at the writing table drawn close up to the window, or tapping at the
glass when the curtains are drawn and they are in danger of being
forgotten. M. ACTON."
ENGLISH GARDENS ABROAD AND THEIR LESSONS.— Some of the
most beautiful flower gardens are to be seen in the homes of English
people living in Madeira, the Riviera, Algeria, and countries generally
permitting of beautiful flower gardening during the winter and with a
season of many flowers throughout the spring ; real gardens varied
and full of beautiful colour, yet without any trace of the barren
monotony characteristic of most gardens at home. The generally
picturesque nature of the ground, the presence of graceful fruit and
other trees, and the absence of any pretentious attempt to conform
the whole to one set idea, lead to the simple and artistic garden.
The garden of Mr. Arkwright at Mustapha, near Algiers, is a good
example of the English garden in other lands, a garden full of beauti-
ful things, and these so placed that pictures are seen at every turn.
Noble Tea Roses like Chromatella are fountains of bloom, sometimes
running up a* tapering Cypress, and sending out of it far overhead
graceful shoots laden with flowers. Lamarque, the noblest of white
Roses, grows and blooms about as freely as the Elder bush does at
home. Many Tea Roses of all sizes are here ; sometimes kinds are
superb that rarely open well with us at home, such as Cloth of Gold.
But it is not only the climate makes the garden beautiful, as the way
of planting is the main source of beauty here.
F 2
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 69
Borders are thick set with the foliage of the Iris in many forms,
and particularly the winter-flowering Iris, which has its home in
Algeria. The Pelargoniums are in lovely bushes in light or shade,
while Datura, Palm, Jasmine, Acacia, Fig, Lemon, and Magnolia are
happy in the sun, with masses of Cineraria here and there in half-
shade, with many Violets, and even wild flowers of the country.
Bougainvilleas and handsome Bignonias grace the walls in free and
pretty ways, while here and there the Algerian Ivy is seen, a noble
climber, the fine qualities of which are not in the least affected by the
hot sun in the summer here it ascends to high parts of the moun-
tains there, which look arid enough and are terribly hot in summer.
No one need despair of gracing a dry bank with a fine thing who takes
the Algerian Ivy for that purpose, and it may be its long sojourn in so
dry a country has prepared it better for growth in the sun than the
forms of the Ivy from the cooler northern woods of our Islands.
Some of the most beautiful garden effects I have seen were here,
all the finer from the background of high cliffs above clad with ever-
green Oak, Pine, and wild Olive, but the best lesson is not from the
varied life in the garden so much as from the happy and natural way
the whole is disposed.
In this way also we have variety as well as pictures — as much
variety as may be wished, of which there is an example in Mr.
Hanbury's well-stored garden at La Mortola, in the Italian Riviera.
The variety is not in itself so much worth seeking as beauty, which
is just what we lose when we commit ourselves to any one way of
flower gardening. To be free to add or plant at almost any time of
the year is a great advantage ; whereas in the pattern flower garden
the whole is set out and taken up at fixed times. The result is a
dreadfully fixed one too, and if any beautiful bush, or bulb, or flower
happens to come in our way that does not fit into the wretched
system, so much the worse for it.
The fear of anything like a bush or low tree that governs the idea
of many flower gardens at home at present does not exist here, so
that we have light and shade, many bushes and even low trees that
give chances for surprises and changes. This is partly owing to the
warmth which allows of the growth of many pretty bushes that may
well grace a flower garden, but, once free from the idea that a flower
garden must be a flat surface seen at a glance, there would be no real
difficulty in carrying out like ways of planting in our climate in which
so many lovely bushes grow if we give them a chance. One minor
charm of these English gardens abroad arises from the fact that any
necessary stone-work is done in a simple way by the garden men.
As the ground is often steep, steps and little walls or protecting
corners are often wanted ; but whenever the native gardener wants
VARIOUS FLOWER GARDENS. 71
anything of this kind, he does not go through a circumlocution bureau
for inspiration and drawings to scale, but builds what he wants in a
simple ready way with the stone nearest at hand, and the result is
much better from a gardening point of view than more elaborate and
costly work. The island of Madeira is very instructive too in the
variety of its gardens ; every one I remember was distinct, and this
was owing to the owners being free to do as the ground invited them,
instead of following any fixed idea as to style, or leaving it to men
who are ready with similar plans for all sorts of positions. In France,
England, or Germany this could never happen, because owing to con-
formity about style and the use of book plans, we can usually tell
beforehand what sort of garden we are to see !
CHAPTER IV.
BORDERS OF HARDY FLOWERS.
WE now come to the flowers that are worthy of a place in gardens,
and to consider ways of arranging them. Their number and variety
being almost without limit, the question is, how the garden lover is to
enjoy as many of these treasures as his conditions allow of. As during
all time a simple border has been the first expression of flower garden-
ing, and as there is no arrangement of flowers more graceful, varied, or
capable of giving more delight, and none so easily adapted to almost
every kind of garden, some ideas of the various kinds of borders of
hardy flowers mainly deserve our first consideration.
COST AND ENDURANCE. — The difference in cost of growing
hardy flowers or tender should be thought of. The sacrifice of flower
gardens to plants that perish every year has often left them poor of
all the nobler plants. We must take into account the hothouses, the
propagation of plants by thousands at certain seasons, the planting
out at the busiest and fairest time of the year — in June, the digging
up and storing in autumn, the care in the winter.
Perhaps the most striking effects from individual plants ever seen
in England were Japanese Lilies grown for years in the open air by
Mr. MTntosh among his Rhododendrons at Weybridge Heath. And
not only Lilies ; but many noble flowers may be grown in the same
simple way. A few years ago we saw only dense masses of Rhodo-
dendrons ; now the idea of growing this shrub with the finer hardy
plants has spread. It means more room to show the form of the
shrubs, and more light and shade ; mutual relief of shrub and plant ;
colonies and groups of lovely plants among the shrubs. Good
preparation and some knowledge of plants are needed, but no neces-
sity whatever for any system that may not be called permanent.
There are a number of things which, given thorough preparation
at first, it would be wise to leave alone for some years at a time — as,
for example, groups or beds of the various Tritomas, Irises, Lilies,
Paeonies, the free-flowering Yuccas, Narcissi — these and many more,
74
'THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
either grouped with others or in families. When all these exhaust
the ground or become too crowded, by all means move them and
replant, but this is a very different thing from moving all the plants in
the flower garden twice a year.
It would be better every way if, so far as the flower garden is
concerned, gardeners were to see what could be done unaided by
the hothouse ; but meanwhile the wise man will reduce the expense
of glass, labour, fire, repairs, paint, pipes, and boilers to something like
reasonable proportions. In presence of the wealth of our hardy
garden flora, the promise of which is now such as men never expected
Flower-borders with grass path between. From a photograph by Mrs. Martin, Bournbrook Hall, Birmingham.
a few years ago, no one need doubt of making a fair flower garden
from hardy plants alone.
THE TRUE WAY to make gardens yield a return of beauty for
the labour and skill given them is the permanent one. Choose some
beautiful class of plants and select a place that will suit them, even as
to their effect in the garden landscape. Let the beds be planted as
permanently and as well as possible, so that there will remain little to
do for years. All plants may not lend themselves to this permanent
plan, but such as do not may be grown apart — for instance, the Poppy
BORDERS OF HARDY FLOWERS. 75
Anemones, Turban and Persian Ranunculuses, Carnations, Stocks,
Asters, and the finer annuals. But a great many delightful plants can
be planted permanently, and be either allowed to arrange themselves,
to group with others, or to grow among peat-loving shrubs which, in
many places, are jammed into pudding-shaped masses void of form or
grace, or light and shade.
One of the best reforms will be to avoid the conventional pattern
plans, and adopt simple beds and borders, in positions suited to
the plants they are to grow. These can best be filled permanently,
because the planter is free to deal with them in a bolder and
more artistic way than if he has to consider their relation to a number
of small beds. In this way, also, the delight of flowers is much
more keenly felt as one sees them relieved, sees them at different
times, and to more advantage than the flowers stereotyped under
the window. Roses — favourites with everybody — grouped well
together, and not trained as standards, would lend themselves
admirably to culture with other things — moss Roses growing out of a
carpet of double Primroses, and Tea Roses with Carnations. Then
there are many groups made by the aid of the finer perennials them-
selves, such as the Delphiniums and Phloxes, by choosing things that
would go well together. Other plants, such as Yuccas, of which there
are now various beautiful kinds, are often best by themselves ; and
noble groups they form, whether in flower or not. The kinds of
Yucca that flower very freely, such as Y. recurva and Y. flaccida, lend
themselves to grouping with Flame Flowers (Tritoma) and the bolder
autumn plants.
No plan which involves expensive yearly efforts on the same piece
of ground can ever be satisfactory. All garden plants require atten-
tion, but not annual attention. The true way is quite different — the
devotion of the skill and effort to fresh beds and effects each year.
It does not exclude summer " bedding," but includes lovely and varied
aspects of vegetation far beyond that attainable in summer " bedding,"
and attempts to make the garden artistically beautiful. It also helps to
make the skill of the gardener effective for lasting good, and prevents
its being thrown away in annual fireworks. There can be no garden-
ing without care ; but is there not a vast difference between some of
these beds and borders and those with flowers which disappear with
the frosts of October, and leave us nothing but bare earth ?
The main charm of bedding plants — that of lasting in bloom
a long time — is really a drawback. It is the stereotyped kind of
garden which we have to fight against ; we want beautiful and
changeful gardens, and should therefore have the flowers of each
season. Too short a bloom is a misfortune ; but so is too long a bloom,
and numbers of hardy plants bloom quite as long as can be desired.
76 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
There is nothing whatever used in bedding out to be compared
in colour, form, or fragrance with many families of hardy plants.
There is no beauty among bedding plants at all comparable with that
of Irises, Lilies, Delphiniums, Evening Primroses, Paeonies, Carnations,
Narcissi, and a host of others. Are we to put aside or into the back-
ground all this glorious beauty for the sake of a few things that merely
give us flat colour ? No one who knows even to a slight extent what
the plants of the northern and temperate world are can admit that
this sort of gardening should have the first place. There is nothing
among " carpet" plants equal to Windflowers in many kinds, flowering
in spring, summer, and autumn ; Torch Lilies, superb in autumn :
Columbines ; Harebells ; Delphiniums ; Day Lilies ; Everlasting Peas ;
Evening Primroses ; Paeonies ; Phloxes ; Ranunculus, double and single,
and the many fine species ; all the noble autumn-blooming, Daisy-
like flowers ; Scabious ; plumy Spiraeas ; Globe Flowers ; Lilies, in
noble variety ; Polyanthus ; Primroses ; Auriculas ; Wallflowers ;
Meadow Saffrons ; Crocuses, of the spring and autumn ; Scillas ;
Gladioli ; Snowflakes ; Grape Hyacinths ; Narcissi, in lovely variety ;
Tulips, the old florists' kinds, and many wild species ; Yuccas ; Carna-
tions and Pinks ; Dielytras ; Cornflowers ; Foxgloves ; Stocks ; Star-
worts ; great Scarlet and other Poppies ; Christmas Roses, both of the
winter and spring ; Forget-me-nots ; Pansies and many of the rock
plants of the mountains of Europe — from the Alps to the hills of
Greece, cushioned with Aubrietia, and skyblue Wind-flowers — all hardy
as the Docks by the frozen brooks.
FLOWER BORDERS FRINGING SHRUBBERIES. — A frequent way
in which people attempt to cultivate hardy flowers is in what is
called the " mixed border," often made on the edge of a shrubbery,
the roots of which leave little food or even light for the flowers.
The face of a shrubbery should be broken and varied ; the shrubs
should not form a hard line, but here and there they should come
full to the edge and finish it. The variety of positions and places
afforded by the front of a shrubbery so arranged is tempting, but
it is generally best to use plants which do not depend for their
beauty on high culture — which, in fact, fight their way near shrubs
— and there are a great many of them, such as the evergreen Candy-
tufts, the large-leaved Rockfoils, Acanthus, Day Lilies, Solomon's
Seal, Starworts, Leopard's Banes, Moon Daisies, and hardy native
Ferns.
A scattered, dotty mixed border along the face of a shrubbery
gives a poor effect, but a good one may be secured by grouping
the plants in the open spaces between the shrubs, making a careful
selection of plants, each occupying a bold space. Nothing can be
more delightful than a border made thus ; but it requires knowledge
BORDERS OF HARD Y FLO WERS. 7 7
of plants, and that desire to consider plants in relation to their sur-
roundings which is never shown by those who make a " dotty " mixed
border, which is the same all the way along and in no place pretty.
The presence of tree and shrub life is a great advantage to those who
know how to use it. Here is a group of shrubs over which we can
throw a delicate veil of some pretty creeper that would look stiff and
wretched against a wall ; there a shady recess beneath a flowering
tree : instead of planting it up with shrubs in the common way,
cover the ground with Woodruff, which will form a pretty carpet
and flower very early in the year, and through the Woodruff a few
British Ferns ; in front of this use only low plants, and we shall
A flower-border at Fillingham Castle, Lincoln.
thus get a pretty little vista, with shade and a pleasant relief. Next
we come to a bare patch on the margin. Cover it with a strong
evergreen Candytuft, and let this form the edge. Then allow a group
of Japan Quince to come right into the grass edge and break the
margin ; then a large group of broad-leaved Saxifrage, receding under
the near bushes and trees ; and so proceed making groups and
colonies, considering every aid from shrub or tree, and never using a
plant of which we do not know and enjoy the effect.
This plan is capable of much variety, whether we are dealing
with an established and grown shrubbery, or a choice plantation of
flowering Evergreens. In the last case, owing to the soil and the
neat habit of the bushes, we have excellent conditions in which
good culture is possible. One can have the finest things among
78 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
them— if the bushes are not jammed together. The ordinary way
of planting shrubs is such that they grow together, and then it is
not possible to have flowers between them, nor to see the true form
of the bushes, which are lost in one solid leafy mass. In growing
fine things — Lilies or Cardinal Flowers, or tall Evening Primroses
— among open bushes we may form a delightful garden, we secure
sufficient space for the bushes to show their forms, and we get light
and shade among them. In such plantations one might have in the
back parts "secret" colonies of lovely things which it might not be
well to show in the front of the border, or which required shade and
shelter that the front did not afford.
BORDERS BY GRASS WALKS IN SHADE OR SUN. — It is not only
in the flower garden where we may have much beauty of flower, but
away from it there are many places better fitted for growing the more
beautiful things which do not require continual attention. Unhappily,
the common way of planting shrubberies has robbed many Grass
walks of all charm. The great trees, which take care of themselves,
are often fine, but the common mixed plantation of Evergreens
means death to the variety and beauty of flower we may have by
Grass walks in sun or shade. The shrubs are frequently planted in
mixtures, in which the most free-growing are so thickly set as soon
to cover the whole ground, Cherry Laurel, Portugal Laurel, Privet,
and such common things frequently killing all the choicer shrubs
and forming dark heavy walls of leaves, Some of these Evergreens,
being very hungry things, overrun the ground, rob the trees, and
frequently, as in the case of the Portugal Laurels, give a dark
monotonous effect while keeping the walks wet, airless, and lifeless.
Light and shade and the charm of colour are impossible in such
cases with these heavy, dank Evergreens, often cut back, but once one
is free of their slavery what delightful places there are for growing
all hardy flowers in broad masses, from the handsome Oriental
Hellebores of the early spring to the delicate lavenders of the
Starworts in October. Not only hardy flowers, but graceful climbers
like the wild Clematis, and lovely corners of light and shade may be
made instead of the walls of sombre Evergreens. If we want the
ground green with dwarf plants, we have no end of delightful plants
at hand in the Ivies and Evergreens like Cotoneaster. There is no
need for the labour and ugliness of clipping. I have seen places with
acres of detestable clipped Laurels, weary and so ugly ! With all
these grubbed and burnt, what places, too, for such beautiful things as
the giant Fennels with their more than Fern-like grace, and all our
strong, hardy Ferns which want no rocks, with Solomon's Seal and
Foxgloves among them. Such walks may pass from open spaces
into half-shady ones or through groves of old Fir or other trees,
BORDERS OF HA RDY FLO WERS. 79
and so give us picturesque variety apart from their planting with
flowers.
FLOWER BORDERS AGAINST WALLS AND HOUSES. — In many
situations near houses, and especially old houses, there are delightful
opportunities for a very beautiful kind of flower border. The stone
forms fine background, and there are no thieving tree roots. Here
we have conditions exactly opposite to those in the shrubbery ; here
we can have the best soil, and keep it for our favourites ; we can
have Delphiniums, Lilies, Pseonies, Irises, and all choice plants well
grown. Walls may be adorned with climbers of graceful growth,
climbing Rose, Wistaria, Vine, or Clematis, which will help out our
beautiful mixed border. Those must to some extent be trained,
although they may be allowed a certain degree of abandoned grace
even on a wall. In this kind of border we have, as a rule, no back-
Flower border against wall at Sidbury Manor.
ground of shrubs, and therefore we must get the choicest variety of plant
life into the border itself and we must try to have a constant succes-
sion of interest. In winter this kind of border may have a bare look
when seen from the windows, but the variety of good hardy plants
is so great, that we can make it almost evergreen by using evergreen
rock-plants. Where walls are broken with pillars, a still better effect
may be obtained by training Vines and Wistaria along the top and
over the pillars or the buttresses.
THE FLOWER BORDER IN THE FRUIT OR KITCHEN GARDEN.
—We have here a frequent kind of mixed border often badly made,
but which may be excellent. A good plan is to secure from about
eight to ten feet of rich soil on each side of the walk, and cut the
borders off from the main garden by a trellis of some kind from seven
feet to nine feet high. This trellis may be of strong iron wire, or, better
8o THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
still, of simple rough wooden branches. Any kind of rough permanent
trellis will do, on which we may grow Climbing Roses and Clematis
and all the choicer but not rampant climbers. Moreover, we can
grow them in their natural grace along the wires or rough branches,
or up and across a rough wooden trellis — Rose and Jasmine showing
their grace uncontrolled. We fix the main branches to the supports,
and leave the rest to the winds, and form a fine type of flower
border in this way, as we have the graceful climbing plants in contrast
with the flowers in the border.
General borders may be made in various ways ; but it may be well
to bear in mind the following points : Select only good plants ; throw
away weedy kinds, there is no scarcity of the best. See good col-
lections. Put, at first, rare kinds in lines across four-feet nursery
beds, so that a stock of plants may be at hand. Make the choicest
borders where they cannot be robbed by the roots of trees ; see that
the ground is good and rich, and that it is at least two and a half
feet deep, so deep that, in a dry season, the roots can seek their
supplies far below the surface. In planting, plant in naturally dis-
posed groups, never repeating the same plant along the border at
intervals, as is so often done with favourites. Do not graduate the
plants in height from the front to the back, as is generally done, but
sometimes let a bold plant come to the edge ; and, on the other hand,,
let a little carpet of a dwarf plant pass in here and there to the back,
so as to give a varied instead of a monotonous surface. Have no
patience with bare ground, and cover the border with dwarf plants ; do
not put them along the front of the border only. Let Hepaticas and
double and other Primroses, and Saxifrages, and Golden Moneywort
and Stonecrops, and Forget-me-nots, and dwarf Phloxes, and many
similar plants cover the ground among the tall plants betimes — at the
back as well as the front. Let the little ground plants form broad
patches and colonies by themselves occasionally, and let them pass into
and under other plants. A white Lily will be all the better for having
a colony of creeping Forget-me-nots over it in the winter, and the
variety that may be thus obtained is infinite.
Thoroughly prepared at first, the border might remain for years
without any digging in the usual sense. When a plant is old and
rather too thick, never hesitate to replant it on a wet day in the
middle of August any more than in the middle of winter. Take it
up and put a fresh bold group in fresh ground ; the young plants
will have plenty of roots by the winter, and in the following spring
will flower much stronger than if they had been transplanted in
spring or in winter. Do not pay much attention to labelling ; if a
plant is not worth knowing, it is not worth growing ; let each good
thing be so bold and so well grown as to make its presence felt.
BORDERS OF HARDY FLOWERS.
81
MR. FRANK MILES ON THE FLOWER BORDER.— Among the
first to see the merits of effectively carpeting borders, and who made
the border suggested in my Hardy Flowers, was the late Frank
Flower border against house.
Miles, the artist, and an excellent flower gardener. His own account
of his work I give here.
If we are to have mixed borders of herbaceous plants, one thing is quite
certain — we can never go back to the borders of our ancestors in which every
G
82 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
plant had a bare space of ground round it. In the spot where once a plant had
bloomed, there was an end for the year of any flowers. Now a yard of ground
should have bloom on it at least eight months in the year, and this applies to
every yard of ground in a really good mixed border. I am certain that, once a
border is well made, it need not be dug up at all. But the question is — what is
a well-made border ? I think a border is not well made, or suitable for growing
the most beautiful plants to perfection, unless it is as well made as a Vine border
in a vinery. Why we should not take as much trouble with the garden border as
the border of a conservatory I cannot imagine, seeing that Lilies will grow 1 1 feet
high in the open air, not less than \o>\ inches across the flower, and Irises little
less than that. The more I garden the deeper I get my drainage, and the fuller
of sand and fibre my soil. I consider, first, that a border must have a bed of
broken bricks or other drainage, with ashes over that, to prevent the drainage
from filling up ; secondly, that that bed of drainage must have 2 feet of light
soil over it ; thirdly, that that soil must have equal parts of sand, soil, and veget-
able matter. A soil of these constituents and depth is never wet in winter and
never dry in summer. During the dry weather I found soil like this, in which
quantities of auratum Lilies were growing, to be quite moist an inch below the
surface, and I know in winter it always appears dry compared with the natural
garden soil.
But, for all practical intents and purposes, every 6 inches of ground could
contain its plant, so that no 6 inches of bare ground need obtrude on the eye.
Almost any kind of bare rock has a certain beauty, but I cannot say bare ground
is ever beautiful. Well, supposing the back of the border filled with Delphiniums,
Phloxes, and Roses, pegged down, and other summer and autumn-blooming plants,
and supposing the border to be made as I have described it, I should carpet the
ground at the back with spring-blooming flowers, so that when the Roses are bare
and the Delphiniums and Phloxes have not pushed above ground, the border should
even then be a blaze of beauty. Crocuses, Snowdrops, Aconites, and Primroses
are quite enough for that purpose. The whole space under the Roses I should
cover with the Common Wood Anemone, and the golden Wood Anemone, and
early Cyclamens, and the earliest Dwarf Daffodils. And among the Roses and
Paeonies and other medium-sized shrubs I would put all the taller Lilies, such
as require continual shade on their roots ; and such as pardalinum and the
Californian Lilies generally, the Japanese, Chinese, and finer American Lilies.
Now we come more to the front of the border, and here I would have com-
binations, such as the great St. Bruno's Lily and the delicate hybrid Columbines,
Primroses planted over hardy autumn Gladioli, so that when the Primroses are at
rest the Gladioli should catch the eye : Carnations and Daffodils, planted so that
the Carnations form a maze of blue-green for the delicate creams and oranges of
the Daffodils. When the Daffodils are gone there are the Carnations in the
autumn. A mass of Iberis correasfolia happens to have been the very best thing
(possible for some Lilium Browni to grow through, for the Iberis flowered early
.and then made a protection for the young growth of the Browni, and then a
; lovely dark green setting for the infinite beauty of the Lily flowers. As for say-
ing that this cannot be done, I say that it is nonsense, for the Iberis flowered
;beautifully under such circumstances, and the Lilies too. If once you get it into
•your head that no bit of ground ought ever to be seen without flowers or immediate
prospect of flowers, heaps of combinations will immediately occur to those con-
versant with plants and the deep-rooting habits of most bulbs and the surface
rooting of many herbaceous plants — for instance, Colchicums and Daffodils, with
a surface of Campanula pusilla alba. The big leaves of the Colchicum grow in
spring, and there would be nothing but leaves were it not for the masses of
BORDERS OF HARDY FLOWERS.
Daffodils. By and by the leaves of the Colchicums and Daffodils are dry enough
to pull away, and then the Campanula, be it pusilla, pusilla alba, or turbinata
alba, comes into a sheet of bloom. Before the bloom has passed away the
Colchicum blooms begin to push up, and as some of my Colchicums are 5 inches
across, of the richest rose colour, I do not exactly feel that this is a colourless
kind of gardening, and as I have a hundred different kinds of Daffodils, this
little arrangement will not be without interest in spring.
THE DAFFODILS and Colchicums root deeply and grow mostly in winter,
requiring water then, and not in summer, when the Campanula carpet is taking
it all. There are some, however, which one must be careful about — the common
white Lily, for instance, which wants exposing to the sun in the autumn. I do
not mind the exquisite French Poppies among these candidum Lilies, because the
Poppies die about August, and then the Lilies get their baking and refuse to show
the bare earth, soon covering it all with their leaves. For the extreme front of
the border hundreds of combinations will occur — Pansies over Daffodils, Portulacas
over Central Asian bulbs, Christmas Roses and Hellebores over the taller
Flower border in fruit garden at Dunrobin Castle, N.B.
Daffodils, with Gladioli, Tritomas, and giant Daffodils, Hepaticas, and autumn-
blooming and spring-blooming Cyclamens, with Scillas and Snowdrops. When
Anemone japonica is low, up come the taller Tulips, sylvestris for instance, and
higher still out of the dark green leaves come the bejewelled Crown Imperials.
As for the cultural advantages, I can imagine this system in the hands of a
skilful gardener to be the best of all. In the first place, the plants suffer much less
from drought, because there is so much less surface exposed to sun and wind.
Examine, not right under the root, but under the spreading part of a Mignonette,
and see if, on a broiling hot day, the ground is not much cooler and moister than
on the bare ground. Irises are almost the only plants I know of that do require
the soil bare about their rootstocks, but then Irises are a carpet of green always,
and a few clumps of Tiger Lilies or Tiger Irises will not seriously injure their
flowering prospects. And what cannot be done with an herbaceous border edge
when that edge is the green Grass ? Crocuses and Crocuses all the autumn and
winter and spring in the Grass. The tiniest Scillas and Hyacinths, and Daffodils,
G 2
84 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
and Snowdrops are leading into the border without any break. So I believe, and
I think many others will believe by and by, that every bulbous plant ought to be
grown in combination with something else, as Amaryllis Belladonna, for instance,
which I plant with Arum italicum pictum. In spring the Arum comes up
extremely early and its leaves protect the far more delicate leaves of the Amaryllis
till they are growing freely and the Arum dies down. The ground is surfaced
with Violets, so that the Belladonnas are now coming into bloom, not with the
bare ground but with a setting of Violet leaves in beautiful contrast with their
pink blossoms. Christmas Roses of all kinds would probably be a more beautiful
setting still, but the Belladonnas want a good deal of summer drying up, which
the Hellebores could not stand so well.
WE CAN NEVER GO BACK to the mixed border of our ancestors ; we have
been spoilt for such blank, flowerless spaces as they had by the gorgeousness of
bedding out. But we have now a wealth of hardy plants, especially bulbs, which
they never had, and this combination of bulbous plants and herbaceous plants
will certainly lead to a preparation of the borders which has been hardly dreamt
of by people who do not care what they spend on tropical flowers ; for it seems to
be forgotten that we have Irises as big as a plate and Lilies as tall as a tree, all
hardy and requiring little attention when once they have been properly planted.
The time that used to be spent year after year in digging acres of borders might
now be spent in properly making or re-making a few yards of border, till the
whole outdoor borders are as exactly suited for the growth of plants to the utter-
most perfection — as many as possible being put in the given space — as the
borders of a large conservatory. It is in such a border as this that we attain the
utmost variety, unceasingly beautiful, every yard different, every week varying,
holding on its surface at least three times the value of plant life and successional
plant beauty of any ordinary garden. The chief enemy to the system is the slug \
but while the Belladonna Delphinium, which is usually half eaten by slugs in most
gardens, grows 6 feet high with me, I am not going to give up my system.
The way so well described by Mr. F. Miles, and which he carried
out admirably in his father's garden at Bingham — one of the few really
lovely mixed borders I have seen — is to some extent that carried
out in many pretty cottage gardens, owing to the plots being stored
with all sorts of hardy flowers ; those are the cottage gardens where
one often sees a charming succession of flowers and no bare ground.
One of the prettiest garden borders I know is against a small
house. Instead of the walk coming near the windows, a bed of
choice shrubs, varying from 9 feet to 15 feet in width, is against the
house. Nothing in this border grows high enough to intercept the
view out of the windows on the ground floor, from which were seen
the flowers of the border and a green lawn beyond. Among the shrubs
were tall Evening Primroses, and Lilies, and Meadow Sweets, and
tall blue Larkspurs, which after the early shrubs have flowered bloom
above them. The ground is always furnished, and the effect is good,
even in winter.
EVERGREEN BORDERS OF HARDY FLOWERS. — The plants of the
older kind of mixed border were — like the Grasses of the meadows of
the northern world — stricken to the earth by winter, and the border
BORDERS OF HARD^ FLOWERS.
was not nearly so pretty then as the withered Grass of the plain or
copse. But since the revival of interest in hardy and Alpine flowers,
and the many introductions of recent years, we have a great number
of beautiful plants that are evergreen in winter and that enable us to
make evergreen borders. The great white blanket that covers the
north and many mountain ranges in winter protects also for months
many Alpine plants which do not lose their leaves in winter, such as
Rockfoils, Stonecrops, Primroses, Gentians, and Christmas Roses. The
most delicate of Alpine plants suffer, when exposed to our winter, from
excitement of growth, to which they are not subject in their own
home, but many others do not mind our winters much, and it is easy
Border of hardy flowers on open margin of lawn. (Newton Don, Kelso, N.B.).
by good choice of plants to make excellent borders wholly or in
greater part evergreen.
These are not only good as evergreens, but they are delightful in
colour, many being beautiful in flower in spring, and having also the
charm of assuming their most refreshing green just when other plants
are dying in autumn. Along with these rock and herbaceous plants
we may group a great many shrublets that come almost between the
true shrub and the Alpine flower — little woody evergreen creeping
things like the dwarf Partridge Berry, Canadian Cornel, hardy Heaths,
and Sand Myrtles, often good in colour when grouped.
Among these various plants we have plenty for evergreen borders,
and this is important, as, while many might object to the bare earth
of the ordinary border of herbaceous plants near the house or in other
BORDERS OF HARDY FLOWERS.
favourite spots, it is different with borders of evergreen plants, which
may be charming and natural in effect throughout the year.
Of garden pictures, there are few prettier than Crocus, Snowdrops,
or Scilla coming through the green, moss-like carpets in these ever-
green borders, far prettier to those who love quiet and natural colour
than more showy effects. Often narrow evergreen borders are the
best things that can be placed at the foot of important walls, as
the way of allowing Grass to go right up to the walls is a foolish
one, and often leads to injury to the wall trees. A narrow border
(18 inches will do), cut off with a natural stone edging from the
Grass or walk, is best : even a border of this size may have many
lovely things, from early Cyclamen to the rarer Meadow Saffrons in
the autumn. Besides the flowers already named, we have Violets,
Periwinkles, Yuccas, Carnations, Pinks, white Rock Cress, Barren-
worts, charming in foliage, purple Rock Cresses, Omphalodes, Iris,
Acanthus, Indian and other Strawberries, Houseleeks, Thymes,
Forget-me-nots, Sandworts, Gentianella, Lavender, Rosemary, hardy
Rock Roses, and many native and other hardy evergreen Ferns in all
their fine variety ; Bamboos, Ruscus and Dwarf Savin, these are an
essential aid in the making of evergreen borders.
HARDY BORDER FLOWERS FOR BRITISH GARDENS.
From this list all families not pretty hardy in Britain are ex-
cluded : whatever we may do with flower beds, mixed borders should
be mainly of hardy plants, and we ought to be able to plant or refresh
them at any time through the autumn or winter months. Well
planned mixed borders, covered as they mostly should be with rock
plants forming green carpets, should have few gaps in early summer,
but where these occur they may be filled up with half-hardy plants
as the stock of plants may permit, or with good annuals. It is
important in making borders to use the finest species in each genus.
Acanthus
Aubrietia
Convolvulus
Achillea
Bartonia
Coreopsis
Acis
Bellis
Corydalis
Aconitum
Bocconia
Crocus
Adonis
Brachycome
Cyclamen
Agapanthus
Agrostemma
Brodiaea in var.
Calendula
Cypripedium
Delphinium
Allium
Calla
Dianthus
Allysum
Calliopsis
Dielytra
Alstrcemeria in var.
Calochortus
Digitalis
Amaryllis
Caltha in var.
Dodecatheon
Amberboa
Campanula
Doronicum
Anemone
Anthericum
Carnations
Catananche
Dryas
Echinops
Antirrhinum
Centaurea
Epilobium
Arabis
Cerastium
Epimedium
Arenaria
Cheiranthus
Eremurus
Argemone
Chelone
Erigeron
Armeria
Chionodoxa
Erodium
Arnebia
Chrysanthemum
Eryngium
Arum
Colchicum
Erythronium
Aster
Convallaria
Eschscholtzia
Eutoca
Hollyhock
Fritillaria
Hyacinthus
Fuchsia
Iberis
Funkia
Iris
Gaillardia
Ixiolirion
Galanthus
Kniphofia
Galtonia
Lathyrus
Gentiana
Lavatera
Geranium
Lavendula
Geum
Gladiolus
Leucojum
Lilium
Godetia
Linaria
Gypsophila
Helenium
Linum
Lobelia
Helianthemum
Lupinus
Helianthus
Lychnis
Helichrysum
Lythospermum
Helleborus
Hepatica
Lythrum
Malorpe
Hesperis
Malva
Heuchera
Meconopsis
Hieracium
Megasea
ss
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Border Flowers for British Gardens — continued.
Michauxia
Mimulus
Mirabilis
Monarda
Montbretia
Muscari
Myosotis
Narcissus
(Enothera
Onosma
Orchis
Ornithogalum
Orobus
Omphalodes
Oxalis
Papayer
Pa^onia
Pancratium
Pansy
Pentstemon
Phlomis
Phlox
Physalis
Portulacca
Polemonium
Potentilla
Plumbago
Primula
Puschkinia
Pyrethrum
Ramondia
Rhodanthe
Rockets
Rudbeckia
Ranunculus
Salpiglossis
Salvia
Sappnaria
Saxifraga
Scabiosa
Schizostylis
Scilla
Sedum
Sempervivum
Senecio
Sidalcea
Sparaxis
Spiraea
Statice
Sternbergia
Stocks
Sweet Pea
Sweet William
Symphytum
Thymus
Tiarella
Tigridia
Tradescantia
Trillium
Triteleia
Tritonia
Trollius
Tropeolum
Tulipa
Veratrum
Verbascum
Veronica
Viola
Waldsteinia
Wallflower
Zephyranthes
Zinnia
Borders : The Grove, Wishaw.
English Iris.
CHAPTER V.
THE RESERVE AND CUT-FLOWER GARDENS.
NOTHING is worse in gardening than the way in which plants of
all kinds are huddled together without regard to fitness for associa-
tion in stature, in time of blooming, or in needs of culture. The
common scene of confusion is the shrubbery border, into which
Carnations, annuals, Alpine flowers, and rampant herbs are often thrown,
to dwindle and perish. There is no shrubbery border that could not
be made beautiful by carpeting it with wood and copse plants of
the northern world in broad groups, but many of our favourite flowers
are not wood plants, and many — for example, Carnations — cannot
maintain the struggle against the bushes and trees. Hardy plants
should be divided into two broad series at least — those which thrive in
and near woody growth^ and those which must perish there. Solomon's
Seal and the blue Apennine Anemone are types of plants that one
may grow in any shady place : Carnation, Pink, Auricula are among
the flowers which must have good soil and be kept away from tree
roots, and though good borders, away from shrubby growth, grow
many plants well, a further division of the work will be found wise in
many places.
One good plan that all can follow is the growing of certain
plants without heed to their place in any design, but not in any kind
of " mixed border " or in other mixed arrangements. Many hardy
flowers are worthy of special culture, and good results cannot often be
got without it, whether we grow Carnations, Pinks, Pansies, Phjoxes,
Lilies, Stocks, double Wallflowers, Cloves, or scarlet Lobelias. Even a
choice annual, such as Rhodanthe, or a beautiful Grass, it is not easy to
succeed with unless it has a fair chance, away from the crowding of
90 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
the ordinary mixed border. This special culture of favourite flowers
may be best carried out in a plot of ground set aside for beds of the
choicer flowers, in a piece of ground in or near the kitchen garden or
any other open position, sheltered, but not shaded. Such ground
should be treated as a market gardener would treat it — well enriched,
and open, and thrown into four-foot beds ; the little pathways need
not be gravelled or edged, but simply marked out with the feet. With
the aid of such a division of the garden, the cultivation of many fine
hardy plants becomes a pleasure. When any plant gets tired of its
bed, it is easy to make the Carnation bed of past years the bulb
one for the next year, and so on. It would be easy to change one's
favourites from bed to bed, so that deep-rooting plants should follow
surface-rooting kinds, and thus the freshness of the garden would be
kept up. If any edging is used, it should be of natural stone sunk in
the earth, as such edgings are not ugly or costly ; but the abolition of
all edgings, beyond one or two main lines, would tend to simplify the
work. Such a plot is excellent for giving cut flowers in quantity, and
is also a great aid as a nursery, while it would also be a help to
exchanges with friends or neighbours, in the generous way of all true
gardeners. The space occupied by it will depend upon the size
and wants of the place ; but, wherever the room can be spared, an
eighth of an acre might be devoted to the culture in simple beds
of favourite flowers, and even the smallest garden should have a
small plot of this kind.
WHAT TO GROW IN THE RESERVE GARDEN. — Among the fair
flowers which in this way may be cultivated, each separately and
well, are the delightful old Clove Carnations — white, crimson, and
scarlet, as well as many other kinds ; tall Phloxes, so fair in country
gardens in the autumn ; scarlet Lobelias, splendid in colour ; Pinks of
many kinds ; Persian and Turban Ranunculus ; bright old garden
Anemones, and the finer species of Anemone ; Lilies, and as many as
possible of the splendid kinds introduced into our gardens within the
past dozen years from California and Japan ; tall perennial Delphiniums,
with their spikes of blue ; double Rockets ; beautiful Irises, English,
Spanish, Japanese, and German ; Pansies in great variety ; Tiger
Flowers ; the Columbine, including the lovely blue Columbine of the
Rocky Mountains ; Pyrethrums, Chinese Pinks, Scabious, Sweet
Williams ; Stocks of many kinds ; Wall-flowers, double and single ;
the annual Phloxes ; Zinnias, which, if grown as grown abroad — that
is to say, well and singly grown — are fine in colour ; China Asters,
quilled and others ; the Sweet Sultan, in two or three forms ; showy
tricolour Chrysanthemums ; Grasses for cutting in winter ; Grape
Hyacinths ; rare Narcissus ; Meadow Saffrons ; Lilies of the Valley ;
Crocuses, the autumnal as well as the vernal kinds ; Dahlias, cactus
THE RESERVE AND CUT-FLOWER GARDENS. 91
and single ; Paeonies ; Primroses, double and single ; Pentstemons ;
Polyanthus ; Oxlips ; Tulips, many early and late kinds ; Sweet
Violets ; American Cowslips ; Gladioli ; Christmas Roses ; and, lastly,
Everlasting Flowers, which may be grown with the pretty Grasses,
and, like them, be gathered for the house in winter. All these fair
flowers deserve care in the gardens, and should not be trusted to the
too often ill-cultivated slips called " mixed borders," and many other
plants which we wish to increase or take good care of.
In these special plots for hardy flowers are included the various
hardy florists' flowers. The term " florists' flowers " was once applied
to flowers supposed to be popular with amateurs and florists, but it had
never any clear meaning. A Rose is a florist's flower ; but it is more —
Christmas Roses in bed in reserve garden. (Durie, Fife, N.B.)-
it is everybody's flower, and we call it a Rose, having no use for
any other term. The reserve garden is a good place to grow flowers
for cutting for the house. The enemy in the way of plenty of cut
flowers has hitherto been the gardener ; but he was limited in his
cutting operations to glass-houses, which he naturally wished to keep
gay. A supply equal to that of a dozen plant houses can be got from
an open square in the kitchen garden or any piece of good ground.
For eight months there is a procession of open-air flowers, which can
easily be grown in sufficient quantity to allow the cutting of plenty
for every want. A bed or a few lines of each favourite in a plot of
good soil would give a great number of flowers, and these, aided by
the Roses and other bush and tree flowers about the garden, would
yield all the flowers that a large house would require, and many
besides for hospitals and for those who have not gardens. Flowers
92 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
grown for cutting should be carefully selected as regards odour, form,
and colour, and the gardener should do all he can to carry out an idea
tending so much to give people pleasure at home, and the smallest
country place can afford a plot of ground to grow flowers for cutting.
DOUBLE CROPPING OF BEDS. — We have had evidence of the good
way in which inter-cropping suits plants in nursery beds, and there
is reason to believe that the presence in rich ground of two plants wholly
different in their nature is a good plan. A collection of Narcissi, with
lines between of Delphiniums and hardy Fuchsias, that is to say, two
lines of each in a 4ft. bed, will thrive. The same is true of other
hardy spring bulbs, which may be alternated with the choicer peren-
nials that bloom in autumn ; and this way is a good one for people
who live in their gardens chiefly in spring and autumn, as it secures
two distinct seasons of bloom in the same ground. This applies to
store beds as distinct from the regular flower garden, though some
kind of inter-cropping would give an excellent result in the flower
garden also ; as, for instance, if we have beds of Roses, we might have
them carpeted with early bulbs, and be none the worse for it, and so
also with Paeonies and many other flowers. It wants some care to
find out which go best together ; but, given that, all is easy enough.
GARDENS OF ONE FLOWER.
Apart from the reserve garden, with its flowers in close masses, we
may have gardens of a favourite flower and its forms, for the purpose
of studying a family or adding to it by collecting or cross-breeding.
Such gardens now and then owe their existence to the difficulty of
cultivating a flower, as was the case of a charming garden of the
lovely forms of our native Primrose formed by a friend of mine, who
thus describes it : —
" A PRIMROSE GARDEN. — No flower better deserves a garden to
itself than the Primrose. It is so old a favourite, and has been culti-
vated into so many forms, that any one determined to have a Primrose
garden may choose the kind he likes best, and set to work accordingly.
There are the single-stalked Primroses, the earliest of all, flowering
from the middle of March onwards, while some may be had in bloom
as soon as the end of February. They range in colour from pure
white to deep primrose, and from palest pinky-lilac through strong
red-purples to a colour nearly approaching blue, and there are also
rich reds of many shades. There is not as yet any Primrose of a true
pink colour, nor, though the type colour is yellow, are there as yet any
strong yellows of the orange class. There are also double Primroses
in nearly all the same colourings. The Polyanthus, with its neat
trusses of small flowers, though beautiful in the hand and indis-
94 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
pensable in the good garden of hardy flowers, is not a plant for
the Primrose garden, as it makes no show in the mass. The grand
Primroses for garden effect are the large bunch-flowered kinds, white,
yellow, and orange-coloured, red, crimson, and rich brown ; of infinite
variety in form, texture, habit, and colouring, easy to raise to any
amount by seed, as also by division of the older plants. A Primrose
garden (part of which is here illustrated), that for some years has
been an ever-increasing source of pleasure and interest to its owners,
was formed a few years ago by making an opening about 70 yards
long, and varying from 10 yards to 15 yards wide, through a wild
copse of young Birch trees. The natural soil was very poor and
sandy, so it was prepared by a thorough trenching and a liberal
addition of loam and manure, which has to be renewed every year.
No formal walks are made, but one main track is trodden down
about 2 feet wide near the middle of the space, dividing into two here
and there, where a broader clearing makes it desirable to have two
paths in the width. The older divided plants are put into groups
of a colour together, from twenty to fifty of a sort. The groups
of seedlings are of necessity more various, though they are more or
less true to the parent colour, so that a patch of a hundred seedlings
—from yellows, for instance — will give a general effect of yellow
throughout the group. The whites and yellows are kept at one end
of the garden, and the reds at the other ; the deepest yellows next to
the reds. Seen from a little distance, the yellow and white part of the
Primrose garden looks like a river of silver and gold flowing through
the copse. The white stems of the Birches and the tender green of
their young leaves help to form a pretty picture, which is at its best
when the whole is illuminated by the evening sunlight."
Some of the Plants for Reserve Garden and for Cutting Flowers.
Carnations
Pyrethrum
Grasses, the more
Campanula
Polyanthus
Phloxes
Scarlet Lobelias
Schizostylis
Chinese Pinks
graceful kinds
Zinnias
Chrysanthemums
Meadow Saffrons
Oxlips
Tulips
Pinks
Scabious
Sweet Sultan
Roses
Violets
Double Rockets
Blue Cornflower
Ranunculus
Crinum
American Cowslips
Iris
Sweet Williams
Anemone
Crocus
Gaillardia
Pansies
Stocks
Lilies
Dahlia
Gladiolus
Alstroemeria
Wallflowers
Delphiniums
Pa^onies
Everlastings
Tigridia
Columbines
Grape Hyacinths
Narcissus
China Asters
Pentstemon
Primroses
Christmas Roses
Lenten Roses
CHAPTER VI.
HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS, AND THEIR
GARDEN USE.
AT no distant time lists of these things were mostly looked at for
the sake of getting a few bulbs to force, but that day is past, at least,
for all who now see the great part which hardy bulbous and tuberous
plants must take in the outdoor gardens of the future. Since those
days the hills of California and of Japan alone have given us a noble
lily garden, and the plants of this order in cultivation now form a
lovely host. We are not nearly so likely to want novelties as know-
ledge of how to make effective use of the nobler plants, such as the
Narcissus, the glory of the spring, as the Lily is of the summer
garden.
We may indeed be often tempted with Zephyr flowers, and Ixias
and other plants, beautiful in warmer countries than ours, but delicate
here, and only living with us as the result of care which is quite
needless, but there are so many lovely things from the mountains and
plains of the northern world, and from the mountains in all parts, as
hardy as the wild Hyacinths of British woods, that our search will
be more for the nobler materials and how to make artistic use of them
than in quest of novelty as such.
LILIES. — It would be fair to begin with the Snowdrop, but we will
take the plants in the order of their value ; and, having regard to past
service and the present beauty of the Lilies, they should take the first
place among hardy bulbs. Who of those who remember the Orange
and White Lilies of all English and Irish gardens would have looked
for the splendid Lilies that have come to us within less than a
generation ? For size, and form, and lovely colour they surpass all
we had ever dreamt of even among tropical flowers. The variety is
so great that a volume would be required to describe them ; the
catalogues give us many of their names. The main thing for all who
96 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
care for them is how to possess their beauty with the least amount of
care and disappointment ; and, happily, the question has been solved
for many handsome kinds by planting them in the peat beds that
were made at first wholly in the interest of the American shrubs.
Some of the finest Lilies thrive admirably in these, and by adding
here and there deep leaf-mould, rotten cow manure, and the like,
other kinds may be grown, for some Lilies thrive best in such soil. Nor
need we neglect the mixed borders because we have new ways for our
Lilies, as several of the European Lilies thrive perfectly in ordinary
borders. They may be naturalised too, or some of them, in deep
moist peat bottoms ; for example, the American swamp Lily (L.
superbum). The mania for draining everything might even lead to
evil in the case of some Lilies which inhabit the cold northern woods,
and which do with a very different degree of moisture from that
required by the Lilies of California, where the soil in summer is
as road dust on a dry hill. Lilies are so varied in their nature
and stature that they may adorn almost any aspect in sun or
shade. The new and rare among them will have special beds or
borders, and we have Lily men and even Lily maniacs who will have
Lily gardens. And as these lovely flowers tumble into our lap, as
it were, from the woods and hills of Western China, Japan, and
California, untouched by man until he found them made to his hand
a few years ago, it is reasonable to suppose that some of them would
take care of themselves, if trusted in likely spots, with us. I put
some of the Panther Lily deep in a leafy hollow in a Sussex wood,
just to see if it would survive in such conditions. Whether owing to
a series of cold wet seasons and the want of the glorious sun of the
hills in Nevada County, California, where I found it, we know not,
but after the first season it did not come up. I thought no more of
it, but a friend going into the same wood some years afterwards found
a colony of it in bloom. So that we must not always cry out if
Lilies do not come up, as they have a way of resting for a year now
and then.
NARCISSUS. — Next to the Lily in value as an outdoor flower is the
Narcissus, though when we know the Iris better it may find a high
place. But the wondrous development of the garden forms of Nar-
cissus during recent years, and their fitness for our climate, give it
great value. Mountain plants in origin, for the most part they are
as hardy as riverside rushes, and those few southern forms that will
only live in dry banks and at the foot of warm walls need not concern
us who look for pictures of Narcissi in the open air. We have
not to ask where the Narcissi will grow, as there are few places they
will not grow in with the usual garden culture, and in some cool,
loamy soils they take to the turf as ducks to water. Hence it is easy
Group of Giant Indian Lilies in half-shady place (Surrey).
II
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
on many soils to have a spring garden of these flowers, naturally
grouped and massed, set in turf, and giving us many flowers for the
house as well as pictures in lawn and meadow. For this purpose what
is chiefly wanted is that the bulb growers should offer the best hardy
sorts for the wild garden by the thousand at low rates. These
precious early flowers will also have their place in the garden for cut
flowers or the nursery bed, where the many new forms of Narcissi
raised in England must take their place until they become plentiful.
The true hardiness of the flower allows of its being enjoyed in all
parts of these scattered islands, from Scilly, where it is grown in
quantities for the markets, to the north of Scotland. In Ireland the
Narcissus is at home, and there are excellent collections in the
College Botanic Gardens at Dublin and also at Glasnevin, while there
Narcissus princeps at St. Nicholas House, Scarborough.
is a very well-grown one at Cork, and Miss Currie, of Lismore, grows
many of the most precious kinds. In old days the white Narcissi
grown in the gardens spread here and there into orchards and fields,
and so it happens that now we have to seek in Ireland some of the
graceful white Narcissi.
IRIS. — The Iris is one of the oldest of our garden flowers, in many
forms too, but, like the Lily, it has come to us in greater novelty and
beauty of recent years, and as districts in Central Asia and Asia
Minor are opened to collectors, we must have our Iris gardens too.
And what so fair as an Iris garden ? They are the Orchids of the
north, many of them as hardy as reeds, and with more richness of
colour than Orchids. The old Irises of our gardens are usually of
the Germanica class ; there is much variety among these groups, and
HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS, 99
they are very hardy and precious, and excellent for the adornment of
gardens and even walls and thatched roofs, as we see in France, the
Iris of this great group having a valuable power of thriving on such
surfaces as well as on good soil.
There is a group of waterside and water-loving Iris, much less seen
in our gardens than the above, and some of them not yet come to us,
but of great value. They are allied to the common yellow Iris of our
watercourses, but are taller and richer in colour, the golden Iris
(Aurea), Monnieri, and Ochroleuca being the best known so far, and
very free, hardy, and beautiful plants they are, thriving, too, almost
anywhere, but best in rich, moist soil. And we have the distinct gain
of the splendid Japanese Iris, in its many strange forms, the Japanese
surpassing all waterside Irises in its wide range of colour, though most
beautiful perhaps in its simple forms, white and purple. This plant,
though its beauty suggests that of the tropics, will grow side by side
with our great water dock by any lake side, or even in a clay ditch,
where only the coarsest weeds live. The Siberian Iris and the forms
near it are very graceful beside streams or ponds, either in open or
copsy places, and far more graceful and charming in such positions
than in set borders. All these water-loving Irises will do for the wild
garden in bold groups when we can spare them.
Then there are the brilliant purple and gold Iris reticulata and its
allies, little bulbous Irises, for the spring garden, early and charming
things, many beautiful ; Irises that flower in winter and early spring,
like the Algerian Iris ; others happy in Britain on warm soils and
warm corners, and some for the rock garden, like the crested Iris ; and
the many pretty forms of Iris pumila, of some of which edgings were
made in old gardens. The foliage of the evergreen Iris is so graceful
and usually so nice in colour that artistic use may be made of it in
that way. The most novel of all the groups of Iris, however, are the
Cushion Irises, which promise much beauty, but are yet too little known
to see how far that beauty may be preserved in our gardens. The old
Iris Susiana has been known for many years, and some of its allies,
like I. Lorteti and the Wolf Iris, seem more hardy and not less
beautiful.
TULIPS. — The old garden Tulip, a favourite for generations, grown
in the so-called florist varieties, and the source once of severe mania, is
but one of a large number of wild Tulipa, many of which have come
to us of late years from Central Asia. The old Tulips are the forms
of an Italian species (T. Gesneriana), and these varieties are worthy of
all the attention they ever had; but the wild form is as good as any of
its varieties for splendid effect, and a selection should be made of its
simpler colours, including a good white and yellow. The bedding
Tulips, which are earlier in blooming, are forms of T. scabriscapa
H 2
S. C.
ioo THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
though useful, are not nearly so valuable for their effect as the late
tulips. The new species coming from Central Asia and other lands
promise to be very valuable, too, for their effect, though our climate
may not suit all of them, as it does the fine hardy Gesneriana. The
colour of these tulips is too fine to be missed, and, as the bloom is too
short-lived to give beds under the windows to it, the best way is to
plant them in borders, and, when scarce, in the nursery ; when plenti-
ful in the wild garden. I put some in new hedgerow banks a few
years ago, and also the wood tulip in a meadow regularly mown, and
now have a splendid bloom every spring. As wild tulips abound in
the south of Europe travellers might often get many roots which
could be tried in this and other ways. Some of the bedding tulips
have very ugly slaty colours, and there is much waste in planting
them. The Dutch bulb raisers care more for variety than beauty of
colour, but the aim in our gardens should be to get more of the fine
simple colours, and the wild kinds planted so far as we may in effective
ways; a few trials in that way will show that it is a much more effective
one than setting out the plants in tile or other patterns. The later
these wild tulips come into bloom the better, as it brings their
nobler colour in when the harsh changes of the spring are nearly
over, and in the north they will come in with the early summer days.
These ideas of the more picturesque planting of the hardier Tulips
need not take from the lover of the old florist kinds his Tulip garden,
which was very charming with its long beds of good soil, and at its
best in some sheltered — hedged in or walled — garden.
CROCUS. — If the Crocus has any fault it is courage in coming so
•early that it has to face every trouble of the spring, and green winters
induce it to open too early. Yet what promise it brings us of the
many-blossomed spring in border and in lawn ; for, in addition to the
old and good way in garden borders, the Crocus, at least all the forms
and series and the hardy and vigorous European kinds, is easily
naturalised in lawns or meadow turf, and others even under Beech trees
as in Crowsley Park. As regards this question, it should be remem-
bered that the Crocus is wild in rich meadow grass in various parts of
England, at Nottingham and in Essex. The autumnal kinds may be
naturalised too, but they ask perhaps for a warmer soil than the vernal
kinds. Recent years have brought us many new Crocuses. The effect
•of the old kinds is not surpassed, but their beauty may be more fully
shown than in lines and dots by scattering them in natural-looking
groups in grassy places among trees or in the open turf.
SNOWDROP AND SNOWFLAKE. — The old Snowdrop gives as good
an effect as any other, but the many new varieties give the Snowdrop
more value. Whether these new forms are species or varieties matters
little ; their value as garden plants is the only question that concerns
Tulip garden at the Castle Dingwall.
102 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
flower-gardeners. Who would have thought a few years ago that
our Snowdrop was only one of a large number taking care of them-
selves in the mountains of Asia Minor and other regions ? Others
are coming, and when these increase in our gardens we shall have
fresh aids to make our spring gardens more beautiful. As these
new kinds are mostly plants from cool regions, they will probably
be easily naturalised in many soils. The snowflake must not be
forgotten — few spring flowers are more free than the vernal and late
Snowflakes.
SCILLAS, HYACINTHS, AND LIKE PLANTS. — The lovely early
group of plants allied to our Wood Hyacinth — Scilla, Chionodoxa,
and Hyacinthus (the more tiny and dwarf wild species are referred to
here under this last name) — ask for some thought as to their artistic
use. The Scillas are well known, but the newer forms of Chionodoxa
give an unlooked-for loveliness of blue very early in the spring, and
show a pretty variety in their delicate colours ; and yet there is no
more lovely thing among them than the Taurian Scilla, a large form of
the long-neglected Scilla bifolia. It is so early and so deep a blue that
one may get rich effects with it very early. The more tiny and select
of all these plants are alpine, delightful for rock-gardens, and all the more
so if we can use them in visible groups. The stouter kinds, such as
the larger Chionodoxa, are coming in such numbers that we may try
their effects in many ways ; it is impossible to omit them from what-
ever kind of spring gardening we adopt.
The common Hyacinth — in its double forms at least — is so stiff
that we take little interest in it for the flower garden ; but the
simpler colours of the single kinds deserve a place. Would it not
be worth while growing the single Hyacinth provincialis from which
these all come ? Hyacinths will come up year after year in flower
beds, and throwing away the roots after once blooming is a mistake.
OTHER LILIES. — Apart from the true Lilies there are certain
plants to which the name is also given betimes, such as the Torch
Lily (Kniphofia), the Day Lily (Hemerocallis), the Peruvian Lily
(Alstrcemeria), the African Lily (Agapanthus), the Belladonna Lily
(Amaryllis), the Cape Lily (Crinum), the Plantain Lily (Funkia), the
Wood Lily (Trillium), the Mariposa Lily (Calochortus), besides other
Lilies that do not come under our present heading, or which do not
ask for thought as regards their effective use.
The Torch Lilies are brilliant in colour, and have been added
to of recent years, but severe winters have thinned them, and they
will always be best in dry soils and in sunny positions, protected
in winter. They are best kept apart from flowers more refined in
colour, such as the Tea Rose. The Day Lilies are a really hardy
race, and most of them will grow anywhere. With their fine leaves
HARDY B ULBO US AND TUBER O US FLO WERS. 1 03
and showy, well-formed flowers, they may be used with good effect
in various ways. The Peruvian Lily is valuable, but far more
beautiful on warm soils. If on cool soils — and in cool districts it
fails — we must prepare beds for it, but the best way in gardening
is always to grow the flowers that thrive without great labour in the
soil we have. The Belladonna Lily can be grown in no more effective
way than the old one of planting it under south walls. The Cape
Lilies have increased of late years from hybrids and otherwise,
and are worth attention in deep soil in warm corners near walls
that protect them from the north. The African Lily is most important
for its unrivalled blue, but, save in the warmest parts of the south,
where it may live in the open air protected, it is essential to give
it greenhouse or like protection in winter. It is one of the plants
for which the expense of tubs or large pots is worth indulging in, and
there are new and handsome kinds, which make the culture more
interesting. The Wood Lilies are valuable because they give us
effects both distinct and beautiful in peat borders or bog gardens.
Shade is not essential, though we think the best effects are attained in
half-shady spots.
The Mariposa Lilies are beautiful indeed, some of them almost
surpassing any flowers of the old world ; but they come from one
of the best climates and warmest soils in the world, and one can
hardly hope that they will thrive in our climate without special care.
Yet such charming flowers will always have a place in curious gardens,
where they will thrive in frames and warm corners. Such plants,
however, cannot be depended on for much effect in the open garden,
though new kinds are being brought from Western America which
may thrive in our climate, and help to show us the beauty of these
singularly lovely things.
ANEMONES AND RANUNCULUS. — The Poppy Anemone has been
a welcome flower in our gardens for hundreds of years, and it should
never be forgotten, save in cold soils where it dwindles. Many now
grow it well from seed, but the old way of planting the tubers of
favourite kinds and colours should be carried out in the flower garden
in Rose beds or in any beds to spare. The Scarlet Anemone and its
varieties is also precious ; the Star Anemone, so charming in Italy and
Greece in spring, is rarely seen happy in our gardens which are too
cold for it, no doubt, so it may well be left out in favour of the hardier
sorts. Valuable as the brightest Anemones are, the old Turban and
Persian Ranunculus, and other forms were once a great charm of the
flower garden, and should not be forgotten in warm soils, where they
thrive, but they perish in severe winters, and require some care.
VARIOUS. — The old Dog's-Tooth Violet of the mountains of
Europe has been joined in our gardens of recent years by a number of
104 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
its American relations, graceful plants for peat borders, but as yet not
so valuable as the European kind in its various forms, which are
among the prettiest early spring flowers. They are, moreover, true
wild garden plants, which thrive in turf, coming up every year even
more faithfully than Crocus or Snowdrop. The Snake's-head, too
(Fritillaria), is a charming wild garden plant, thriving in grass in rich
or wet meadows ; where not native it may well be introduced. The
new yellow Fritillaries give a greater interest to this group of plants,
some of which are fitted for the wild garden, but we never could see
the charms of the Crown Imperials, with their offensive odour. The
Stars of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum) thrive in grass, and are pretty
in it. Unfortunately the handsome Arabian kind is not hardy. The
Montbretias are plants of somewhat recent appearance in our gardens,
and they have a. vigour and hardiness we do not look for in Cape
plants, and a tenacious way of growing and increasing even in cold
poor soil, and are, therefore, valuable where we wish to have close
tufts of graceful leaves and gay blossoms below flowering shrubs not
set too closely on the ground. Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) are often
very pretty, and nearly always hardy. I use them freely in grass,
where their blue is very pretty in spring. The choicer newer kinds
will find a place in the nursery beds or rock-garden till more plentiful.
Among the new plants we have one of fine distinction in the
Giant Asphodels (Eremurus), plants of noble port and vigour, but
which, though here and there grown and flowered well, are not as yet
proved for our climate, with its often open, snowless winters. We
must find out the kinds really hardy and that bloom handsomely
with us before we can judge of their value in the flower garden.
The old tiger flowers (Tigridia) should not be forgotten,
especially on limestone or other warm soils, where they are most
at home. There are several new kinds, which make the family of
more value. Plants that give much pleasure from their good colours
are the Triteleia and Brodicea. Some new and pretty effects will be
given by the best of these as soon as plentiful.
So noble a plant as the Gladiolus should not, perhaps, have been
left to the end, but the fact that the finest class are only half hardy,
and require care, makes them less important in our country than
Lilies and Narcissi, that give so much beauty with little or no care.
The years pass so swiftly, and are so full of cares, that things demand-
ing two important attentions yearly — />., taking up and planting —
must take a minor place, except in the case of growers who make
a special care of them. The groups known as Lemoinei and
Saundersi hybrids, being hardier, give better results, but generally our
climate is against the older Gladioli, and disease very often comes
with any large attempt to grow them.
HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS. 105
HARDY BULBS FOR CUT FLOWERS. — The special or reserve gar-
den includes beds for hardy bulbs — a very good way of growing them,
and for supplying flowers for the house. A curious habit of the
flowers of bulbs is that, cut from the plants when just opening and
put into water, they get larger than they would if left on the plants
out of doors, and this should lead us to encourage many lovely flowers
among hardy bulbs that are among the best for our rooms. Hitherto
the horror of the gardener has been cutting flowers for the house ; but
if cutting prolongs his bloom, strengthens his plants, and gives all
who care for his flowers a fuller enjoyment of them, we may secure
his powerful aid. Consider what one may escape in storms, frosts,
and other dangers if a flower, cut just on arriving at maturity, lasts
Bed of Italian Narcissus.
longer indoors than out, and actually, as in the case of the Narcissus,
gets larger ! Narcissi, through their hardiness and drooping heads,
endure our climate better than any other flowers, and yet severe
storms will beat them about and destroy flowers that might have lived
for days in the house. Large showy flowers like Tulips, suffer with
every heavy shower. Anything which makes it easier to have flowers
in the house is a real gain ; their exquisite forms are best seen, and tell
their story best when brought near to the eye. A flower of our yellow
wood Tulip opening and closing, and showing its changing form in a
room, gives ideas of beauty which cannot be gleaned by glancing at
a bed of bulbs. A variety of hardy bulbs should therefore be grown
for their value as cut flowers, apart from their use in the garden.
HARDY BULBS AMONG CHOICE SHRUBS.— One of the most
106 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
marked improvements is the planting of handsome bulbs in masses of
Rhododendrons and like bushes. These beds, as usually planted, are
interesting only when in flower, and not always then, owing to the
flat surface into which the shrubs are pressed ; Lilies, therefore,
and the finer bulbs may with great advantage be placed among the
shrubs. In many cases where this plan has been carried out, it
has almost changed the entire aspects of gardens, and given various
beautiful types of life instead of only one, and many fine rare bulbs
find a home in such beds, which should be sacred from the spade.
In placing choice, peat-loving shrubs, give the bushes room to fully
attain their natural forms, and plant the interspaces with finer bulbs.
Light and shade, relief and grace, are among the merits of this mode
of planting. Beds of the smaller shrubs will do admirably for the
smaller and more delicate bulbs, the shelter of low shrubs being an
advantage to many little bulbs whose leaves are apt to suffer from
cold winds. In this way we get relief, variety, and longer bloom,
and the shrubs show their forms better when they have free play of
light and air about them.
BULBS IN BEDS ON TURF. — Bold beds of Lilies and the taller
bulbs are admirable for the lawn, and for quiet corners of the pleasure-
ground. The showy beds of bulbs which are to be seen in public and
other gardens, and which come so largely into spring gardens, are
familiar to all. The beds suggested here are of a higher and more
permanent nature, and are intended to be placed where they will be
let alone. At Moulton Grange some years ago I saw on the turf in a
quiet corner a bed of Tiger Lilies which had no other flowers near to
mar its beauty. It was a large oval bed, and the colour of the finely
grown Lilies was brilliant and effective seen through the trees and
glades. In point of colour alone, nothing could be better ; the mass of
bloom was profuse, and the plants, about 6 feet high, told well in the
garden landscape. The plants had a great advantage in habit, form,
and colour over the usual dwarf type of showy "bedding" plant.
Many hardy flowers of the highest beauty would have as effective
colour if we took equal pains with them. Colour on a 6-foot plant is
usually more effective than on a plant 6 inches or 12 inches high, and
some hardy Lilies are well over 6 feet high. This Lily bed was
on one of those little strips of turf which occur by most shrubberies,
and within a few yards of a walk, so that it could be easily seen.
Among the most lovely beds are those of the nobler Lilies, while Iris,
and many beautiful Day Lily, Paeony, Gladiolus, and Cape Hyacinth
may be grouped with them or near them. It may be as well to note
that what is meant here is not wild gardening with bulbs, but very
good cultivation of them, and surfacing and edging the beds with
spring flowers.
HARDY BULBOUS AND TUBEROUS FLOWERS.
107
Some Hardy Bulbous and Tuberous Plants for British Flower Gardens.
Acis
Agapanthus
Allium
Alstrcemeria
Amaryllis
Anemone
Anthericum
Arum
•Calla
Calochortus
Chionodoxa
Colchicum
Convallaria
Crocus
Cyclamen
Erythronium
Fritillaria
Galanthus
Gladiolus
Galtonia
Hyacinthus
Iris
Ixiolirion
Leucojum
Lilium
Montbretia
Muscari
Narcissus
Orchis
Ornithogalum
Oxalis
Paeonia
Pancratium
Puschkinia
Ranunculus
Schizostylis
Scilla
Sparaxis
Sternbergia
Tigridia
Trillium
Triteleia
Tritonia
Tropaeolum
Tulipa
Iris border (at Buhvick).
CHAPTER VII.
ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS, AND HALF-HARDY PLANTS
ANNUALLY RAISED FROM SEED.
WHATEVER we may do with perennials, shrubs, or hardy bulbs, the
plants in this class must ever be of great value to the flower-gardener ;
and among the most pleasant memories of flower-garden things are
often those of annual or biennial plants : tall and splendid Stocks in a
farmhouse garden on a chalky soil, seen on a bright day in early spring ;
Wallflowers in London market gardens and in cottage gardens, when
not cut down by cruel winters ; Snapdragons on old garden walls, and
bright Marigolds everywhere; Hollyhock lines, Sweet Pea hedges, and
Mignonette carpets ; Evening Primrose, Poppies, Sweet Scabious, and
Sweet-williams. However rich a garden may be in hardy flowers or
bedding plants, it is wise in our climate to depend a good deal upon
annuals. Although they do not last so long in bloom, and are not so
fine in quality as Lilies or Roses, yet they can generally be depended
upon for a very handsome show of flower in early autumn, particularly
in northern and cool districts. In some cases it would not be wise to
sacrifice the summer garden for autumnal flowering plants, but where
people do not much enjoy their garden except in autumn, it is
essential to make good use of those treated of herein.
ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 109
Where the choicest flowers are grown in beds near the house, or in
what should be the flower garden, autumnal annuals are not so good
as more enduring plants, although useful as an aid. In many cases
the best way would be to grow the annuals in separate borders, even
in borders in the kitchen garden, as they are very well grown at
Campsey Ash. Like most other plants, they enjoy fresh ground, and
where they are grown in borders by themselves it is easy to enrich
the ground, and make it fitted for them, easier than when grown
among perennials, Roses and the like. With this precaution the culture
is very simple ; in the south some attention to watering is essential
in dry years, in the north the moist cool climate gives the best results.
In wet seasons and in wet northern districts annuals surprise
us by their vigour and beauty. In warmer counties the effect of the
heat may in the case of the hardy kinds be met by autumn-sowing in
good rich ground. The autumn sowings are the best. The plants
not only flower much sooner, but, where the soil and climate suit
them, they are stronger and more beautiful. The reason why they
are so often seen in poor condition is that they are sown on hungry
soil and are crowded.
Concerning crowding, " Salmoniceps " writes : — "I have just
measured a plant to-day (October 4) of Nemophila insignis, sown
more than a year ago. It has been in flower since May, and measures
now 4 feet by 3 feet 10 inches. It would take a long time to count
the blossoms, although they are not so large as the earlier ones. The
plant grows in a new and rich border. According to the ordinary
way of sowing annuals, this single plant occupies the space which is
usually allotted to a whole packet of seed."
In nature, annuals are usually autumn-sown and gather strength
in the winter. In growing a number of annuals from various countries,
we must remember that our winters can be faced by the hardy
ones only, such as the Sweet Pea, Cornflower, Silene, Nemophila,
Viscaria, Limnanthes, Larkspur, Poppy, and Scabious. Annuals are
best in masses or groups, and they are never perhaps so full of
colour and beauty as on an old rich vine border.
In considering the best kinds we will look more at the important
groups of plants, as there is a great number of curious kinds that
might be named here, but they are not so important for effect.
Among annual and biennial flowers we have the lovely Everlastings
of Australia, which have an order of beauty quite distinct from those
we see in gardens into which annuals do not enter. Carefully gathered,
they have the additional charm that they may adorn our houses during
the winter. The Pimpernels, which with their pretty blue flowers were
once made charming use of in gardens, are much neglected. The
Mexican Poppy is a pretty flower and quite distinct. Among annuals
no THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
\ve find plants of fine foliage or habit, such as the Hemp, Castor Oil!
Tree and other Mallows, Maize and other grasses, Cotton and Blessed
Thistles. The annual Chrysanthemums of Southern Europe and:
Northern Africa, and indeed of our own fields, are charming in
effect. The annual Convolvuli are pretty, and in southern gardens-
may be used charmingly. The annual Larkspurs are so little used in
gardens that it is only in seed farms that we have the pleasure of
seeing them now and then in all their beauty. The annual Chinese
Pinks are very charming grown in sunny beds and good soil. Our
native Foxglove, which takes such good care of itself in many of our
woodlands, breaks in the hands of the gardener into beautiful varieties
well worth growing, if not in the garden, in shrubberies and in copses,
and woods. It is a good plan, when any ground is broken up for
fence-making or rough planting, to scatter a few seeds of the white
and other pretty kinds and leave them to take care of themselves.
There are many graceful grasses which may be treated as annuals, and
their flowers, like the Everlasting flowers, be in bloom through the
winter. The night-smelling Stocks will appeal to some, but are rather
too strong in odour for others. The annual Hibiscus when well grown
are effective plants, and the same may be said of the Hollyhock, for
which probably the best way is to raise it from seed, as in that way
we can fight better against the fungus which destroys it. The Single
Hollyhock is worthy of much care and is often very effective. The
Flaxes are very pretty annuals, red and blue, and even the common
cultivated Flax is a beautiful plant The beauty of the Ice plants, of
which we see so little in our country, is fairly shown by the little
annual one. In our day quite a series of beautiful forms of Mignon-
ette have come to add to the charms of that always welcome plant.
The annual and biennial Evening Primroses are often extremely
valuable and showy.
The Sweet Scabious are pretty and varied in colour and so
fragrant. Of Sweet Peas there is a delightful series in our own day,
when so many kinds have been raised that one could easily make a
garden of them. No words can exaggerate their value, either in
mixed or separate colours, and they should be both autumn and
spring sown, so as to get a chance of those fine tall hedges of Sweet
Peas which come where we sow in autumn and get the plants safely
through the winter, and they are doubly valuable owing to the many
beautiful new kinds. Zinnia is extremely fine in colour, but in our
country it wants warm soils and the best positions in order to do well.
In Italy, Austria, and South Germany they are much more beautiful
and vigorous than with us.
Some annual plants, like the Cornflower, Sweet Sultan, Sweet Pea, .
Scabious, are precious for cutting for the house, and may be grown .
White Foxglove. Engraved from a photograph by H. Hyde of a self-sown plant in shrubbery
at Gravetye Manor.
ii2 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
with the hardy flowers for this purpose where there is room for it ;
others are good for trellis-work, and others for surfaces we wish to
adorn with pretty climbers, such as Canary Creeper, Maurandya,
Adlumia, Gourds, Convolvulus.
The various French and African Marigolds, and the prettier forms
of the pot Marigold, are very showy plants, and, for those who love
much colour, are almost essential, and the same may be said of the
various annual Calliopsis. The China Aster used to be grown much
better than it is generally now, and there is no doubt, where people
do not get much colour from other plants, such as Roses and the
finer perennials, the China Aster in its many forms is useful. But
more important by far are the various kinds of Stock, which have the
added charm of fragrance, and which do so well in many gardens
with light and warm soils in the north and in Scotland. Cosmos are
pretty plants worthy of a place, and the best of the annual kinds
of Datura are picturesque and distinct. Chinese Pinks are very
beautiful and charming in variety. The Gaillardias, which are such
poor perennials in many soils, are in some cases better raised as
annuals, and there are annual kinds of value. The Gilias are very
pretty, varied, and hardy, and some very dwarf, forming a carpet for
taller plants.
The Godetias, allied to the Evening Primroses, are handsome when
well grown, especially the white and simple coloured kinds, and
where they live over the winter, from autumn sowing, they are very
strong and handsome the following year. The many varieties of the
annual Ipomae are graceful, there being much charming variety
among the blooms, and with these may be named the various kinds
of Convolvulus minor, which does not climb. Lavatera and Malope
are handsome plants in the autumn garden, as are the Lupins, well
grown, and the new Nemesia from the Cape is charming. The white
Tobacco and the true Tobacco are handsome in warm soils. We
think the various Nigellas very interesting, while every one should
have the annual Phloxes, now to be had in such good colours, and
the Portulacas, which are so showy on warm borders. The Salpi-
glossis is a beautiful plant, especially where we take the trouble to
select the simpler colours, the amber coloured one being very fine.
The Sweet Scabious has charming varieties, and is often very fine
in colour, though not so good on heavy and cool soils.
The Sweet Sultans are pretty, and useful for cutting for the house,
and Love-lies-bleeding (Amaranthus) and its allies are quaintly
effective. The Snap-Dragons, which are often treated as annuals, are
frequently excellent when grown in their simple colours, the striped
kinds not being nearly so good in effect. The annual Poppies are
essential where a good display is hoped for from annuals, also the
ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 113
Mexican and Californian Poppies. Such handsome plants as the
varieties of Tropaeolum are also many of them beautiful annuals.
Among plants of, perhaps, less importance than some of the pre-
ceding, the following may be mentioned : Bartonia, Brachycome,
Calandrinia, Cosmidium, Nolana, Didiscus, Kaulfussia, Linum, Lobelia,
Martynia, Mesembryanthemum, Nycterinia, Platystemon, Saponaria,
Senecio, Stenactis,and Xeranthemum,as affording some good plants for
those interested in flower gardening with annual and biennial plants.
HALF-HARDY PLANTS TREATED AS ANNUALS. — It is not every
one who has the means to winter a large number of tender bedding
Bed of " China Asters," showing effect of well-grown annual plants in garden."]
plants, and the keeping of a large stock involves much work, and
takes up space that might be better occupied. . But a garden may
be made very gay in summer with half-hardy plants raised from
seed, and without keeping a single plant over the winter in the
greenhouse. In seedlings there may be differences in habit and
colour, but this should be no objection. There are a few plants
which come from seed true to the type through many generations,
like Verbena venosa. Seedling Verbenas make a handsome bed,
and usually do much better so grown than from cuttings. Balsams,
again, are not half so much used for open-air decoration as they
deserve to be, and those who have only seen them starving in small
l
114 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
pots cannot form an idea of their beauty when planted out in good
open soil, away from trees and in warm soils. Take the border
Pansies in various shades of purple, yellow, and white. Varieties may
be raised in the early spring for planting out the same summer,
and so of the Verbena, Pelargonium, Pyrethrum, Salvia patens, S.
argentea, Heliotrope, and Snapdragons, which should be sown in
heat in January ; to the Petunia, Phlox Drummondi, Dianthus, Indian
Pink, Ageratum, and Lobelia, which in February should be sown
in pans in heat, and, if kept growing, will be ready for planting out
in May. Begonias for bedding may be grown from seed in the same
year, but are more effective if raised during the preceding year, selected
according to colour, and stored in winter ready for bedding out early
in summer. Fuchsias sown in January flower well in August. Of
fine-leaved plants which can be raised from seed for use in the
open-air the same year, there are Amaranthus, Celosia, Centaurea,
Cineraria, Humea, Canna, Chamsepeuce, Nicotiana, Ricinus, Solanum,
and Wigandia.
Old plants of Verbenas and like plants kept through the winter
harbour the eggs of vermin always ready to eat up the collection
if it is neglected for a week, but, starting with clean houses and
frames, and with seeds in early spring, the gardener makes a better
fight against his many insect enemies. As regards the plants one
would like to raise in this way, seedsmen should select and fix distinct
colours of different races of plants. It would not be difficult to select
a bluish or purple Verbena which one might count on as coming
pretty true from seed. We have so much relied upon cuttings and
old plants that the raising of fine seedlings has seldom had fair
attention. Many raise seeds, but few give the early thinning, the
light, the sturdy growth, and the unchecked culture that seedlings
require ; but now, when we may raise not only the annual pure and
simple, but the half-hardy flower-garden plants, and the nobler hardy
plants like Carnations and Hollyhocks, seed-raising for the flower-
garden deserves much attention.
BIENNIAL PLANTS are usually such as make their growth in
one year and flower the next, but the line between biennial
and annual is not a strict one, because in their native countries
annual plants often spring up in one year, and flower the next.
In countries with open winters and hot summers, annuals do so
naturally, and begin to grow in the first rains through the winter,
and flower strongly the next year — these often being kinds sown in
spring in gardens. Hollyhocks, Foxgloves, Chimney Campanula,
and Sweet Williams come under this head, but in some cases early
raising in spring gives us a chance of blooming some of them the
same year as they are sown. In any case it is better for simplicity's
ANNUAL AND BIENNIAL PLANTS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN. 115
sake to group all annual and biennial plants together, and with them
the half-hardy plants raised from seed for use in the flower garden, as
the work of raising all is, to a great extent, the same.
Some of the more important Families of Annual and Biennial Plants, and of
Half-hardy Plants raised from Seed for the Flower Garden.
Acroclinium
Adlumia
Agathaea
Ageratum
Agrostemma
Alonsoa
Alyssum
'Amaranthus
Amberboa
Ammobium
Anagallis
Antirrhinum
Arctotis
Argemone
Artemisia
Bartonia
Begonia
Boerkhausia
Brachycome
Calandrinia
Calceolaria
Calendula
Calliopsis
Campanula
Cannabis
Cape Marigold
Catananche
Celosia
Celsia
Centaurea
Centranthus
Hedysarum
Cheiranthus
Helichrysum
China Aster
Heliophila
Chrysanthemum
Heliotrope
Clarkia
Hesperis
Clintonia
Hibiscus
Convolvulus
Hollyhock
Coreopsis
Iberis
Cosmidium
Impatiens
Cosmos
lonopsidium
Crepis
Ipomaea
Cuphea
Ipomopsis
Datura
Isotoma
Delphinium
Kaulfussia
Dianthus
Lasthenia
Didiscus
Lavatera
Digitalis
Leptc siphon
Erysimum
Leptosyne
Erythraia
Limnanthes
Eschscholuia
Linaria
Eucharidium
Linum
Eutoca
Loasa
Fuchsia
Lobelia
Gaillardia
Lophospermui
Gilia
Lupin
Glaucium
Maize
Godetia
Malope
Gourds
Malva
Grasses
Martynia
Gypsophila
Maurandya
Mesembryan-
themum
Mignonette
Mimulus
Mirabilis
Myosotis
Nemesia
Nemophila
Nicotiana
Nierembergia
Nigella
Nolana
Nycterinia
(Enothera
Onopordon
Oxalis rosea
Oxyura
Papaver
Pelargonium
Pentstemon
Petunia
Phacelia
Pharbitis
Phlox
Platystemon
Podolepis
Polygonum
Portulaca
Pyrethrum
Rhodanthe
Ricinus
Salpiglossis
Sal via
Saponaria
Scabious
Schizanthus
Schizopetalon
Senecio
Silene
Solanum
Sorghum
Specularia
Sphenogyne
Stenactis
Stocks
Sweet Peas
Sweet William
Tagetes
Tropaeolum
Verbascum
Verbena
Viola
Virginia Stock
Viscaria
Waitzia
Whitlavia
Zea
Zeranthemum
Zinnia
Zea: Knockdolian, Colmonell, N.B.
I 2
CHAPTER VIII.
FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE.
SPRING comes to us wreathed in Honeysuckle, and summer brings the
Wild Rose and the May bloom, and these are but messengers of a host
of lovely shrubs and low trees of the hills and plains of northern
and temperate regions, and also of the high mountains of countries
like India, where there are vast alpine regions with shrubs as hardy
as our own, as we see in the case of the white Clematis that covers
many an English cottage wall with its fair white bloom. If we
think of the pictures formed in thousands of places in England,
Scotland, and Ireland, by the May alone, we may get an idea of the
precious beauty there is in the American, Asiatic, and European kinds,
some of which flower later than our own and make the May bloom
season longer. Nothing is lovelier among flowering trees than a group
of the various Thorns, beautiful also in fruit, and the foliage of some
kinds is finely coloured in autumn. The Thorns are but one branch
of, perhaps, the most important order of flowering trees, embracing
FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE. 117
the Apples (a garden in their varied flowers alone) ; Pears, wild and
cultivated ; Crabs, pretty in bloom and bright in fruit ; Quinces,
Medlars, Snowy Mespilus, Almonds, Double Cherries, Japan Quinces,
Plums (including Sloe and Bullace), not to speak of a number of less
important families. Among these, the larger and more important
branches of this great order of plants, there is some likeness in habit
and size, which allows of similar use.
The Double Peaches are among the most precious of trees of this
order, but for some reason we rarely see them in any but a miserable
state in England. In France they are sometimes lovely not only
in the flower, but in the mass of colour from healthy growth. It
may be that the failure of the shoots to ripen in our cool climate is
owing to some weakness through grafting on a bad stock. There is
such a great and noble variety among these trees that there is room
for distinct effects. An excellent point in favour of trees like Thorns,
Crabs, Almonds, and Bird Cherries is that, in their maturity, they, in
groups or single specimens, stand free on the turf — free, too, from all
care ; and it is easy to see how important this is for all who care for
English tree-fringed lawns — a long way more beautiful than any
other kind of tree garden.
It is not only the flowers on the trees we have to think of, but also
in the house — as cut flowers gathered when the buds are ready to open
— gathering the branchlets and long twigs before the flowers are quite
out and placing them in vases in rooms. In very bad weather this
way will prolong the bloom for us, or even save it in the case of very
hard frost, and in a cold spring it will advance the bloom a little, the
warmth of the house giving a few days' gain in time of opening. As
to the kinds of shrubs that may be cut for the house in this way,
there are many of the same race, from the Sloe to the beautiful kinds
of Apple. There is a good deal in putting them into the right sort
of glass. The Japanese are very clever in fitting the flowers into vases
so that each may show its form and beauty best. Mr. Alfred Parsons
says he noticed that flowers seem to last longer in bronze, in which,
it may be, the action of the light is less than in an ordinary vessel.
While such trees as the Almond or Crab will usually be in the
more distant parts of the garden picture, the variety of flowering
shrubs is so great that we may choose from among them for the
most precious of flower garden beds. Take an ordinary flower garden
under the windows of the house, often with the beds in winter as
bare as oilcloth. What beautiful groups of flowering evergreens we
might plant in them ! Mountain Laurels (Kalmia), Japan and
American Andromeda, Azaleas, choice Evergreen Barberries, alpine
Cotoneaster, Evergreen Daphne, Desfontainea, in the south ; the taller
hardy Heaths, Escallonia, Ledum, alpine and wild forms of Rhodo-
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
dendron, Sweet Gale, Star bush, and various Laurustinus, leaving out
not a few which thrive only in the warmer districts. Charming
gardens might be made of such bushes, not lumped together, but
in open groups, with the more beautiful American hardy flowers
between them, such as the Wood Lily and Mocassin flower, many
rare Lilies, and beautiful bulbous flowers of all seasons. The light and
shade and variety in such beds of choice evergreens and flowers
mingled are charming, and the plan would be a permanent one as it
would tend to abolish the never-ending digging in the flower garden.
Beds of flowering shrubs in the flower garden are not always so well
suited for small gardens ; but in bold ones, now naked in winter, it
would make them sightly even at that season, and much easier to deal
with in early summer.
The Rhododendrons of the hybrid sorts are too much used, and, as
they are nearly always grafted, the common stock that bears them in
the end kills the plant it should support, and so we too often see the
common pontic kind. Yet there are many beautiful things among
these hybrids. The good colours are well worth picking out from them,.
and the aim of the planter should be to show the habit and form of the
plant. This does not mean that they may not be grouped or massed
just as before, but openings of all sizes should be left among them for
light and shade, and for handsome herbaceous plants that die down in
the winter, thus allowing the full light for half the year to evergreens.
In the south and west the various Arbutus are charming for lawns
and ravines, and for sheltering the flower garden, as is also the sweet
Bay Laurel, but the common Cherry Laurel and the Portugal should
not be planted near anything precious.
The hardy Azaleas are, considering their great number and variety,
perhaps the most precious flowering shrubs we have ; they are fine in
form of bush, even when they get little freedom, and superb in colour,
the foliage in autumn, too, being rich in colour in sunny places. The
Hydrangeas are noble plants in warm valleys, and on soils where they
are not too often cut down by the winter ; not only the common one
of the markets, which, in soils where it turns blue, is so effective in
the garden, but a variety of good kinds, among which should always
be the oak-leaved Hydrangea, as old plants of it are so handsome.
As these are plants that cannot be grown everywhere, this is a
good reason why they should be made much of where the climate
suits them. There are few garden sights more interesting than groups
of Hydrangeas well grown and placed, and it is one we rarely see.
The Brooms have many effective plants and none more so than
the common and the Spanish Brooms, which should be massed on
banks, or where they will come into the picture, and some of the
smaller Brooms are excellent for rock-gardens. The Furze in all its
FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE. 119
obtainable forms is just as precious, as it blooms so early, it will grow
almost anywhere, and it brightens up a landscape as no other plant
does. We have only to place it in any rough spots to enjoy it
without care. Native shrubs should not be neglected ; the wild single
Guelder Rose is as pretty a shrub as any from across the sea, while
all the hardy kinds may give us good and bold effects grouped with
or near such bushes as Deutzias, Weigelas, Mock Oranges — all plants
of high value and much variety.
From an artistic point of view nothing is better than groups of our
hardy Heaths in any open place where room can be found for them,
including white heather and all other strong varieties of heather, as
well as all other kinds of hardy Heaths. After planting they give
little trouble, and they are good in colour even in winter, being
generally happiest out of the garden proper, where any other wild
plants may be allowed to grow among them. No doubt, the choicest
and smallest of these Heaths deserve careful garden culture, but for
effect the forms of our common Heather, the Cornish and Irish
Heaths, are the best, and in bold masses not primly kept, but, once
well rooted, allowed to mingle with any pretty wild plants. We
might even assist this idea by sowing or planting other things, such as
Foxgloves, Harebells, or the small Furze, among the Heaths. When
Heaths are grown in this way their bloom is charming from the first
peep of spring, when the little rosy Heath of the mountains of central
Europe begins to open, till the autumn days, and even the mild winter
ones, when the delicately tinted Portuguese Heath (E. codonodes)
blooms in the south and west of England.
We take little notice of such minor things as the Fire-bush, so
lovely in Cornwall, and pretty also in other seashore districts, as it
may not be enjoyed in the country generally, and we also leave out
some others, like the Witch and Japan Hazels, the Winter-sweet, and
the Allspice bushes, which, though pretty seen near at hand, do not
give us those definite effects in the garden landscape which it is well to
seek if we wish to get out of the fatal jumble of the common shrub-
bery. The Escallonias, though very precious in seashore gardens and
in the south on warm soils, are apt to go into mourning after hard
winters elsewhere. So many of our island gardens are near the sea
that we must not undervalue these shrubs, but a constant source
of waste is the planting of things not really hardy in districts where
they perish in hard winters, such as the Arbutus about London and in
the midlands. And, even where things seem hardy, some of them,
like Fuchsias, never give the charming effects we get from them in
the west of Ireland, in Wales, and in warm coast gardens, whatever
care we take. Such facts should not discourage, because they only
emphasise the lesson that the true way in a garden is for each to do
120 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
what soil and climate allow of, and in that way we arrive at the most
important artistic gain of all, i.e. that each garden has its own distinct
charms.
A very lovely group is the Lilacs, much enriched of recent years
by the introduction of new species and many charming varieties of
the common old Lilac — lovely plants, worthy of the finest days of our
English spring. Few of the forms found in France seem to thrive
in our gardens, owing to grafting on the Privet, which often, after
a year or two's poor bloom, kills the plant and begins to take care
of itself. How much evil has been done to English ideas of flowering
shrubs by thrusting this Privet everywhere ! Lilacs, being hardy in
all parts of Britain, deserve our best care, and should always be
grouped together in the open sun. They should always be bought
from nurserymen who raise them from layers or suckers in the good
old way, and should be, once grown up, always kept a little open
and free by simple pruning, so that we may get handsome trusses.
With these, too, must be grouped such lovely things as the Snow-
drop tree, the Stuartias, and bush Magnolias. The Magnolias have
recently become more numerous, and it will be easy soon to have
a Magnolia garden, at least in favoured places. The tree Mag-
nolias should come among the taller flowering trees in the distant
parts of our flower grove — Horse Chestnuts, Buckeyes, Tulip Trees,
Laburnums, Catalpa, and Yellow Wood. The Alpine Laburnum,
so very beautiful in bloom, becomes a tall slender tree where not
overcrowded, and the flowering Ash (Ornus) must not be forgotten
among the taller flowering trees. For the Paulownia, so beautiful in
France and Italy in spring, our climate is not warm enough to secure
full size or health, save in the most favoured places in the south.
Some shrubs of modest charm as to their flowers give very pretty
effects in well-placed groups, such as the flowering Currant, Tamarix,
and Ceanothus on walls. But none are more charming than the wild
Roses in summer, the Sweet Briar being taken as representing our
native wild Roses ; the Glossy Rose (R. lucida), the American wild
Roses ; the many-flowered Rose (Polyantha), and the Japanese
(R. rugosa). These and others I have planted in hedgerows and
rough fences, and have never planted anything that has given a
more beautiful return.
The Judas Tree is neglected in England, and rarely planted in
an effective way. In the Pare Monceau in Paris there is a beautiful
grove of it in which trees of various ages form one family party, so to
say, showing some differences in colour and earliness. Such slight
but often valuable differences arise when we raise trees from seed
and do not slavishly follow the habit of grafting one thing on another.
This is one of the gains of following a more natural mode of
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
increasing trees than is usual in nurseries, as those raised from seed
have a chance of interesting variations, whereas grafting from the
same identical form shuts out all chance of it. It is curious that a
tree so effective in bloom, and so distinct in habit as the Judas Tree is,
should be so little planted with us, and, when planted, so often left to
the scant mercy of the shrubbery border. All such trees have their
o\vn ways and wants, and should not be jumbled up in the common
crowded and ignorant way of planting.
I have never seen anything with greater pleasure than a bush of
Citrus Trifoliata which I saw in the School Garden at Versailles
— a sheet of large and beautiful flowers — on April 19. I had previously
no idea that any Citrus could have borne such a beautiful and distinct
bloom in the open air, and yet this was borne by a hardy shrub
standing for years among Crabs, Almonds, and trees of that degree of
hardiness.
Of Indian Azaleas in the open air Mr. C. R. Scrase-Dickens
writes : " The hardy Azaleas of the American races are very popular,
but few know the value of the white Indian Azalea for the open
garden in the south of England. Few plants give so little trouble
when once established, even though the late frosts may now and
again spoil the beauty of the flowers. When planted out and left
alone, it is not much more than three or four feet in height, dense
and spreading. The engraving shows a bush over ten feet across
with a shadow thrown over the upper part by a tree of Magnolia
which grows at the side. It gets shelter from cold winds and
from too fierce a sun on the flowers. Any one who intends
to plant this Azalea should remember that it flowers naturally
at a time when there may still be late frosts and cold winds
hovering about, and that it would be a mistaken kindness to
choose any place, such as under a south wall, which would
tend to make the blossoms open earlier in the season. We
have some plants under a north wall which do admirably, but
they seem to like association with other things. The variety
which does best here is the old typical white. Overgrown plants of
other colours from the greenhouse have been turned out sometimes,
but they do not seem so happy or produce so good an effect."
If one-tenth the trouble wasted on "carpet-bedding" plants and
other fleeting and costly rubbish had been spent on flowering shrubs,
our gardens would be all the better for it. There are no plants so
much neglected as flowering shrubs, and even when planted they are
rarely well grown, owing to the " traditions " of what is called the
shrubbery. The common way is to dig the shrubbery every winter,
and this is often carried out as a matter of form without giving the
soil any manure, while much harm is done by mutilating the roots of
FLOWERING SHRUBS AND TREES, AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE. 123
the shrubs. The labour and time wasted in this way, if devoted to the
proper culture of a portion of the ground each year, would make our
gardens delightful indeed. Many shrubs, as fair as any flower requir-
ing the shelter of glass, have been introduced into this country ; but for
the most part they have been destroyed by the muddle " shrubbery."
The idea of the murderous common shrubbery is so rooted in the
popular mind that it is almost hopeless to expect much change for the
better. The true way is to depart wholly from it as a mass of mixed
shrubs, for beautiful families should be grouped apart. Each family
or plant should have a separate place, free from the all-devouring
Spiraea (Belmont, Carlow).
Privet and Laurel, and each part of the shrubbery should have its
own character, which may easily be given to it by grouping instead
of mixing, which ends in the starvation of the choice kinds. We do
not allow stove and green-house plants to be choked in this way, yet
no plants are more worthy of a distinct place and of care than hardy
shrubs. Low flowering trees, like Hawthorns, group admirably on the
turf, but the finer kinds of flowering shrubs should be planted in beds.
The shrubbery itself need no longer be a dark dreary mass, but light
and shade may play in it, its varied life be well shown, and the habits
124
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
and forms of each thing may be seen. Shrubs of high quality or
rare deserve to be well grown. Any one who thinks how much less
trouble is given by hardy plants than by pot plants will not begrudge
attention to outdoor things, and some may even consider a garden of
beautiful shrubs as a conservatory in the open air, no kind of flower
gardening being more delightful or enduring. We have often to re-
arrange vigorous herbaceous plants, and constantly to work with the
lovable Carnation, but shrubs give us little trouble.
It is not only flowers that suffer from being stuck in lines and
patterns ; our beautiful flowering shrubs are injured in the same
way. The Rhododendron and the Azalea, and what are commonly
called American plants, are often put in such close masses that their
forms cannot be seen. We may get the flowers to some extent, but
they are not so enjoyable as when the plants are allowed to show
their individual forms.
There is not the slightest reason why we should not have all the
force of colour, too, because it is quite possible to have a number of
beautiful Rhododendrons and other flowering shrubs together without
putting them in the serried mass in which they are usually seen.
So, without going into varieties or touching upon all the treasures
within our reach, it is clear how much those who care to adorn their
gardens in the most enduring way have to gain by planting flowering
shrubs after their own tastes. Those who have given a fair chance to one
half the groups of plants referred to in this chapter need not care
much about garden coal bills, hot-houses, " contrasts of colour," and
the many other considerations, as the beauty of the flowering trees and
shrubs will come year after year as certainly as the wind through the
Cherry-blooms.
Some Flowering Trees and Shrubs Hardy in British Gardens.
Abelia
Chionanthus
Exochorda
^Esculus
Cladrastis
Fabiana
Akebia
Clematis
Forsythia
Amelanchier
Clethra
Fothergilla
Amygdalus
Colletia
Garrya
Andromeda
Colutea
Gaultheria
Aralia
Comptonia
Genista
Arbutus
Cornus
Gleditschia
Arctostaphylos
Corylopsis
Halesia
Asimina
Cotoneaster
Hamamelis
Azalea
Crataegus
Hibiscus
Azara
Cydonia
Hypericum
Berberidopsis
Berberis
Cytisus
Daphne
Hydrangea
Illicium
Bignonia
Desfontainea
Indigofera
Buddleia
Desmodium
Jasminum
Calycanthus
Deutzia
Kalmia
Camellia
Edwardsia
Kerria
Caragana
Embothrium
Koelreuteria
Catalpa
Erica
Laburnum
Ceanothus
Escallonia
Ledum
Cerasus
Eucryphia
Leiophyllum
Cercis
Euonymus
Lespedeza
Chimonanthus
Leycesteria
Rhodora
Liriodendron
Rhodotypos
Lonicera
Ribes
Lupinus
Robinia
Magnolia
Rosa
Mahonia
Rubus
Malus
Sambucus
Mespilus
Sophora
Olearia
Spartium
Ononis
Spiraea
Ornus
Ozothamnus
Staphylea
Stauntonia
Paulownia
Stuartia
Pavia
Styrax
Pernettya
Syringa
Philadelphus
Tamarix
Phlomis
Ulex
Piptanthus
Veronica
Prunus
Viburnum
Pterostyrax
Virgilia
Pyrus
Raphiolepis
WeTgela
Wistaria
Rhododendron
Xanthoceras
***. Some of the evergreens, though thriving long in the southern and shore
lands, may perish in severe winters in cold inland districts.
CHAPTER IX.
CLIMBERS AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE.
THE splendid squadrons of the Pine, with
crests proud in alpine storm and massed in
serried armies along the northern moun-
tains : — the Oak kings of a thousand winters
in the forest plain are lovely gifts of the earth
mother, but more precious still to the gar-
dener are the most fragile of all woody things
that garland bush and tree with beautiful
forms and blossoms, like Clematis, Jasmine
and Honeysuckle, and the many lace- workers
of the woods and brakes. It is delightful to.
be able to turn our often ugly inheritance
from the builder almost into gardens by the
aid of these, from great yellow Roses to Ivy
in many lovely forms ; but it is well to take a
wider view of these climbing and rambling
bushes and their places in the garden and in
the pleasure-ground. It is for our own con-
venience we go through the labour of nailing
them to walls, and though it is a charming
and necessary way of growing them it is well
to remember that many climbers may be
grown in beautiful ways without such labor-
ious training. The tendency to over-pruning
of the climbers on walls ends often in a kind
of crucifixion, and the more freely things are trained the better. Proof
of this is in the handsome masses of climbers on the high walls of the
Trinity College Gardens at Dublin and in many private places where
climbers have been liberally and well planted on walls.
But it should never be forgotten that many of these plants will
grow by themselves, like the Honeysuckles, which, while pleasant to
126 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
see on walls, are not less so on banks, or even on the level ground.
Pretty fences and dividing screens may also be easily formed by hardy
climbers. The wild kinds of Clematis are charming, and, apart from
their use in the garden, they should be encouraged for trees and
banks.
The Ivy of our northern woods has broken into a number of
beautiful varieties often distinct in form and even in colour ; they
deserve far more attention for evergreen bowers, evergreen fences, and
dividing lines, apart from their growth on walls and trees. The bush
forms of these may make broken hedge-like garlands 2 feet to 3 feet
high round little isolated flower gardens. Almost equally beautiful
plants in form of leaf are the Green Briers (Smilax), some of which
are hardy in England, but seen in few gardens, and rarely treated in an
artistic way, though excellent for walls and rocks. In the eastern
counties they may be seen doing well in the open ground, as in
Cambridge.
Of the beauty of the Jasmine of all climbers there is least need
to speak, yet how rarely one sees the old white Jasmine made good
use of in large gardens. It should be in bold wreaths or masses
where it thrives, and so also the winter Jasmine, which is a precious
thing for our country, should not be put in as a plant or two in bad
conditions, but treated as a fine distinct thing in masses round cottages
and outhouses. The finest of hardy climbers, the Wistaria, is much
more frequently and rightly planted in France than in our gardens,
though it thrives in the Thames valley as well as in the Seine valley.
It should be, in addition to its use on walls and houses, made into
bold covered ways and bowers and trained up trees, and even along
Oak fences.
VIGOROUS CLIMBERS ON TREES. — It is not only that stout climbers
are more beautiful and natural, and show their form better growing
amongst trees, but it is the best way that many of them can be grown
with safety owing to their vigour. The way the common Ivy wreaths
the trees in rich woods, and the wild Clematis throws ropes up trees on
the chalk hills, shows what the larger hardy climbers do over trees or
rough or open copses, or even now and then in hedgerows. Some
vigorous climbers would in time ascend the tallest trees, and there
is nothing more beautiful than a veil of Clematis montana running
over a tall tree. Besides the well-known climbers, there are species
of Clematis which have never come into general cultivation, but
which are beautiful for such uses, thotigh not all showy. The same
may be said of the Honeysuckles, wild Vines, and various other
families with which much of the northern tree and shrub world is
garlanded. Occasionally one sees a climbing Rose rambling over a
tree, and perhaps among our garden pictures nothing is more lovely
CLIMBERS AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE.
127
than such a Rose when in flower. By a selection of the hardiest of
climbing Roses very beautiful pictures might be formed in our
pleasure grounds and plantations, and we might often see as the result
Climbers on the Vicarage, Odiham.
of design what is now mainly an accident, as a number of wild Roses
grow " freely " among trees and large shrubs.
CLIMBERS OF CLASSIC BEAUTY OR RARITY are often found a
1 28 THE ENGLISH FL O WER GA RDEN.
home for on walls, and in our country some variety of wall surface is
a great gain to botanic gardens and private gardens like Offington, in
which a great variety of shrubs from all countries is grown. In the
milder districts of the country and in favoured spots round the coast
some of the finest exotics, such as Lapageria, and some greenhouse
plants of great beauty, like Clianthus, which about London can only
be enjoyed in a greenhouse, may be grown on walls in the open air.
Some of the fine plants .of Chili also may be grown on walls of
various aspects. Abelia, Lardizabala, Berberidopsis and Rhyncho-
spermum are among the plants sometimes so grown, but there is
no limit as to selection. Many who have visited our best gardens
will probably have stored away in their memories some of the
pictures they have seen given by noble wall plants well grown in this
way — as, for example, the New Zealand Edwardsia at Linton, so fine
in form and colour, and the handsome Fremontia. Hard winters
settle the fate of many beautiful things among these, but, happily,
some of the loveliest things are hardy, like the Winter Sweet, Bignonia,
Magnolia, and sometimes the splendid colour of the Pomegranate
buds is seen among them.
It may be noted here that among the unfortunate attempts of
certain architects who designed gardens to get rid of the gardener and
his troublesome plants were instructions that no climbers were to be
allowed on walls. There was not a single spray of any climber
allowed to grow on the house or extensive terrace walls at Shrub-
land, some years ago, as if in a garden death were better than
life.
FRAGILE CLIMBERS ON SHRUBS. — Apart from the vigorous
climbers that we may trust in shrubberies, woods, and on rough
banks, and which, when fairly started, take care of themselves, there
are fragile things which deserve to be used in rather a new way as far
as most gardens are concerned, namely, for throwing a delicate lace-
work of flowers over the evergreen and other choice shrubs grown in
our gardens — Rhododendron, Kalmia, Andromeda, Azalea, and even
taller shrubs. A group of Hollies will not look any the worse for
wreaths of fragrant Clematis in autumn. Often stiff, unbroken
masses of Rhododendrons and Evergreen flowering shrubs will be
more varied if delicate flakes of Clematis (white, lavender, or claret-
red) or the bright arrows of the Flame Nasturtium come among them
here and there in autumn. The great showy hybrid Clematises of
our gardens are not so good for this use as the more elegant wild
Clematises of N. America, Europe, and N. Africa, such as the Hairbell
and others of the less vigorous Clematis. These are so fragile in
growth that many of them may be trusted among groups of choice
shrubs like Azaleas, training themselves and throwing veils over the
CLIMBERS AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE.
129
bushes here and there. Among these nothing is better than the
various forms of Clematis Viticella, and there is also a number of not
very showy plants which might be used in this way, such as Apios
and even the climbing Fern of N. America, and some Bomareas and
the wild Nasturtiums. Two lovely twining shrubs must never be
left out in any scheme of this kind, the Atragene or Alpine Clematis
of the mountains of Europe, hardy as the Oak and tender in colour
as the dove, and in all the warmer districts the winter-flowering
Clematis of the islands of the Mediterranean and the North African
coasts, where it garlands with the Smilax millions of acres of hyena-
and jackal-haunted scrub.
A Trumpet Flower (Bignonia grandiflora). Engraved from a photograph by Miss Willmott.
ROSES AS CLIMBERS.— It would be difficult to overpraise the
value of the Rose in all arrangements of climbing plants. Many of
the more vigorous Wild Roses of the northern world are naturally
almost climbing plants, and some of them are seen 20 ft. high or so
among trees. In gardens many varieties might be mentioned which
in past years were a great source of beauty and gave a very showy
effect when well used, but, in our own time, and within the past
generation or two, since the raising of Gloire de Dijon, a noble series
of climbing Roses, wholly distinct from the old climbing kinds, has
been raised in France, the most precious flowers that have ever
adorned the Rose-garden.
K
130 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
The old Climbers and Garland Roses were almost too vigorous for
the garden, and their bloom did not last long enough to justify their
getting a place there ; but now, with the great climbing Tea Roses
we have for the southern parts of these islands, we may count on a
bloom for months. Hence we have in these Roses, where they thrive
the best, the most precious of all ornaments for walls of houses, trellis
work, pergolas. In southern parts of the country we even get fine
results from these Roses on the north side of walls, where some
Roses flower better than on the south side. Also, we can grow them
in the open on trellises or away from walls, but in the northern parts of
the country, where these great climbing Tea Roses may not thrive so
well, walls come in to help us more and more by their shelter and
warmth, and the encouragement they give to early bloom.
Apart from these great Roses of garden origin, which will long be
among the most precious, some Wild Roses are of the highest impor-
tance in warm districts and good soils, particularly the Indian R.
Brunonis and the many-flowered Roses (R. polyantha) of Japan ; but
in the presence of the need of so much wall space for the garden
Roses these Wild Roses will usually be best in the shrubbery or some
place apart, where they may be let alone, and no good can arise
from choice, garden ground being given to Roses like R. polyantha
which are even more vigorous than our own wild Dog Rose.
In Europe perhaps the country that pleases one most by its
fitness for Rose culture is that along the shores of the Mediterranean,
where the Banksian and other more delicate Roses may be seen
up trees, forming hedges, and arranging themselves in other delight-
ful ways. I remember being very much struck with the beauty of the
single Banksian Rose in such positions, and often wondered why it
was not secured for our own gardens, even though it might not grow
so freely as there.
VINES FOR THEIR BEAUTY OF FORM.— Going back some thousands
of years to the earliest sculptured remains of some of the oldest
peoples, we see evidence that the Grape Vine was in common use,
and it is no doubt much older than the monuments of Assyria.
Among the Kabyle villages of North Africa I passed many Vines
of great age trailing over very old Olive trees in the little orchard
fields. In such countries there was the value of the fruit, but even
in ours, where the Grape ripens rarely out of doors, the charm of
the plant is so great that we see many cottages in Surrey and
Norfolk set deep in Vine leaves. The Grape Vine, however, is but
one of a large family, and, though we may not see in our country its
garlands from tree to tree purple with fruit, we may see much of its
fine forms of leaf. The wild Vines are too vigorous for use on walls,
though excellent for banks and trees and for any place outside the
CLIMBERS AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE.
flower garden. I have seen them clambering up forest trees, spreading
into masses of fine foliage on the ground, and sending out long arms
in search of the nearest trees — strong and handsome climbers, hardy,
vigorous, and soon covering dry banks, rocks, and trees.
To the Vines (Vitis) have now been joined by the botanists
Virginian Creepers (Ampelopsis), and between the two groups it need
not be said what noble things they offer for garlanding trees, walls,
bowers, rocks, and banks. It cannot be said that we neglect these
Virginian and Japanese creepers, but the Vines are so far seldom well
used with us, although easy of cultivation.
Wooden Pergola, with Clematis and other hardy Climbers.
PERGOLAS. — Though our summer is often not sunny, there are
seasons when shaded walks may be enjoyed, and numbers of free-
growing climbing plants give an abundant and lovely choice of living
drapery for them, Aristolochia, Wistaria, 'Virginian Creeper, rambling
Roses, Honeysuckles, Jasmines and the free Clematises doing well
over such. In Italy and warm countries one often sees in gardens
the pergola — as the creeper-shaded walk is called — serving the two-
fold purpose of supporting Grape Vines and giving pleasant coolness
during the summer heat. As a rule, these pergolas are rude trellis-
work structures of wood, sometimes supported by stone posts where
K 2
132 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
these are at hand. In the gardens in the neighbourhood of Rome,
Naples, and Florence there are beautiful examples of the pergola —
stately structures, the supports of which are massive columns of
stone covered and festooned with Banksian Roses, Wistaria, Periploca,
Clematises, Honeysuckles, Passion Flowers, scarlet Trumpet Flowers,
and other climbers which form cool retreats in the hot days. But
such pergolas seldom occurred outside the gardens of the great villas,
and near humbler dwellings the pergola was usually a simple struc-
ture made for the purpose of supporting the Grape Vine, and nearly
always pretty.
These creeper-clad covered ways should usually lead to somewhere
and be over a frequented walk, and should not cut off any line of view
nor be placed near big trees, especially such trees as the Elm, whose
hungry roots would travel a long way to feed upon the good soil that
the climbers should be planted in. A simple structure is the best.
The supports, failing the Italian way of making posts of stone — also
seen, by the way, in gate-posts in Northern England — should be Oak
tree stems, about 9 inches in diameter, let into the ground about 2
feet ; the better if on a bed of concrete. The posts must be connected
and firmly secured to each other by long pieces along the sides,
while the top may be formed of smaller pieces to make a firm structure.
On no account let the " rustic " carpenter begin to adorn it with the
fantastic branchings he is so fond of.
TREES SUPPORTING CLIMBERS. — Instead of trusting to wire and
ugly posts or the many artificial ways for supporting climbers, why
should we not do as the Italians and people of south Europe do, use
living trees to carry the vine or climber. Weeping trees of graceful
leaf and form might be used in this way with fine effect. Abroad
they take for this purpose any kind of tree which happens to be near
and keep it within bounds, and those who know our garden flora
may select treer which, while beautiful themselves, will not be much
trouble to keep in bounds, like the weeping Cherry, weeping Aspen,
some Willows even, and any light leaved veeping tree would be
charming for its own sake as well as for what it might carry. Some
of them might even be beautiful in flower, and there would be no
trouble in getting creepers to run over them.
LIGHT ARCHES OVER WALKS. — When a quiet walk leads
from one part of the garden to another, and that walk is spanned
at intervals with slender iron or other light arches clothed with
Honeysuckle, Clematis, or Jasmine, it gives an added grace to the
walk. This also is a delightful way of framing, so to say, a flower
border, the light arches springing up from the line of the trellis, which
should be used to cut off the borders from the kitchen garden.
ANNUAL AND HERBACEOUS CLIMBERS. — However rich we may
134 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
be in perennial and shrubby climbers, we must not forget the climbing
things among annual and like plants to help us, especially in the
smaller class of gardens and those on which we depend more on
annual flowers. Hedges of Sweet Peas there are few things to equal ;
the fragile annual Convolvuli in many colours are pretty for low
trellises, the vigorous herbaceous Bindweeds for rough places outside
the flower garden. Most showy of all annual climbers are the many
Gourds, which, treated in a bold way, give fine effects when trained
over outhouses, sheds, or on strong stakes as columns. The showy
annual climbing Tropaeolums, as well as the brilliant herbaceous and
tuberous rooted kinds, are most precious, and Apios, Adlumia, Eccremo-
carpus, Maurandya and Cobaea in mild districts are among the
plants that help us to make walls into gardens. Nor must we forget
the Hop, a vigorous, graceful, herbaceous climber, of much value where
well placed. Among these climbers we may place the Passion Flower,
because so often short-lived in the cold and more inland parts of our
islands. It is best for sheltered and sea-coast places and is not quite
hardy there in our coldest seasons ; still, if its base be sheltered with
some dry Fern, it will spring up again.
COVERED WAYS OF FRUIT TREES. — This way of growing fruit
trees and shading walks is not often seen, though few things would be
prettier or more useful in gardens if fruit trees of high quality were chosen.
Although in our gardens the shaded walk is not so necessary as it is
in Italy and Southern France, in hot seasons shade is welcome in
Britain ; and, as in many gardens we have four times as many walks as
are needed, there is plenty of room for covering some of them with fruit
trees which would give us flowers in spring, fruit in autumn, and light
shade. The very substance of which walks are made is often good for
fruit, and those who know the Apricot district of Oxfordshire and the
neighbouring counties may see how well fruit trees do in hard walks.
It is not only in kitchen and fruit gardens that their shade might be
welcome, but in flower gardens, if we ever get out of the common
notion of a flower garden which insists on everything being seen at one
glance and the whole as flat and hard as oilcloth.
PLASHED ALLEYS. — In some old gardens there was a way of
" plashing " trees over walks — trees like the Lime, which grew so
vigorously that they had to be cut back with an equal vigour, this
leading in the end to ugliness in the excessive mutilation of the trees.
One result of the frequent cutting was a vigorous summer growth of
shoots, which cast a dense shade and dripped in wet weather. The
purpose of such walks would be well fulfilled by training fruit trees
over them, as they are trees which much more readily submit to
training and give the light and airy shade which is best in our
country. The fruit trellis, whatever it is formed of, need not be
CLIMBERS AND THEIR ARTISTIC USE.
135
confined to fruit trees only, but here and there wreaths of Clematis
or other elegant climbers might vary the lines.
EVERGREENS AS CLIMBERS.— Those who live in sheltered valleys
on warm soils, or among pleasant hills above the line of hard frosts,
may be so rich in evergreens that they will keep their walls for the
fairest of true climbers. But in cold, exposed, and inland parts people
are often glad to have good evergreens on walls, even bushes not
naturally climbers in habit, such as Garrya elliptica, the choicer ever-
green Barberries, Camellias on the north sides of walls, Azara,Escallonia,
Cotoneaster, and evergreen Euo-
nymus. The Laurustinus, too, is
charming on many cottage walls
in winter and may escape there
when it would suffer in the open ;
the Myrtle is happy on walls in
southern districts, and even the
Poet's Laurel may be glad of
the shelter of a wall in the north.
The evergreen Magnolia, which
in warmer Europe is a standard
tree, in our country must usually
be grown on walls, even in the
south, and there is no finer pic-
ture than a good tree of Mag-
nolia on a house. The beautiful
Ceanothus of the Californian hills
often keep company with these
evergreens on walls ; but even in
the warmer soils of the home
countries they are tender, and
their delicate sprays of flowers
are much less frequently seen
with us than in France, although we cannot resist trying them on
sunny walls, and on chalky and sandy soils they have better chances.
Apart from true shrubs used as evergreens, so frequently seen in
Britain, we have some natural evergreen climbing plants for walls,
first of all being our native Ivy, in all its beautiful forms, and of varied
use for walls, houses, borders, screens, and even summer-houses and
shelters. How much better to make bowers in the garden of Ivy,
as a living roof, than of rotten timber, straw, or heath ! If we make a
strong and enduring framework, and then plant the Ivy well, we soon
get a living roof, which, with little care, will last for many years and
always look well.
Wistaria on covered way.
136
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SOME CLIMBING, TWINING, AND WALL PLANTS FOR BRITISH
GARDENS. — There is scarcely any limit to the different uses that
plants of a climbing or rambling habit may be put to, for many of
them are extremely beautiful when employed for the draping of
arbours, pergolas, or even living trees, while for hiding unsightly
fences or clothing sloping banks, the more vigorous kinds are well
adapted. For draping buildings or furnishing walls there is a great
variety of plants, either quite hardy or sufficiently tender to need the
protection of a wall in order to pass through an ordinary winter
without much injury. The majority of those enumerated below are
hardy enough to succeed as wall plants in any part of England, while
a few are adapted only for particularly mild districts.
Those plants marked with an asterisk are either half-hardy or require some
slight protection in cold districts or special care in some cases.
Abelia
Celastrus
Exochorda
Abutilon
Chimonanthus
Exogonum
Actinidia
Choisya
Forsythia
Adlumia
Clematis
Fremontia
Akebia
Cocculus
Fuchsia
"Aloysia
Clianthus
Garrya
Apios
Convolvulus
Grevillea
Aristolochia
Cotoneaster
Hedera
Azara
Crataegus
Illicium
Berberis
Cydonia
Indigofera
*Berberidopsis
Desfontainea
Jasminum
Bignonia
Eccremocarpus
Kerria
Buddleia
Edwardsia
*Lapageria
Calystegia
*Embothrium
"Lardizabala
Camellia
•Carpentaria
Escallonia
Eucryphia
Leptospermum
Lonicera
Ceanothus
Euonymus
Lophospermum
Lycium
Magnolia
*Mandevilla
Maurandya
Menispermum
*Mitraria
Muhlenbeckia
Myrtus
Paliurus
*Passiflora
Periploca
Physianthus
Piptanthus
*Pittosporum
Pueraria
*Punica
Rhus
Ribes
Rosea
Rubus
Schizandra
Solanum
Schizophragma
Smilax
*Sollya
Stauntonia
Stuartia
*Thunbergia
Tropaeolum
Vitis (now including
Ampelopsis)
Wistaria
Xanthoceras
Akebia quinata
CHAPTER X.
ALPINE FLOWER- ROCK- AND WALL GARDENS.
IT was a common idea that the exquisite flowers of alpine plants
could not be grown in gardens in lowland regions, and it was not con-
fined to the public, but propagated by writers whenever they have had
to figure or describe alpine flowers. So far from its being true, how-
ever, there are but few alpine flowers that ever cheered the traveller's
eye that cannot be grown in these islands.
Alpine plants grow naturally on high mountains, whether they
spring from sub-tropical plains or green northern pastures. Above
the cultivated land these flowers begin to occur on moorland and in
the fringes of the hill woods ; they are seen in multitudes in the
broad pastures with which many mountains are robed, enamelling
their green, and where neither grass nor tall herbs exist ; where
mountains are crumbled into slopes of shattered rock by the contend-
ing forces of heat and cold ; even there, amidst the glaciers, they
spring from the ruined ground, as if the earth-mother had sent up her
loveliest children to plead with the spirits of destruction.
Alpine plants fringe the fields of snow and ice of the mountains,
and at such elevations often have scarcely time to flower before they
are again buried deep in snow. Enormous areas of the earth, in-
habited by alpine plants, are every year covered by a deep bed of
snow and where tree or shrub cannot live from the intense cold, a
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
deep mass of down-like snow falls upon alpine plants, like a great
cloud-borne quilt, under which they rest safe from alternations of
frost and biting winds with moist and spring-like days as in our green
winters.
But these conditions are not always essential for their growth in
a cool northern country like ours. The reason that alpine plants
abound in high regions is because no taller vegetation can exist
there ; were these places inhabited by trees and shrubs, we should
find fewer alpine plants among them ; on the other hand, were no
stronger vegetation found at a lower elevation, these plants would
often there appear. Also, as there are few hard and fast lines in
nature, many plants found on the high Alps are also met with in
rocky or barish ground at much lower elevations. Gentiana erna,
for example, often flowers very late in summer when the snow
thaws on a very high mountain ; yet it is also found on much
lower mountains, and occurs in England and Ireland. In the close
struggle upon the plains and low tree-clad hills, the smaller species
are often overrun by trees, trailers, bushes, and vigorous herbs, but,
where in far northern and high mountain regions these fail from the
earth, the lovely alpine flowers prevail.
Alpine plants possess the charm of endless variety, and include things
widely different : — tiny orchids, tree-like moss, and ferns that peep from
crevices of alpine cliffs, often so small that they seem to cling to the
rocks for shelter, not daring to throw forth their fronds with airy grace ;
bulbous plants, from Lilies to Bluebells ; evergreen shrubs, perfect in
leaf and blossom and fruit, yet so small that a finger glass would
make a house for them ; dwarfest creeping plants, spreading over the
brows of rocks, draping them with lovely colour ; Rockfoils and
Stonecrops no bigger than mosses, and, like them, mantling the earth
with green carpets in winter, and embracing nearly every type of the
plant-life of northern lands.
In the culture of these plants, the first thing to be remembered is
that much difference exists among them as regards size and vigour.
We have, on the one hand, a number of plants that merely require
to be sown or planted in the roughest way to flourish — Arabis and
Aubrietia, for example ; and, on the other, there are some kinds,
like Gentians and the Primulas of the high Alps, which are
rarely seen in good health in gardens and it is as to these that
advice is chiefly required. And nearly all the misfortunes which
these little plants have met with in our gardens are due to a false
conception of what a rock-garden ought to be, and of what the
alpine plant requires. It is too often thought that they will do
best if merely raised on tiny heaps of stones and brick rubbish, such
as we frequently see dignified with the name of " rockwork." Moun-
ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS. 139
tains are often " bare," and cliffs devoid of soil ; but we must not
suppose that the choice jewellery of plant-life scattered over the ribs
of the mountain lives upon little more than the air and the melting
snow. Where else can we find such a depth of stony soil as on the
ridges of shattered stone and grit flanking some great glacier, stained
with tufts of crimson Rockfoil? Can we gauge the depth of that
chink from which peep tufts of the beautiful little Androsace helvetica,
which for ages has gathered the crumbling grit, into which the roots
enter so far that we cannot dig them out ? And if we find plants grow-
ing from mere cracks without soil, even then the roots simply search
farther into the heart of the flaky rock, so that they are safer from
drought than on the level ground.
We meet on the Alps plants not more than an inch high firmly
rooted in crevices of slaty rock, and by knocking away the sides from
bits of projecting rock, and laying the roots quite bare, we may find
them radiating in all directions against a flat rock, some of the
largest perhaps more than a yard long. Even smaller plants descend
quite as deep, though it is rare to find the texture and position of the
rock such as will admit of tracing them. It is true we occasionally
find in fields of flat hard rock hollows in which moss and leaves have
gathered, and where, in a depression of the surface, without an outlet
of any kind, alpine plants grow freely ; but in droughts they are
just as liable to suffer from want of water as they would be in
our plains. On level or sloping spots of ground in the Alps the
earth is of great depth, and, if it is not all earth in the common
sense of the word, it is more suitable to the plants than what we
commonly understand by that term. Stones of all sizes broken
up with the soil, sand, and grit prevent evaporation ; the roots lap
round them, follow them down, and in such positions they never
suffer from want of moisture. It must be remembered that the
continual degradation of the rocks effected by frost, snow, and
heavy rains in summer serves to " earth up," so to speak, many
alpine plants.
In numbers of gardens an attempt at " rockwork " has been made ;
but the result is often ridiculous, not because it is puny when com-
pared with Nature's work, but because it is generally so arranged
that rock-plants cannot exist upon it. The idea of rockwork first
arose from a desire to imitate those natural croppings-out of rocks
which are often half covered with dwarf mountain plants. The con-
ditions which surround these are rarely taken into account by those
who make rock-gardens. In moist districts, where rains keep porous
stone in a humid state, this straight-sided rockwork may support a
few plants, but in the larger portion of the British Isles it is useless
and ugly. It is not alone because they love the mountain air
1 40 THE ENGLISH FL O WER GA RDEN.
that the Gentians and such plants prefer it, but also because the
great elevation is unsuitable to coarser vegetation, and the alpine
plants have it all to themselves. Take a patch of Silene acaulis,
by which the summits of some of our highest mountains are sheeted
over, and plant it 2,000 feet lower down in suitable soil, keeping
it moist and free from weeds, and it will grow well ; but leave it to
Nature, and the strong herbs will soon cover it, excluding the light
and killing it.
Although hundreds of kinds of alpine flowers may be grown with-
out a particle of rock near them, yet the slight elevation given by
rocky banks is congenial to some of the rarest kinds. The effect of a
well-made rock-garden is pretty in garden scenery. It furnishes a
home for many native and other plants which may not safely be put
in among tall flowers in borders ; and it is important that the most
essential principles to be borne in mind when making it should be
stated. The usual mistake is that of not providing a feeding-place
for the roots of the plants. On ordinary rockwork even the coarsest
British weeds cannot find a resting-place, because there is no body of
soil for the roots to find nourishment sufficient to keep the plant fresh
in all weathers.
POSITION FOR THE ROCK-GARDEN.— The rock-garden should
never be near walls ; never very near a house ; never, if possible,
within view of formal surroundings of any kind, and it should be in an
open situation. No efforts should be spared to make all the surround-
ings, and every point visible from the rock-garden, graceful and
natural as they can be made. The part of the gardens around the
rock-garden should be picturesque, if possible, and, in any case, be
a quiet airy spot with as few jarring points as may be. No tree
should be in the rock-garden ; hence a site should not be selected
where it would be necessary to remove favourite trees. The roots of
trees would find their way into the masses of good soil for the
alpine flowers, and soon exhaust them. Besides, as these flowers
are usually found on treeless wastes, it is best not to place them
in shaded places.
As regards the stone to be used, sandstone or millstone grit
would perhaps be the best ; but it is seldom that a choice can be
made, and almost any kind of stone will do, from Kentish rag to
limestone : soft and slaty kinds and others liable to crumble away
should be avoided, as also should magnesian limestone. The stone of
the neighbourhood should be adopted, for economy's sake, if for no
other reason. Wherever the natural rock crops out, it is sheer
waste to create artificial rockwork instead of embellishing that which
naturally occurs. In many cases nothing would be necessary but to
clear the ground, and add here and there a few loads of good soil,
ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS.
141
with broken stones to prevent evaporation, the natural crevices and
crests being planted where possible. Cliffs or banks of chalk, as well
as all kinds of rock, should be taken advantage of in this way :
many plants, like the dwarf Harebells and Rock Roses, thrive in such
places. No burrs,
clinkers, vitrified
matter, portions of old
arches and pillars,
broken-nosed statues,
etc., should ever be
seen in a garden of
alpine flowers. Never
let any part of the
rock-garden appear
as if it had been shot
out of a cart. The
rocks should all have
their bases buried in
the ground, and the
seams should not be
visible ; wherever a
vertical or oblique
seam occurs, it
should be crammed with earth, and the plants put in with the
earth will quickly hide the seam. Horizontal fissures should be
avoided as much as possible. No vacuum should exist beneath the
surface of the soil or surface-stones, and the broken stone and grit
should be so disposed that there are no hollows. Myriads of alpine
plants have been destroyed from the want of observing this pre-
caution, the open crevices and loose soil allowing the dry air to destroy
the alpine plants in a very short time, and so one often sees what
was meant for a " rock-garden " covered with weeds and brambles,
and forgotten !
In all cases where elevations of any kind are desired, the true way
is to obtain them by a mass of soil suitable to the plants, putting a
" rock " in here and there as the work proceeds; frequently it would be
desirable to make these mounds of earth without any strata. The
wrong and usual way is to get the elevation by piling up ugly masses
of stones, vitrified bricks, and other rubbish.
No very formal walk — that is to say, no walk with regularly
trimmed edges — should come near the rock-garden. This need not
prevent the presence of good walks through or near it, as by allowing
the edges of the walk to be broken and stony, and by encourag-
ing Stonecrops, Rockfoils, and other little plants to crawl into the
Passage in rock-garden.
Wrong way of forming rock-garden.
Right.
AJpine Plants growing at the bottom ot a sloping ridge.
Alpine Plant on border surrounded by half-buried stones
Corner of a ledge of natural rock
with Alpine Plants.
Steps from deep recess of Rock-garden, mossed over with
Alpine Flowers.
Ledge of Alpine Flowers (a Garden Sketch.
ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS. 143
walk at will, a pretty margin will result. There is no surface of
this kind that may not be thus adorned. Violets, Ferns, Forget-me-
nots, will do in the shadier parts, and the Stonecrops and many others
will thrive in the full sun. The whole of the surface of the alpine
garden should be covered with plants as far as possible, except a few
projecting points. In moist districts, Erinus and the Balearic Sand-
wort will grow on the face of the rocks ; and even upright faces of rock
will grow a variety of plants. Regular steps should never be in or near
the rock-garden. Steps may be made quite picturesque, and even
beautiful, with Violets and other small plants jutting from every
crevice ; and no cement should be used.
In cases where the simplest type of rock-garden only is attempted,
and where there are no steps or rude walks in the rock-garden, the
very fringes of the gravel walks may be graced by such plants as the
dwarfer Stonecrops. The alpine Toadflax is never more beautiful than
when self-sown in a gravel walk. A rock-garden so made that its
miniature cliffs overhang is useless for alpine vegetation, and all but
such wall-loving plants as Corydalis lutea soon die on it. The
tendency to make it with overhanging " peaks " is often seen in the
cement rock-gardens now common.
SOIL. — The great majority of alpine plants thrive best in deep
soil. In it they can root deeply, and when once rooted they will
not suffer from drought, from which they would quickly perish if
planted in the usual way. Three feet deep is not too much for most
kinds, and in nearly all cases it is a good plan to have plenty of
broken sandstone or grit mixed with the soil. Any free loam, with
plenty of sand and broken grit, will suit most alpine plants. But peat
is required by some, as, for example, various small and brilliant rock-
plants like the Menziesia, Trillium, Cypripedium, Spigelia, and a
number of other mountain and bog-plants. Hence, though the body
of the soil may be of loam, it is \vell to have a few masses of peat here
and there. This is better than forming all the ground of good loam,
and then digging holes for the reception of small masses of peat.
The soil of some portions might also be chalky or calcareous, for the
sake of plants that are known to thrive best on such formations, like the
Milkworts, the Bee Orchis, and Rhododendron Chamaecistus. Any
other varieties of soil required by particular kinds can be given as
they are planted.
It is not well to associate a small lakelet or pond with the rock-
garden, as is frequently done. If a picturesque piece of water can
be seen from the rock-garden, well and good ; but water should not,
as a rule, be closely associated with it. Hence, in places of limited
extent, water should not be thought of.
In the planting of every kind of rock-garden, it should be
144 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
remembered that all the surface should be planted. Not alone on
slopes, or favourable ledges, or chinks, should we see this exquisite
plant-life, as many rare mountain species will thrive on the less
trodden parts of footways ; others, like the two-flowered Violet, seem
to thrive best in the fissures between steps ; many dwarf succulents
delight in gravel and the hardest soil.
In cultivating the very rarest and smallest alpine plants, the
stony, or partially stony, surface is to be preferred. Full exposure is
necessary for very minute plants, and stones are useful in preventing
evaporation and protecting them in other ways.
Few have much idea of the number of alpine plants that may
be grown on fully exposed ordinary ground. But some kinds
require care, and there are usually new kinds coming in, which, even
Steps in a rock garden at Coneyhurst.
if vigorous, should be kept apart for a time. Therefore, where the
culture of alpine plants is entered into with zest, there ought to be
a sort of nursery spot on which to grow the most delicate and rare
kinds. It should be fully exposed, and sufficiently elevated to secure
perfect drainage.
ILL-FORMED ROCK GARDENS. — The increased interest in rock
gardening of recent years has led to much work of this kind being
done throughout the country, and without good results from an artis-
tic point of view. The rock gardens are not right in structure nor
good for growing plants. If they were good for the life of plants one
might pass over their other defects, but when made, as they often
are, of cement, and even of natural stone so that the plants grow
with great difficulty, owing chiefly to the stones overhanging so
as to leave dry and dusty recesses, the result is bad. No doubt
rocks do in nature often have such recesses, but they very often
ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS. 145
come out of the ground in ways that the flowers and moss grow well
on them.
In the present state of the art of garden design, rock gardens are
formed mainly by nurserymen ; these are not men who, as a rule, by
the very nature of their business, can give much attention to the study
of rocks in natural situations, or learn how the different strata crop
out in the ways most happy for vegetation, without which study we
think no good work in this way is possible. The work we see now is
often done better than the ugly masses of scoria and various rubbish
of the earlier " rock works," but it is still a very long way from what
is artistic. Simplicity is rarely thought of, or of the rock coming out
of the ground in any pretty way, of which we may see numerous
examples in upland moors in England, even without going to the
mountains or the Alps. On the contrary, we see pretentious rickety
piles of stone on stone, with pebbles between to keep the big ones up,
and forty stones where seven would be enough.
A characteristic of these elaborate failures is a rocky depression,
often an ugly one, in the ground. This is by no means the most
likely thing in Nature to give the prettiest effects. If alpine and rock
plants wanted shelter, we could see some meaning in these depres-
sions, but the conditions that suit such plants are quite the opposite
and a rock garden should be for the most part made on a fully
exposed rocky knoll.
The fact that such bad work is usual is, however, no proof that we
cannot get nearer to the truth, and there is a good opening for one
who would devote himself to going on the hills and seeing the ways
in which rocks and flowers meet. He would not have to study only
the more imposing aspects of that charming subject, but also the
simpler ones, because in gardens in all that concerns the rocks we can
get only simple effects, and on a small scale. One of the commonest
mistakes is piling stone upon stone in such a way that there is no
room for grouping anything. If one were to take five or six of the
stones one sees in a rock garden, and simply lay them with the
prettiest and most mossy sides showing out of the bank in the right
kind of earth, one would get a better place for plants than a rock
garden made, it may be, of hundreds of tons of stone could give,
because then we should have room to group and mass them, without
which no good effect is possible.
The common " rockery," like the common mixed border, is an
incoherent muddle, and can scarcely be anything else so long as the
present plan is followed. The plants hate it, and in effect it is very
like the rows of false teeth in the dentists' shops in St. Martin's-lane.
We should seek gardens of alpine flowers, with here and there a mossy
stone showing modestly among them — not limiting one's efforts to
L
ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS. 147
any one idea, but beginning at least with simplicity of effect. Then
groups and carpets of rock plants would be easy to form, and their
culture would be easier in every way.
REFUSE BRICK " ROCKERIES." — Whoever started the idea of the
use of the refuse of the brickyard to form the rock-garden was no friend
of the garden, as alpine flowers do not thrive on masses of vitrified
brick rubbish. And these brick rubbish horrors are put up with
overhanging brows so that a drop of moisture cannot get to the
plants, and a dry wind can sweep through them as easily as through
a grill. If the practice were confined to cottages near brickfields it
would not much astonish us ; but in Dulwich Park several thousand
tons of it have been put about under the pretence of making rock-
gardens, and also at Waterlow Park, Highgate, which was once a
pretty and varied piece of ground. If the County Council waste
money in this way, we cannot perhaps wonder so much at the owners
of villas doing it, but in any case it is ugly and disgraceful in a
garden, though we see it freely used in many large country gardens. No
other ignoble materials should be seen in any rock garden, in which
even stumps of trees are out of place. With some people any
broken-nosed statue or other stony or vitrified rubbish is used in what
should be the most beautiful and natural of all gardens — the alpine
garden. If we have not rock in its natural position, or cannot secure
some pieces of natural rock to use even on a small scale, it is far
better to grow the rock plants in simple ways, even on the level earth
on which many of them thrive.
It would be well to ask the cost of such a disfigurement in public
and large gardens where it is done on as large a scale as this; the
mere price of cartage would have made a model rock garden of
natural stone. When these villainous banks of brick-yard refuse
were first erected, anything more hideous in a public garden was not
to be seen, but by piling on them common shrubs, evergreens,
Tobacco, Stonecrops, China Asters, Begonias, Chrysanthemums, Beet-
root, Heath, Elder, and higgledy-piggledy verdure of this nature, a
sort of brick-rubbish salad was the result, and the effect of the brick is
less seen. It is not only the ugliness of this in itself that is bad ; it
is such an injustice to the gardener, who has to adorn at all seasons
such structures, to expect him to get any good results from the kind
of thing a Brentford cobbler who happens to live near a brickyard
makes a little " rockwork " of in his garden.
MISPLACED ARTIFICIAL ROCK. — Artificial rock is formed now
and then in districts where the natural rock is beautiful, as in the
country round Tunbridge Wells. Though why anybody should bring
the artificial rockmaker into a garden or park where there is already
fine natural beautiful rock it is not easy to see. Also, in certain
L 2
ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS. 149
districts, it is a mistake to place this artificial rock under conditions
where rock of any kind does not occur in nature. It would be much
better, as far as alpine and rock plants are concerned, to dispense with
much of this ugly artificial rockwork, and take advantage of the fact
that many of these plants grow perfectly well on raised borders and
on fully exposed low banks.
ALPINE PLANTS IN GROUPS.— Many vigorous alpine flowers
will do perfectly well on level ground in our cool climate, if they
are not overrun by coarser plants. Where there are natural rocks
or good artificial ones it is best to plant them properly ; but people
who are particular would often be better without artificial " rockwork "
if they wished to grow these plants in simpler ways. There is not
the slightest occasion to have what is called "rockwork" for these
flowers. I do not speak only of things like the beautiful Gentianella,
which for many years has been grown in our gardens, but of the
Rockfoils, the Stonecrops, and the true alpine plants in great numbers.
Then, for the sake of securing the benefits of the refreshing rains,
it would often be best, in the south of England at least, to avoid
the dusty pockets hitherto built for rock flowers. In proof of what
may be done in this way there is a little alpine garden, made in quite a
level place in the worst possible soil for growing the plant, the hot
Bagshot sand, where the soil is always fit for working after heavy rain,
but in hot summer is almost like ashes. By making the soil rather
deep, and by burying a few stones among the plants to prevent
dryness, this flower, which naturally thrives in loamy soil, grew well,
and the plan suits many alpine plants.
The next point is the great superiority of natural grouping over
the botanical or labelled style of little single specimens of a great
number of plants. In a few yards of border, in the ordinary way,
there would be fifty or more kinds, but nothing pretty for those who
have ever seen the beautiful mountain gardens. Many rightly con-
tend that, in a sense, Nature includes all, and that therefore the
term " natural " may be misapplied, but is a perfectly just one
when used in the sense of Nature's way of arranging flowers as
opposed to the lines, circles, and other set patterns so commonly
followed by man. Through bold and natural grouping we may get
fine colour without a trace of formality. But most gardeners find it
difficult to group in this natural way, because so used to setting
things out in formal lines. But a little attention to natural objects
will help us to get away from set patterns, and let things intermingle
here and there and run into each other to form groups such as we
may see among the rocks by alpine paths. After a little time the
plants themselves begin to help us, and an excellent way is, if a num-
ber of plants are set out too formally — as in most cases they are — to
150 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
pull up a number here and there replanting them on the outer fringes
of the groups or elsewhere.
WALL GARDENS. — Those who have observed alpine plants must
have noticed in what arid places many flourish, and what fine plants
may spring from a chink in a boulder. They are often stunted and
small in such crevices, but longer-lived than when growing upon the
ground. Now, numbers of alpine plants perish if planted in the
ordinary soil of our gardens from over-moisture and want of rest
in winter. But if placed where their roots are dry in winter, they
may be kept in health. Many plants from countries a little farther
south than our own, and from alpine regions, will find on walls,
rocks, and ruins that dwarf, sturdy growth which makes them
at home in our climate. There are many alpine plants now
cultivated with difficulty in frames that may be grown on walls with
ease.
The Cheddar Pink, for example, grows on walls at Oxford much
better than I have ever known it do on rockwork or on level ground.
A few seeds of this plant, sown in an earthy chink and covered
with a dust of fine soil, soon grow, living for years on the wall and
increasing.
In garden formation, especially in sloping or diversified ground,
what is .called a dry wall is often useful, and
may answer the purpose of supporting a bank
or dividing off a garden quite as well as ma-
sonry. Where the stones can be got easily,
men used to the work will often make gently
" battered " walls which, while fulfilling their
object in supporting banks, will make homes for
many plants which would not live one winter
on a level surface in the same place. In my
Pansy on dry brick wall, own garden I built one such wall with large
blocks of sandstone laid on their natural " bed,"
the front of the stones almost as rough as they come out, and
chopped nearly level between, so that they lie firm and well. No
mortar was used, and as each stone was laid slender rooted alpine
and rock plants were placed along in lines between with a sprinkling
of sand or fine earth enough to slightly cover the roots and aid
them in getting through the stones to the back, where, as the wall was
raised, the space behind it was packed with gritty earth. This the
plants soon found out and rooted firmly in. Even on old walls made
with mortar rock plants and small native ferns very often establish
themselves, but the " dry " walls are more congenial to rock plants,
and one may have any number of beautiful alpine plants in perfect
health on them.
ALPINE FLOWERS AND ROCK-GARDENS.
One charm of this kind of wall garden is that little attention is
required afterwards. Even on the best rock gardens things get over-
run by others, and weeds come in ; but in a well-planted wall we may
leave plants for years untouched beyond pulling out any interloping
plant or weed that may happen to get in. So little soil, however, is
put with the plants that there is little chance of weeds. If the stones
were stuffed with much earth weeds would get in, and it is best to
have the merest dusting of soil with the roots, so as not to separate
the stones, but let each one rest firmly on the one beneath it.
Androsace. Chaddlewood, Plympton.
Among the things which do well in this way almost the whole of
the beautiful rock and alpine flowers may be trusted, such things as
Arabis, Aubrietia, and Iberis being among the easiest to grow ; but
as these can be grown without walls it is hardly worth while to put
them there, pretty as some of the newer forms of the Aubrietia are.
Between these stones is the very place for mountain Pinks, which
thrive better there than on level ground ; the dwarf alpine Harebells,
while the alpine Wallflowers and creeping rock plants, like the Toad
Flax (Linana), and the Spanish Erinus, are quite at home there.
152
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
The gentianella does very well on the cool sides of such walls, and
we get a different result according to the aspect. All our little pretty
wall ferns, now becoming so rare where hawkers abound, do perfectly
on such rough walls, and the alpine Phloxes may be used, though
they are not so much in need of the comfort of a wall as the European
alpine plants, the Rocky Mountain dwarf Phloxes being very hardy
and enduring in our gardens on level ground. The advantage of the
wall is that we can grow things that would perish on level ground,
owing to excitement of growth in winter, or other causes. The Rock-
foils are charming on a wall, particularly the silvery kinds, and the
little stone covering sandwort (A. balearica) will run everywhere over
such a wall. Stonecrops and Houseleeks would do too, but are easily
grown in any open spot of ground. In many cases the rare and
somewhat delicate Alpines, if care be taken in planting, would do far
better on such a wall than as they are usually cultivated. Plants like
Thymes are quite free in such conditions, though it may be too free
for the rare kinds ; also the Alpine Violas, and any such pretty
rock creepers as the blue Bindweed of North Africa.
There is in fact no limit to the beauty of rock and alpine flowers
we may enjoy on the rough wall so often and most easily made
about gardens in rocky and hilly districts, dressed or expensive
stone not being needed. In my own garden there are three wholly
different kinds of walls thick set with plants ; and the easiest way to
the enjoyment of the most interesting and charming of the mountain
flowers of the north is by the aid of walls.
ALPINE AND ROCK-PLANTS FOR BRITISH GARDENS.
Where the name of a large and varied family z's given, as in Phlox, Iris^
Rhododendron, Pentstemon, Salix, Antirrhinum, it is the alpine, or dwarf mountain
kinds, that are meant.
Acaena
Chimaphila
Globular! a
Myosotis
Sanguinaria
Acantholimon
Colchicum
Helianthemum
Narcissus
Saponaria
Achillea
Cornus
Helleborus
Nertera
Saxifraga
Acis
Coronilla
Houstonia
CEnothera
Scilla
./Ethiqnema
Crocus
Hutchinsia
Omphalodes
Sedum
Alyssum
Cyclamen
Hyacinthus
Ononis
Sempervivum
Andromeda
Cypripedium
Iberis
Onosma
Senecio
Androsace
Daphne
Iris
Ophrys
Silene
Anemone
Dianthus
Isopyrum
Orchis
Smilacina
Antennaria
Anthyllis
Diapensia
Dodecatheon
Jasione
Leiophyllum
Orobus
Oxalis
Soldanella
Spigelia
Aquilegia
Draba
Leontopodium
Papaver
Statice
Arabis
Dracocephalum
Leucojum
Parnassia
Thalictrum
Arenaria
Dryas
Linaria
Petrocallis
Thlaspi
Armeria
Epigaea
Linnaea
Phlox
Thymus
Asperula
Erigeron
Linum
Polemonium
Trientalis
Astralagus
Aubrietia
Erinus
Erodium
Lithospermum
Loiseleuria
Polygala
Potentilla
Trillium
Triteleia
Bellis
Erpetion
Lychnis
Primula
Tulipa
Bryanthus
Erysimum
Lycopodium
Puschkinia
Tunica
Bulbocodium
Erythronium
Mazus
Pyrola
Vaccinium
Calandrinia
Galanthus
Meconopsis
Pyxidanthera
Veronica
Campanula
Cardamine
Gaultheria
Genista
Menziesia
Mertensia
Ranunculus
Rhexia
Vesicaria
Viola
Cerastium
Gentiana
Muscari
Rhododendron
Waldsteinia
Cheiranthus
Geranium
Poet's Narcissus in the grass at Belmont, Ireland. From a photograph sent by Mr. J. H. Thomas.
CHAPTER XL
THE WILD GARDEN.
O universal Mother, who dost keep
From everlasting thy foundations deep,
Eldest of things, Great Earth, I sing of thee.
IN a rational system of flower-gardening one of the first things to
do is to get a clear idea of the aim of the " Wild Garden." When
I began to plead the cause of the innumerable hardy flowers against
the few tender ones put out in a formal way, the answer sometimes
was, " We cannot go back to the mixed border " — that is to say>
to the old way of arranging flowers in borders. Thinking, then,
much of the vast world of plant beauty shut out of our gardens
by the " system " then in vogue, I was led to consider the ways in
which it might be brought into them, and of the " Wild Garden " as a
home for numbers of beautiful hardy plants from other countries which
might be naturalised, with very little trouble, in our gardens, fields, and
woods — a world of delightful plant beauty that we might make happy
around us, in places bare or useless. I saw that we could grow thus
not only flowers more lovely than those commonly seen in what is
called the flower garden, but also many which, by any other plan, we
should have little chance of seeing.
The term " Wild Garden " is applied to the placing of perfectly
1 54 THE ENGLISH FL 0 IV ER GA RDEN.
hardy exotic plants in places where they will take care of themselves.
It has nothing to do with the " wilderness," though it may be carried
out in it. It does not necessarily mean the picturesque garden, for
a garden may be picturesque and yet in every part the result of
ceaseless care. What it does mean is best explained by the winter
Aconite flowering under a grove of naked trees in February ; by
the Snowflake abundant in meadows by the Thames ; and by the
Apennine Anemone staining an English grove blue. Multiply these
instances by adding many different plants and hardy climbers from
countries as cold as our own, or colder, and one may get some idea of
the wild garden. Some have thought of it as a garden allowed to run
wild, or with annuals sown promiscuously, whereas it does not meddle
with the flower garden proper at all.
I wish the idea to be kept distinct from the various important
phases of hardy plant growth in groups, beds, and borders, in which
good culture may produce many happy effects ; from the rock-garden
or borders reserved for choice hardy flowers ; from growing hardy
plants of fine form ; from the ordinary type of spring garden. In the
smaller class of gardens there may be little room for the wild garden,
but in the larger gardens, where there is often ample room on the
outer fringes of the lawn, in grove, park, copse, or by woodland walks
or drives, new and beautiful effects may be created by its means.
Among reasons for advocating this system are the following : —
i. Because many hardy flowers will thrive better in rough places than
ever they did in the old border. Even small ones, like the Ivy-leaved
Cyclamen, are naturalised and spread all over the mossy surface of
woods. 2. Because, in consequence of plant, fern and flower and
climber, grass, and trailing shrub, relieving each other, they will look
infinitely better than in stiff gardens. 3. Because no ugly effects will
result from decay and the swift passage of the seasons. In a semi-
wild state the beauty of a species will show in flowering time ; and
when out of bloom they will be succeeded by other kinds, or lost
among the numerous objects around. 4. Because it will enable us
to grow many plants that have never yet obtained a place in our " trim
gardens" — multitudes that are not showy enough to be considered
worthy of a place in a garden. Among the plants often thought
unfit for garden cultivation are a number like the coarser American
Asters and Golden Rods, which overrun the choicer border-flowers
when planted among them. Such plants would be quite at home in
neglected places, where their blossoms might be seen in due season.
To these might be added plants like the winter Heliotrope, and
many others, which, while interesting in the garden, are apt to spread
so rapidly as to become a nuisance. 5. Because in this way we may
settle the question of spring flowers, and the spring garden, as well
THE WILD GARDEN.
155
as that of hardy flowers generally ; and many parts of the grounds
may be made alive with spring flowers, without in the least interfering
with the flower garden itself. The blue stars of the Apennine
Anemone will be seen to greater advantage when in half-shady places,
under Jtrees, or in the meadow grass, than in any flower garden, and
this is but one of many of sweet spring flowers that will succeed in
like ways.
Group of Mullein, near Scotch Firs, in Surrey Heath.
Narcissi in the Wild Garden. — Perhaps an example or two of
what has already been done with Daffodils and Snowdrops may serve
to show the way, and explain the gains of the wild garden, and there
is no more charming flower to begin with than the Narcissus, which,
while fair in form as any Orchid or Lily of the tropics, is as much at
home in our climate as the Kingcups in the marsh and the Primroses
in the wood. And when the wild Narcissus comes with these, in the
woods and orchards of Northern France and Southern England it
156 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
has also for companions the Violet and the Cowslip, hardiest children
of the north, blooming in and near the still leafless woods. And this
fact should lead us to see that it is not only a garden flower we have
here, but one which may give glorious beauty to our woods and fields
and meadows as well as to the pleasure grounds.
In our country in a great many places there is plenty of room to
grow them in other ways than in the garden proper, and this is not
merely in country seats, but in orchards and cool meadows. To
chance growth in such places we owe it already that many Narcissi
or Daffodils which were lost to gardens, in the period when hardy
plants were wholly set aside for bedding plants, have been preserved
to us, at first probably in many cases thrown out with the garden
refuse. In many places in Ireland and the west of England Narcissi
lost to gardens have been found in old orchards and meadows.
There is scarcely a garden in the kingdom that is not disfigured
by vain attempts to grow trees, shrubs, and flowers that are not
really hardy, and it would often be much wiser to devote attention to
things that are absolutely hardy in our country, like most Narcissi
to which the hardest winters make no difference, and, besides, we
know from their distribution in Nature how fearless they are in this
respect. Three months after our native kind has flowered in the
weald of Sussex and in the woods or orchards of Normandy, many
of its allies are beneath the snow in the mountain valleys of Europe,
waiting till the summer sun melts the deep snow. On a high plateau
in Auvergne I saw many acres in full bloom on July 16, 1894, and
these high plateaux are much colder than our own country generally.
Soils that are cool and stiff and not favourable to a great variety
of plants suit Narcissi perfectly. On the cool mountain marshes and
pastures, where the snow lies deep, the plant has abundance of
moisture — one reason why it succeeds better in our cool soils. In
any case it does so, and it is mostly on dry light soils that Narcissi
fail to succeed. Light, sandy or chalky soils in the south of England
are useless, and Narcissus culture on a large scale should not be
attempted on such soils. We must not court failure, and however
freely in some soils Narcissi grow in turf, there is no law clearer than
that all plants will not grow in any one soil, and it is a mercy, too,
for if all soils were alike, we should find gardens far more monotonous
than they are now. Gardening is an art dealing with living things,
and we cannot place these with as little thought as those who arrange
shells, or coins, or plates. At the same time we may be mistaken as
to failures which now and then arise from other causes than the soil.
I planted years ago some Bayonne Daffodils on the northern slope of
a poor field, and thought the plants had perished, as so little was seen
of them after the first year. Despairing of the slope, it was planted
Narcissus in turf at Warley Place.
[58 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
with Alder, a tree that grows in any cool soil. Years afterwards,,
walking one day through the Alder, I found the Bayonne Daffodil in-
perfect bloom. The roots had doubtless been weak and taken time
to recover.
Ten years ago I planted many thousands of Narcissi in the grass,
never doubting that I should succeed with them, but not expecting
I should succeed nearly so well. They have thriven admirably,,
bloomed well and regularly ; the flowers are large and handsome, and
in most cases have not diminished in size. In open rich, heavy
bottoms, along hedgerows, banks, in quiet open loamy fields, in every
position they have been tried. They are delightful seen near at hand,,
and also effective in the picture. The leaves ripen, disappear before
mowing time, and do not in any way interfere with the farming. The
harrowing and rolling of the fields in the spring hurt the leaves a
little, but the plants are free from this near wood walks, by grass
walks and open copses and lawns which abound in so many English
country places.
As to the kinds we may naturalise with advantage, they are
almost without limit, but generally it is better to take the great
groups of Star Narcissi, the Poet's, and the wild Daffodil, of which
there are so many handsome varieties. We can be sure that these
are hardy in our soils ; and, moreover, as we have to do this kind of
work in a bold and rather unsparing way, we must deal with kinds
that are easiest to purchase. There is hardly any limit except the
one of rarity, and we must for the most part put our rare kinds in
good garden ground till they increase, though we have to count with.
the fact that in some cases Narcissi that will not thrive in a garden
will do so in the grass of a meadow or orchard.
The fine distant effect of Narcissi in groups in the grass should
not be forgotten. It is distinct from their effect in gardens, and it is
most charming to see them reflect, as it were, the glory of the spring
sun. It is not only their effect near at hand that charms us, but as
we walk about we may see them in the distance in varying lights,
sometimes through and beyond the leafless woods or copses. And
there is nothing we have to fear in this charming work save the
common sin — overdoing. To scatter Narcissi equally over the grass
everywhere is to destroy all chance of repose, of relief, and of seeing
them in the ways in which they often arrange themselves. It is
almost as easy to plant in pretty ways as in ugly ways if we take the
trouble to think of it. There are hints to be gathered in the way
wild plants arrange themselves, and even in the sky. Often a small
cloud passing in the sky will give a very good form for a group, and
be instructive even in being closer and more solid towards its centre,
as groups of Narcissi in the grass should often be. The regular
i6o THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
garden way of setting things out is very necessary in the garden, but
it will not do at all if we are to get the pictures we can get from
Narcissi in the turf, and it is always well to keep open turf here and
there among the groups, and in a lawn or a meadow we should leave
a large breadth quite free of flowers.
SNOWDROPS NATURALISED. — The illustration is from a photo-
graph taken by Mr. John McLeish at Straffan, Co. Kildare, and from
it one may gain a glimpse of the pretty and natural way in which
these flowers have grouped themselves on the greensward beneath the
red-twigged Limes and on the soft and mossy lawns. Originally no
doubt the Snowdrops were planted, but they have seeded themselves
so long that they are now thoroughly naturalised, and one of the
sights to see at Straffan Gardens is the Snowdrops at their best under
the leafless trees. The common single and double forms are still the
best for grouping in quantity and for naturalisation everywhere.
There are finer varieties, but none grow and increase so well in our
gardens as do these northern kinds. The best of the eastern Snow-
drops are very bold and beautiful, they are unsurpassed for vigour of
leafage and size of bloom if carefully cultivated, but they do not grow
and increase on the grass as do G. nivalis and all its forms.
For solid green leafage and size and substance of flower, G. Ikariae
when well grown is, as I believe, the finest of all Snowdrops, but it is
from Asia Minor, and does not really love our soil and climate, nor is
it likely to naturalise itself with us as G. nivalis has done. The best
of all the really hardy and truly northern Snowdrops is a fine form of
G. nivalis, leaning to the broad-leaved or G. caucasicus group, which
was found in the Crimea in 1856 and introduced from the Tchernaya
valley to Straffan. It is called G. nivalis grandis, or the Straffan
Snowdrop, or G. caucasicus var. grandis, and to see it at its best is a
great pleasure. It is really a tall, vigorous-habited, and free-flowering
form of the wild Snowdrop (G. nivalis) as found in the Crimea. The
flowers are very large and pure in colour, and being borne on stalks a
foot or more in length they bunch better than do those of the common
type. G. plicatus is also from the Crimea, but is, as I have said, quite
different, having much broader plicate leaves and smaller flowers.
Snowdrops generally like deep, moist soils and half shade, as their
flowers wither and brown quickly on dry, light soils in full sunshine.
In damp woods, copses, and hedgerows they seem most at home, and,
like Narcissi and many other early-flowering bulbs, they rather enjoy
flooding or occasional irrigation after root and top growth have begun.
At Straffan the lawn lies low down near the river Liffey, and it is
sometimes submerged for a day or two after the snow melts in early
spring or after heavy rains, From May until September, however,
the bulbs are dry among the tree roots with the dense canopy of Lime
THE WILD GARDEN. 161
leafage overhead, as are also the roots of the sky-blue Apennine
Anemone that bear them company. We are beginning to perceive
that, as a broad rule, some bulbous plants enjoy growing amongst the
roots of other plants, or of trees and shrubs, or in the grass of lawn or
meadow. The wild Daffodil and Bluebells do this as well as the
Snowdrop, and those who have tried to dig up bulbs of any kind
abroad with a knife or even with a botanical trowel, will remember
how tightly wedged they frequently are in roots of various kinds, or
jammed tightly in both roots and stones. F. W. B.
How TO PLANT. — I usually plant Narcissi in grass by turning
back the sod, making two cuts with the spade at right angles, and
then pressing up and back the sod, laying it back on a hinge, as it
were, putting in a few bulbs, mostly round the sides of the hole, turn-
ing the sod back and treading firmly upon it. The question is largely
one of convenience and the ground one has to plant. If one could
improve the subsoil it would be better for some soils, no doubt, but if
the work is done in a bold way and there is much other planting
going on, it is not easy to get time to plant things in the grass with
care. Sometimes in breaking new ground or carrying out changes
one gets a chance of throwing in some bulbs before the surface is
levelled up. Once in planting Grape Hyacinths in an uneven grassy
slope they were placed on the turf in the hollows and then levelled
up with earth, and both grass and bulbs soon came through. Once
some bullocks passed an evening where they " didn't ought to " in a
grassy enclosure near the house, and their footmarks suggested a group
of the Apennine Windflower, and a few of its roots were put in and
the holes filled up. A wily man will see odd ways now and then of
getting bulbs or seeds in. When the men are making sod banks for
the only true field fence — a live one — is a very good time to put in
Sweet Briars in the bank. In certain soils seeds may be sown be-
times— seeds of Foxglove, Evening Primrose, and stout biennials.
Fragile bulbs will want more care and less depth than the bolder
Narcissi. Many ways are good, though far more important than any
way of planting is thought as to the wants of the thing we plant, not
only as to soil, but association with the things that will grow about it
in grass, in hedgerows and rough places, for plants are not all garot-
ters like the great Japanese Knotworts and the big Moon Daisies ;
and little ducks must not be left among barn rats or we may not see
them again.
All planting in the grass should be in natural groups or prettily
fringed colonies, growing to and fro as they like after planting.
Lessons in this grouping are to be had in the woods, copses, heaths,
and meadows, by those who look about them as they go. At first
many will find it difficult to get out of formal masses, but they may
M
1 62 THE ENGLISH FL 0 WER GA RDEN.
be got over by studying natural groupings of wild flowers. Once
established, the plants soon begin to group themselves in pretty
ways.
The Secret of the Soil. — In the cultivation of hardy plants and
especially in wild gardening the important thing is to find out what
things really do in the soil, without which much good way cannot be
made. Many people make errors in planting things that are notoriously
tender in our country and very often fail in consequence ; but apart
from such risky planting perfectly hardy plants may disappear
owing to some dislike of the soil. They flower feebly at first and
afterwards gradually wane in spite of all our efforts. I have made
attempts to establish spring Snowflakes in grass, none of which suc-
ceeded, owing to the cool soil, yet one of the Snowflakes in the Thames
Valley grows with the vigour of a wild plant. I have put thousands
of Snowdrops in places where I could hardly see a flower a few years
later, yet in some places it establishes itself in friable soil by streamlets
and in many other situations. So it is with the Crocus. I find it
difficult to naturalise, taking but slowly and gradually diminishing,
and yet I have seen it in places cover the ground. The Narcissus,
which is so free and enduring in cool damp soil does little good on
warm, light or chalky soil. What will do or will not do is often a
question of experience, but the point is when we see a thing
doing well to take the hint. People often complain of the texture
of the grass as a cause of failure, yet I have thousands of the
Tenby Daffodil for ten years in rich and rank masses of Cocksfoot and
other coarse grasses in coverts — never mown or the old grass taken
away at any time, and the Narcissus gets better year by year. So it is
a question of finding out the thing the soil will grow, and we shall
perhaps only arrive at that knowledge after various discouragements.
Some things are so omnivorous in their appetites that they will
grow anywhere, but some, the more beautiful races of bulbous and other
early flowers, will only thrive and stay with us where they like the soil.
It should be clearly seen therefore that what may be done with any
:good result in the wild garden cannot be determined beforehand, but
must depend on the nature of the soil and other circumstances which
'Can be known only to those who study the ground.
Flowers beneath Trees. — Where the branches of trees, both ever-
green and summer-leafing, sweep the turf in pleasure-grounds many
pretty spring-flowering bulbs may be naturalised beneath the branches,
and will thrive without attention. It is chiefly in the case of deciduous
trees that this can be done ; but even in the case of Conifers and
Evergreens some graceful objects may be dotted beneath the outer-
most points of their lower branches. We know that a great number
of our spring flowers and hardy bulbs mature their foliage and go
THE WILD GARDEN.
163
to rest early in the year. In spring they require light and sun, which
they obtain abundantly under the summer-leafing tree ; they have
time to flower and grow under it before the foliage of the tree appears ;
then, as the summer heats approach, they are overshadowed, and go
to rest ; but the leaves of the tree once fallen, they soon begin to
reappear and cover the ground with beauty.
Some Plants for the Wild Garden.
The following are the chief families of plants that may be used in
the wild garden. Where families are named which are British as well
as natives of the Continent of Europe, as in the case of, say, Scilla,
the foreign kinds are meant. In considering what may be done in
naturalising plants in a given position, it may be well to cast the eye
over the families available. Success will depend on how the plants
are chosen to go in any one position, but about country seats
soils are so much varied that it is not easy to generalise.
Acanthus
Crane's-bill
Honesty
Narcissus
Snapdragon
Aconite, Winter
Crocus
Honeysuckle
Omphalodes
Snowdrop
Asphodel
Cyclamen
Houseleek
Ox-eye Daisy
Snowflake
Aubrietia
Daffodil
Iris
Paeony
Solomon's Seal
Barrenwort
Day Lily
Knotwort
Pea, Everlasting
Star of Bethlehem
Bee Balm
Dog's tooth Violet
Lavender
Periwinkle
Starwort
Bellflower
Ferns, Hardy
Leopard 's-bane
Phlox
Stonecrop
Bindweed
Forget-me-not
Lily
Plantain Lily
Sun Rose
Blood Root
Foxglove
Lily-of-the-valley
Pond-flower
Sun flower (Peren-
Borage
French Willow
Loosestrife
Poppy
nial)
Broom
Giant Fennel
Lungwort
Primrose, Evening
Thyme
Christmas Rose
Giant Scabious
Lupine
Rest Harrow
Tulip
Clematis
Globe Flower
Mallow
Rocket
Viola
Columbine
Globe Thistle
Meadow Rue
Rose, wild kinds
Virginian Creeper
Comfrey
Golden Rod
Meadow Saffron
St. Bruno's Lily
Virginian Poke
Compass Plant
Grape Hyacinth
Meadow Sweet
St. John's Wort
Wallflower
Cornflower
Heath
Mimulus
Sandwort
Water Lily
Coronilla
Heliotrope, Winter
Monk's hood
Scabious
Windflower
Cotton Thistle
Hepatica
Mountain Avens
Scilla
Wistaria
Cow Parsnip
Holly, Sea
Mullein
Snake's head
Wood Lily
M 2
Wreath of old Wistaria, Efford Manor.
CHAPTER XII.
SPRING GARDENS.
I have seen foreign flowers in hothouses of the most beautiful nature, but I
do not care a straw for them. The simple flowers of our spring are what
I want to see again." — JOHN KEATS (Letter to James Rice).
IN our islands, swept by the winds of iceless seas, spring wakes early
in the year, when the plains of the north and the mountains of the
south and centre are cold in snow. In our green springs the flowers
of northern and alpine countries open long before they do in their
native homes ; hence the artistic error of any system of flower-
gardening which leaves out the myriad flowers of spring. It is no
longer a question of gardens being bare of the right plants ; nurseries
and gardens where there are many good plants are not rare, but
to make effective use of these much thought is seldom given.
Gardens are often rich in plants but poor in beauty, many being
stuffed with things, but in ugly effect.
If we are to make good use of our spring garden flora we should
avoid much annual culture, though it is not well to get rid of it
altogether, as many plants depend for their beauty on rich ground
and frequent cultivation. But many grow well without these, and
the most delightful spring gardens can only be where we grow
many spring blooming things that demand no annual care, from
Globe-flowers to Hawthorns.
A common kind of "spring gardening" consists of "bedding
out " Forget-me-nots, Pansies, Daisies, Catchflies, and Hyacinths ;
but this way is only one of many, and the meanest, most costly, and
inartistic It began when we had few good spring flowers, now we
SPRING GARDENS. 165
have many ; and hence this chapter must deal with other and better
ways.
The fashion of leaving beds of Roses and choice shrubs bare of
all but one subject should be given up. The half-bare Rose and
choice shrub beds should be a home for the prettiest spring flowers —
Pansies, Violets, early Irises, Daffodils, Scillas, and many other dwarf
plants in colonies between the Roses or shrubs. Double Primroses
are happy and flower well in such beds. The slight shade such plants
receive in summer from the other tenants of the bed assists them.
Where Rhododendrons are planted in an " open way (and these
precious bushes never ought to be jammed together), a spring garden
of another kind may be made, as the peat-loving plants (and there
are many fair ones among them) will be quite at home there. The
White Wood Lily of the American woods (Trillium), the Virginian
Lungwort, the Canadian Bloodroot (Sanguinaria), the various Dog's-
tooth Violets, double Primroses, and many early-flowering bulbous
plants enjoy the partial shade and shelter and the soil of the beds for
" American " shrubs.
In the kitchen garden, in its usual free and rich soil, simple beds of
favourite spring flowers, such as Polyanthuses, Bunch Primroses in
their coloured forms, self-coloured Auriculas, and Pansies of various
kinds, are a good way of enjoying such plants, and more easily managed
than the " bedding out " of spring flowers. That may follow the
fashion of the hour, and with such plants as Forget-me-nots, Daisies,
Silene, Pansy, Violet, Hyacinth, Anemone, and Tulip showy effects
may be formed ; but without any of these pattern beds under the
windows, fair gardens of spring flowers may be made in every place,
and the problem of the design for the few set beds of the " spring
parterre " will not be so serious a matter as in the past, there being so
many aids in other ways, as we shall see.
ROCK AND ALPINE PLANTS. — There are so many hardy plants
among these that flower in spring (many alpine plants blooming as
soon as the snow goes), that there is not room to name them all in an
essay devoted to the more effective groups and their best garden use.
We must omit any detailed notice of plants like Adonis, Cyclamen,
Draba, Erodium, and the smaller Rockfoils and Stonecrops, Dicentra,
Fumaria, Orobus, Ramondia, Silene, and many other flowers of the
rocks and hills, which though beautiful individually do not tell so
well in the picture as many here named.
ROCK CRESSES AND WALLFLOWERS. — Among rock plants the
first place belongs to certain mountain plants of the northern world,
which, in our country, come into bloom before the early shrubs and
trees, and among the first bold plants to cheer us in spring are those
of the Wallflower order — the yellow Alyssum, effective and easy to
1 66 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
grow, the white Arabis, even more grown in northern France than in
England (it well deserves to be spread about in sheets and effective
groups), and the beautiful purple Rock Cresses (Aubrietia), lovely
plants of the mountains of Greece and the countries near, which have
developed a number of varieties even more beautiful in colour than
the wild kinds. Nothing for gardens can be more precious than
these plants, the long spring bloom being effective in almost every
kind of flower gardening — banks, walls, edgings, borders of evergreen,
rock plants, or carpets beneath sparsely set shrubs. The white ever-
green Candytufts are also effective plants in clear sheets for borders,
edgings to beds, tops of walls, and the rougher flanks of the rock
garden. These are among the plants that have been set out in hard
lines in flower gardens, but it is easy to have better effects from them
in groups, and even in broken lines and masses, or as carpets beneath
bushes, thus giving softer and more beautiful, if less definite, effects.
Happy always on castle wall and rocks, the Wallflower is most wel-
come in the garden, where, on warm soils and in genial climates, it
does well, but hard winters injure it often in cold and inland districts,
and it is almost like a tender plant in such conditions. Yet it must
ever be one of the flowers best worth growing in sheltered and warm
gardens ; and even in cold places one may have a few under the eaves
of cottages and on dry south borders. It is where large masses of it
are grouped in the open and are stricken — as the greens of the garden
are stricken — in cold winters, that we have to regret having given it
labour and a place which might have been better devoted to things
hardy everywhere. The various old double Wallflowers are somewhat
tender too and rarely seen in good character, save in favoured soils,,
which is all the more reason for making the most of them where the
soil and air favour them. Certain allies of the Wallflower, moun-
tain plants for the most part, such as the alpine Wallflower, also give
good effects where well done and grouped on dry banks or warm
borders.
THE WlNDFLOWERS are a noble group among the most beautiful
of the northern and eastern flowers, some being easily naturalised
(like the blue Italian and Greek Anemones), while the showy Poppy
Anemones are easily grown where the soils are light and warm, and
in genial warm districts ; but they require some care on certain
soils, and are among the plants we must cultivate and even protect
on cold soils in hard winters. The same is true of the brilliant
Asiatic Ranunculus and all its varied forms — Persian, Turkish, and
French, as they may be called, all forms of one wild North African
buttercup, unhappily too tender to endure our winters in the
open air, but they should be abundantly grown on the warm
limestone and other soils which suit them, as about our coasts
168 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
and in Ireland. There is no more effective way of growing these
than in simple 4-foot beds in the kitchen or reserve garden. The
Wood Anemone is so often seen in the woods that there is rarely
need to grow it ; but some of its varieties are essential, most beautiful
being A. Robinsoniana, a flower of lovely blue colour, and a distinct
gain in the spring garden grown in almost any way. The Hepatica
is a lovely little Anemone where the soil is free, though slow in some
soils, and where it grows well all its varieties should be encouraged,
in borders and margins of beds of American bushes as well as in the
rock garden. The Snowdrop Windflower (A. sylvestris) is most
graceful in bud and bloom, but a little capricious, and not blooming
well on all soils, unlike in this way our Wood Windflowers, which are
as constant as the Kingcups. The Pasque-flower is lovely on the
chalk downs and fields of Normandy and parts of England in spring,
but never quite so pretty in a garden. It would be worth naturalising
in chalky fields and woods or banks.
COLUMBINE, MARSH MARIGOLD, CLEMATIS, LENTEN ROSE, AND
GLOBE-FLOWER. — Columbines are very beautiful in the early part of
the year, and if we had nothing but the common kind (Aquilegia
vulgaris) and its forms, they would be precious ; but there are many
others which thrive in free soils, some of which are very graceful in form
and charming in colour. The Kingcup or Marsh Mangold, so fine in
wet meadows and by the riverside, should be brought into gardens
wherever there is water, as it is a most effective plant when well
grown, and there are several forms, double and single. The Clematis,
the larger kinds, are mostly for the summer, but some (C. montana,
C. alpina, C. cirrhosa) are at their best in the spring ; they should be
made abundant use of on house walls and over banks, trees and
shrubs. The Winter Aconite (earliest of spring flowers) naturalises
itself in some soils, but on others dwindles and dies out, and it should
not be grown in the garden, but in shrubberies, copses, or woods
where the soil suits it. Some kinds of hardy Ranunculus, the
herbaceous double kinds, are good in colour, and in bold groups
pretty ; but taller and bolder and finer in effect are the Globe-
flowers, easily naturalised in moist, grassy places or by water,
and also free and telling among stout herbaceous plants. The
most distinct addition to the spring garden of recent years
is the Oriental Hellebore in its many beautiful varieties, of
which some have been raised in gardens. They are handsome and
stately plants, with large flowers, often delicately marked. With the
usual amount of garden shelter and fairly good soil they grow bold
and free, and have a stately habit and fine foliage, as well as beautiful
flowers excellent for cutting. They are most effective, sturdy, impres-
sive plants for opening the flower year with, often blooming abun-
SPRING GARDENS. 169
dantly at the dawn of spring, and have the essential merit of not
requiring annual culture, tufts remaining in vigour in the same spot
for many years.
DOG'S-TOOTH VIOLETS, SNOWDROP, SNOWFLAKE, CROCUS,
SCILLA, FRITILLARY, AND HYACINTH. — The European Dog's-tooth
Violet is pretty in 'the budding grass, where it is free in growth and
bloom. The Fritillary is one of the most welcome flowers for
grass, and is best in moist meadows ; the rarer kinds do well in
good garden soil, those with pale yellow bells being beautiful. Every
plant such as these, which we can so easily grow at home in grassy
places, makes our cares about the spring garden so much the less, and
allows of keeping all the precious beds of the flower garden itself for
the plants that require some care and rich soil always.
The Hyacinth, which is often set in such stiff masses in our public
gardens, gives prettier effects more naturally grouped, but it is not
nearly so important for the open air as many flowers more easy to
grow and better in effect, though some of the more slender wild
species, like H. amethystinus, are beautiful and deserve a good place.
The Snowdrop is of even greater value of late years, owing to new
forms of it, some of which have been brought from Asia Minor and
others raised in gardens. In some soils it is quite free and becomes
easily naturalised, in others it dwindles away, and the same is true of
the vernal Snowflake (Leucojum vernum), a beautiful plant. The
larger Snowflakes are more free in ordinary soils, and easily
naturalised in river bank soil. The Crocus, the most brilliant of
spring flowers, does not always lend itself to growing naturally in
every soil, but on some it is quite at home, especially those of a
chalky nature, and will naturalise itself under trees, while in many
garden soils it is delightful for edgings and in many ways.
To the Scilla we owe much, from the wild plant of our woods to
the vivid Siberian kind ; some kinds are essential in the garden, and
some, like the Spanish Scilla (S. campanulata), may be naturalised in
free soils. Allies of these lovely early flowers have come of recent
years to our gardens — the beautiful Chionodoxa from Asia Minor, of
about the same stature and effect as the prettiest of the Scillas, and
some of them even more precious for colour. These are among the
plants which may be planted with best results in bold groups on the
surface of beds planted with permanent flowers, such as Roses — where
Rose beds are not surfaced with manure, as all Rose-growers unwisely
advise.
IRIS, GRAPE HYACINTH, NARCISSUS, AND TULIP.— In warm
soils some of the more beautiful of the flowers of spring are the early
Irises, but in gardens generally the most beautiful of Irises come in
late spring with the German Iris, which is so free and hardy
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
throughout our country. Orchid-houses themselves cannot give any
such array as these when in bloom, and they are often deserving of a
little garden to themselves, where there is room for it, while they are
useful in many ways in borders and as groups. About the same time
come the precious Spanish Iris in many colours, lovely as Orchids,
and very easily grown, and the English Iris. The Grape Hyacinths
are pretty and early plants of Southern Europe, beautiful in colour.
They increase rapidly, and some kinds do very well in the grass
in free and peaty soils ; but the rarer ones are best on warm borders
and groups in the rock garden. The Narcissus is worth growing in
every way — the rarer kinds in prepared borders or beds and the
many that are plentiful in almost any cool soil in the grass. In our
country, where there are so many cool and rich soils allowing of the
Narcissus being naturalised and grown admirably in many ways,
it is, perhaps, on the whole, the most precious of all our spring
flowers. But the Tulip is the most gorgeous in colour of all the
flowers of spring, and for its effectiveness is better worthy of special
culture than most — indeed, the florists' kinds and the various rare
garden Tulips must be well grown to show their full size and beauty.
Replanting now and then is almost essential with a Tulip garden
if we are to keep the bulbs free from disease ; the wood Tulip and
certain wild species may be naturalised, and in that state are as
beautiful, if not so large, as the cultivated bulbs. The Tulip deserves
a far better place among spring flowers than it has ever had, as,
apart from the two great groups of early and late Tulips hitherto
cultivated in European gardens, a number of handsome wild kinds
are being introduced from Central Asia and other countries, many of
them having early flowers of great beauty and fine colour, and if they
will only take kindly to our climate the Tulip garden will soon leave
all hot-house brilliancy a long way in the rear.
P^EONY, POPPY AND LUPIN. — Paeonies are nobly effective in
many ways. Where single or other kinds are plentiful they may
be well used as broad groups in new plantations, among shrubs and
low trees, and as to the choice double kinds, no plants better deserve
a little garden or border to themselves, while the tree kinds make
superb groups on the lawn and are safer from frost on high ground.
The great scarlet Poppies are showy in spring, and best grown among
trees and in the wild garden, and with them may be named the Welsh
Poppy, a very effective plant in spring as well as summer, and often
sowing itself in all sorts of places. The various garden forms of the
opium Poppy and of the field Poppy, both double and single, are
very showy where any space is given to annual flowers.
The common perennial Lupin is a very showy, pretty plant
grown in a free way in groups and masses, and may sometimes be
SPRING GARDENS.
171
naturalised, and, associated with Poppies and free-growing Columbines
in the wild garden, it is very effective.
PRIMROSE, TULIP, COWSLIP, POLYANTHUS AND AURICULA. —
The Yulan (Magnolia conspicua) at Gunnersbury House.
Primroses are a lovely host for the garden, especially the garden
varieties of the common Primrose, Cowslip, and Oxlip. Few things
t72 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
•deserve a better place, or are more worthy of good culture in visible
•groups and colonies or rich garden borders. Apart from the lovely
races of garden forms raised from the Primrose, the Cowslip, and the
Oxlip, and also the Alpine Auriculas, double Primroses should not
be forgotten, as in all moist districts and in peaty and free soil they
give such tender and beautiful colour in groups, borders, or slightly
shaded among dwarf shrubs. Primroses and Polyanthus of native
origin, are well backed up by the beautiful Indian Primrose (Primula
rosea), which thrives apace in cool soils in the north of England and
in Scotland, and which, when grown in bold groups, is very good in
effect, as are the purplish Indian Primroses under like conditions.
ROCKFOIL, GENTIAN, AND ALPINE PHLOX. — The large-
leaved Indian Rockfoils (Saxifraga) are in many soils very easily
grown, and they are showy spring flowers in bold groups, especially
some of the improved varieties. Although it is only in places where
there is rocky ground or large rock gardens that one can get the
beauty of the smaller Mountain Rockfoils (Saxifraga), we cannot
omit to notice their beauty — both the white, yellow, and crimson-
flowered kind — when seen in masses. The same may be said of
Gentians ; beautiful as they are in the mountains, few gardens have
positions where we can get their fine effect, always excepting the old
Gentianella (G. acaulis), which in old Scotch and English gardens used
to make such handsome broad edgings, and which is easily grown in
a cool soil, and gives, perhaps, the noblest effect of blue flowers that
one can enjoy in our latitudes in spring. The tall Phloxes are plants
of the summer, but there is a group of American dwarf alpine
Phloxes of the mountains which are among the hardiest and most
cheery flowers of spring, thriving on any dry banks and in the drier
parts of rock gardens, forming mossy edgings in the flower garden,
and breaking into a foam of flowers early in spring.
PANSIES. — The Viola family is most precious, not only in the
many forms of the sweet Violet, which will always deserve garden
cultivation, but in the numerous varieties of the Pansy, which flower so
effectively in the spring. The best of all, perhaps, for artistic use are
the Tufted Pansies, which are delightfully simple in colour — white,
pale blue, or lavender, and various other delicate shades. Almost
perennial in character, they can be increased and kept true, and they
give us distinct and delicate colour in masses as wide as we wish,
instead of the old " variegated " effect of Pansies. Though the
separate flowers of these were often handsome, the effect of the
Tufted Pansies with their pure and delicate colours is more valuable,
and these also, while pretty in groups and patches, will, where there
is space, often be worth growing in little nursery beds.
FORGET-ME-NOTS are among the most welcome flowers of spring.
SPRING GARDENS.
173
Before the common and most beautiful of all— the marsh Forget-me-
not — comes, there are the wood Forget-me-not (M. sylvatica) and M.
dissitiflora and M. alpestris, all precious early flowers. Allied to the
ever- welcome Forget-me-not is the common Omphalodes, or creeping
Forget-me-not, valuable for its freedom in growth in half shady or
Rhododendron garden, Bidston, Cheshire.
rough places in almost any soil — one of the most precious of the
early flowers which take care of themselves if we take a little trouble
to put them in likely places. Among
ANNUAL FLOWERS that bloom in spring where the soil is favour-
able, excellent results are often obtained by sowing Sweet Peas in
Autumn. Where this is done, and they escape the winter, they give
174 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
welcome hedges of flowers in the early year. So, too, the Cornflower,
a lovely spring flower, and perhaps the finest blue we have among
annual plants ; but to have it good and early it should be always
sown in Autumn, and for effect it should be in broad masses, some-
times among shrubs or in recently broken ground which we desire to
cover. Some of the Californian annuals are handsome and vigorous
when sown in autumn, always provided they escape the winter. The
White Godetia is very fine in this way. In all chalky, sandy, and
warm soils the Stocks for spring bloom are handsome and fragrant,
but it is a waste of time to attempt to grow them on cold soils. It
would be taking too narrow a view to omit from our thoughts of
spring gardens the manytbeautiful flowering.
SHRUBS AND TREES THAT BLOOM IN SPRING, as some of the
finest effects come from the early trees and shrubs. Among the
most stately are the Chestnuts, particularly the red kinds, fine in all
stages, but especially when old. The snowy Mespilus is a hardy,
low-sized tree, blooming regularly, and well deserves a place in the
pleasure garden or the fringes of shrubberies. The Almonds, more
than any shrubs, perhaps, in our country and in France, light up the
earliest days of Spring, and, like most southern trees, are best in
warm valley soils, growing more slowly in cool heavy soils. They
should be in groups to tell in the home landscape. The double
Peaches are lovely in France, but as yet rarely so with us, owing,
perhaps, to some defect of the stock used. Perhaps of all the hardy
shrubs ever brought to our country the Azaleas are the most precious
for effect. They are mostly wild on the mountains of America, and
many forms have been raised in gardens which are of the highest
value. Many places do not as yet show the great beauty of the
different groups of hardy Azalea, particularly the late kinds raised of
recent years. A neglected tree with us is the Judas-tree, which is
very handsome in groups, as it ought always to be grown, and not as
a starved single tree. The various double Cherries are noble flower-
ing trees, being showy as well as delicate in bloom, and the Japanese
kinds do quite as well as the old French and English double Cherries,
though the trees are apt to perish from grafting. The American
Fringe-tree (Chionanthus) is pretty, but some American flowering
trees do not ripen their wood well enough in England generally to
give us the handsome effects seen in their own country. Hawthorns
are a host in themselves ; those of our own country make natural
spring gardens of hills and rocky places, and should teach us to give
a place to the many other species to be found in the mountains of
Europe and America, which vary the bloom and prolong the season
of early-flowering trees. There are many varieties of our native
hawthorn — red, pink, double, and weeping. The old Laburnum has
SPAING GARDENS. 175
for many years been a joy with its golden rain, and of late we are
doubly well off with improved forms, with long chains of golden
flowers. These will become noble flowering trees as they get old ;
hence the importance of grouping Laburnum trees to get the varieties
together.
Among the early charms in the spring garden are the slender
wands of the Forsythia, hardy Chinese bushes, pale yellow, delightful
in effect when grown in picturesque ways ; effective also on walls or
grouped in the open air on banks. Another plant of refined beauty,
but too little planted, is the Snowdrop-tree (Halesia). Unlike other
American trees, it ripens its wood in our country, and often flowers
well. The Mountain Laurel of America (Kalmia) is one of the most
beautiful things ever brought to our country, and as a late spring
flower is precious, thriving both in the open and in half shady
places.
BROOM AND FURZE. — There is no more showy plant or one more
beautiful in effect in masses than the common Broom and all its allies
that are hardy enough, even the little Spanish Furze giving fine
colour. The common Broom should be encouraged on bluffs and
sandy or gravelly places, so as to save us the trouble of growing it in
gardens, for in effect there is nothing better. The same may be said
of the Furze, which is such a beautiful plant in England and the
coast regions of France, and the double Furze deserves to be massed
in the garden in picturesque groups. In country seats, especially
those commanding views, its value in the foreground is very great,
and it is so easily raised from seed that fine effects are very easily
secured, though it may be cut down now and then in hard winters.
RHODODENDRON AND MAGNOLIA. — The glory of spring in our
pleasure grounds is the Rhododendrons ; but they are so over-
mastering in their effect on people's minds that very often they lead
to neglect of other things. It would be difficult to overrate their
charms ; but even amongst them we require to discriminate, and avoid
the too early and tender kinds. Many of the kinds raised from R.
ponticum and the Indian Rhododendron, while they thrive in mild
districts in the south of England and West of France, near the sea,
are not hardy in the country generally. Some of these tender
hybrids certainly flower early, but we get little good from that. The
essential thing, when we give space to a hardy shrub, is that we should
get its bloom in perfection, and therefore we should choose the broad -
leaved hardy kinds, which are mostly raised from the very hardy
North American R. catawbiense, and be a little particular in grouping
the prettiest colours, never using a grafted plant. For many years the
Yulan Magnolia has, when well grown, been one of the finest trees in
English southern gardens, and nothing is more effective than the Lily-
1 76 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
tree in gardens like Syon and others in the Thames valley ; while of
late years we have seen precious additions to this, the noblest family
of flowering trees. Some of these, like M. stellata, have proved to be
valuable ; all are worth a trial, and, as to the kinds we are sure of, the
great thing is to group them. Even in the case of the common Lily-
tree (M. Yulan) it makes a great difference whether there are four or
five trees or one.
Amongst the most beautiful of the smaller alpine bushes ever
brought to our country is the alpine forest Heath, which is cheery and
bright for weeks in spring. It is one of the plants that never fails us,.
and only requires to be grown in bold ways to be effective- — in groups
and masses fully exposed to the sun. Other Heaths, like the Medi-
terranean Heath, are also beautiful in some favoured parts of the
country, but not so hardy generally as the little alpine forest Heath,
which has the greatest endurance and most perfect hardiness, as
becomes a native of the Alps of Europe.
Pyrus japonica, a handsome old shrub often planted on cottage
garden walls, may in many soils be used with good effect in groups and
hedges. The evergreen Barberries in various forms are beautiful early
shrubs, with soft yellow flowers, and excellent when grouped in some
quantity. Two very important families are the Deutzias and Syringas
which are varied and beautiful, mostly in white masses. They should
never be buried in the common shrubbery, but grouped in good masses
of each family. The flowering Currant (Ribes) of the mountains of
N.W. America is in all its forms a very cheery and early bush, which
tells well in the home landscape if rightly placed ; but perhaps the
most welcome and important of all early trees and shrubs is the Lilac
which in Britain is often grown in a few kinds only, when there are
many in France. Beautiful in almost any position, Lilacs are most
effective when planted together, so as to enjoy the full sun to ripen
their wood ; the danger of thick planting can be avoided by putting
Irises or other hardy flowers over the ground between the shrubs,,
which should never be crowded.
CRAB BLOOM. — Apart from the many orchard trees grown for
their fruit, we have in our own day to welcome some of their allies —
lovely in flower, if often poor in fruit. Our country has never been
without some of this kind of beauty, as the Crab itself is as handsome
a flowering tree as are many of the Apples which are descended from
it in all the countries in Europe, from Russia to Spain, and in our
gardens there were for many years the old Chinese double Pyrus, a
handsome tree which became popular, and the American Crab, which
never became so. But of late years we have been enriched by the
Japan Crab, a lovely tree for some weeks in spring and other
handsome kinds including Parkman's Crab, which comes to us under
SPRING GARDENS. i?7
more than one name, and a red form of the Japanese flowering
Crab before mentioned. All these trees are as hardy as our native
Crab, and differ much in colour and sometimes also in form. It is
difficult to describe how much beauty they give where well grown and
well placed ; they are not the kind of things we lose owing to change
of fashion, and in planting them it is well to put them in groups where
they will tell. Apart from these more or less wild species there are
numbers of hybrid Crabs — raised between the Siberian and some com-
mon Apples in America and in our country — that are beautiful also
in flower, and remarkable too for beauty of fruit, so that a beautiful
grove of flowering trees might be formed of Crabs alone. With these
many fine things, and the various Honeysuckles, we are carried bravely
down to the time of Rose and Lily — summer flowers, though Roses
often come on warm walls in spring.
SPRING FLOWERS IN SUN AND SHADE AND NORTH AND SOUTH
ASPECTS. — It is worth while thinking of the difference in the bloom-
ing of spring flowers in various aspects, as differences in that way
will often give us a longer season of bloom of some of our most
precious things. Daffodils do better in half shade than in full
sunshine, and Scillas and other bulbs are like the Daffodils in liking
half shady spots ; so also Crown Imperials, which, like the Scillas,
bleach badly if fully exposed to the sun. We may see the Wood
Hyacinth pass out of bloom on the southern slopes of a hill, and in
fresh and fair bloom on its northern slopes. Flowering shrubs,
creepers on walls, and all early plants are influenced in the same way.
Such facts may be taken advantage of in many ways, especially with
the nobler flowers that we make much use of. If different aspects are
worth securing for hardy flowers generally, they are doubly so for
those of the spring, when we often have storms of snow and sleet
that may destroy an early bloom. If fortunate enough to have the
same plant on the north side of the hill or wall, we have still a
chance of a second bloom, and a difference of two or three weeks in
the blooming of a plant.
Let all who love the early flowers look at this list, not of the
kinds of spring flowers (which are innumerable), but of the families ;
some of these, such as Narcissus and Rockfoil, comprise many
species of lovely flowers, and the story of these, too, is the story of
the spring : —
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Some Spring and Early Summer Flowers Hardy in English Gardens.
Adonis
Alyssum
Androsace
Anemone
Aquilegia
Arabis
Arenaria
Armeria
Asperula
Asphpdelus
Aubrietia
Bellis
Caltha
Centaurae
Clematis
Convallaria
Crocus
Cyclamen
Dentaria
Dianthus
Dicentra
Dodecatheon
Doronicum
Draba
Epimedium
Eranthis
Erinus
Erodium
Erythronium
Ficaria
Fritillaria
Fumaria
Galanthus
Geum
Gypsophila
Helleborus
Hepatica
Hesperis
Hyacinthus
Iberis
Iris
Leucojum
Linum
Lychnis
Meconopsis
Muscat i
Myosotis
Narcissus
Omphalodes
Ornithogalum
Orobus
Paeonia
Papaver
Phlox
Polemonium
Potentilla
Primula
Pulmonaria
Ramondia
Ranunculus
Sanguinaria
Sappnaria
Saxifraga
Scilla
Sedum
Silene
Trillium
Triteleia
Trollius
Tulipa
Uvularia
Veronica
Vinca
Viola
Spring-flowering Trees and Shrubs.
jEsculus
Amelanchier
Amygdalus
Andromeda
Azalea
Berberis
Cerasus
Cercis
Crataegus
Cydonia
Cytisus
Daphne
Deutzia
Erica
Exochorda
Forsythia
Genista
Halesia
Kerria
Laburnum
Lonicera
Magnolia
Mahonia
Malus
Mespilus
Philadelphus
Prunus
P>TUS
Rhododendron
Ribes
Spartium
Spiraea
Styrax
Syringa
Tamarix
Ulex
Viburnum
Weigela
Wistaria
Climbing Rose on cottage porch, Surrey.
THE SUMMER GARDEN BEAUTIFUL
CHAPTER XIII.
THE NEW ROSE GARDEN.
WHATEVER may be thought of the reasoning in this chapter, of one
fact there can be no doubt, namely, that the nobler flowers have
been rejected as unfit for the flower garden in our own day, and first
among them the Rose. Since the time when people went in for
patterned colour many flowers were set aside, like the Rose, the
Carnation, and the Lily, that did not lend themselves to flat colour ;
and thus we see ugly, bare, and at the same time costly gardens
round country houses ; and therefore I begin the summer garden
with the Rose, too long left out of her right place, and put in the
background.
There is great loss to the flower-garden from the usual way of
growing the Rose as a thing apart, and its absence at present from the
majority of flower gardens. It is surprising to see how poor and
hard many places are to which the beauty of the Rose might add
delight, and the only compensation for all this blank is what is called
the rosery, which in large places is% often an ugly thing with plants
that usually only blossom for a few weeks in summer. This idea
of the Rose garden arose when we had a much smaller number of
Roses, and a greater number of these were kinds that flowered in
summer mainly. The old standard Rose had something to do with
this separate growth of Roses, it being laid down in the books that
N 2
i So THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
the standards did not " associate " with other shrubs, and so it came
about that all the standards grafted were placed in the rosery and
there held up their buds to the frost ! The nomenclature, too, in
use among Rose-growers — by which Roses that flower the shortest
time were given the name of Hybrid Perpetuals — has had some-
thing to do with the absence of the Rose from the flower garden.
Shows, too, have had a bad effect on the Rose in the garden, where
it is many times more important than as a show flower. The whole
aim of the man who shows Roses, and who is too often followed as
a leader, was to get a certain number of large flowers grown on the
Dog Rose, Manetti, or any stock which enabled him to get this at
the least cost ; so, if we go to any Rose-showing friend, we shall
probably find his plants for show grown in the kitchen garden
with a deep bed of manure on the surface of the beds, and as
pretty as so many broomsticks. This idea of the Rose as a
show flower leads to the cultivation of Roses that have not a
high value as garden flowers, and Roses that do not open their
flowers well in our country in the open air, and are not really worth
growing, are grown because they happen to produce flowers now and
then that look well on a show bench. So altogether the influence
of the shows has been against the Rose as a garden flower, and a
cause why large gardens are, in the flower garden, quite bare of the
grace of the queen of flowers.
THE ROSE NOT A "DECORATIVE" PLANT!— It is instructive
to study the influence of rose books upon the Rose as well as
that of the Rose exhibitions, as they brought about an idea that
the Rose was not a "decorative" plant in the language of recent
days. In these books it was laid down that the Rose did not
associate properly with other flowers, and it was therefore better to
put it in a place by itself, and, though this % false idea had less
influence in the cottage garden, it did harm in all large gardens.
In a recent book on the Rose, by Mr. Foster-Melliar, we read :
I look upon the plant in most cases only as a means whereby I may obtain
glorious Roses. I do not consider the Rose pre-eminent as a decorative plant ;
several simpler flowers, much less beautiful in themselves, have, to my mind,
greater value for general effect in the garden, and even the blooms are, I imagine,
more difficult to arrange in water for artistic decoration than lighter, simpler, and
less noble flowers.
It must be remembered that the Rose is not like a bedding plant, which will
keep up continual masses of colour throughout the summer, but that the flush of
flowers is not for more than a month at most, after which many sorts, even of the
Teas will be off bloom for a while, and the general effect will be spoiled.
This is not a statement peculiar to the author as he is only em-
bodying here the practice and views of the Rose exhibitors which most
THE NEW ROSE GARDEN. 181
unfortunately ruled the practice of gardeners, and it is very natural
many should take the prize-takers as a guide.
There was some reason in the older practice, because until
recent years the roses most grown were summer flowering, that is
to say, like our wild roses, they had a fixed and short time of
bloom, which usually did not last more than a few weeks ; but in
our days, and within the last fifty years, there have been raised
mainly by crossing with the Bengal Rose and some others
a number of beautiful Roses, which flower for much longer
periods. There are, for example, the monthly Roses and the lovely
Tea Roses, which also come in some way from the Indian Rose,
and which, when well grown, will flower throughout the whole
summer and autumn ; not every kind, perhaps, but in a collection
of the best there is scarcely a week in which we have not a variety
of beautiful flowers. So that, while our forefathers might have been
excused for taking the view that Roses are only fit to plant in a
place apart, there is no need for the modern grower to do so, who is not
tied to the show bench as his one ideal and aim, and nothing could
be more untrue and harmful than this ideal from a garden point of
view.
THE ROSE TO COME BACK TO THE FLOWER GARDEN. — The
Rose is not only " decorative " but is the queen of all decorative
plants, not in one sort of position or garden, but in many — not in
one race or sort, but in many, from Anna Olivier, Edith Gifford,
and Tea Roses of that noble type in the heart of the choicest flower-
garden, to the wild Rose that tosses its long arms from the hedgerows
in the rich soils of midland England, and the climbing Roses in their
many forms, from the somewhat tender Banksian Rose to climbing
Roses of British origin. And fine as the old climbing Roses were,
we have now a far nobler race — finer indeed than one ever expected to
see — of climbing teas which, ;n addition to the highest beauty, have
the great quality of flowering, like Bouquet d'Or, throughout the fine
summer and late into the autumn. Of these there are various climb-
ing Roses that open well on walls, and give meadows of beauty, the
like of which no other plant whatever gives in our country. See, too,
the monthly Roses in cottage gardens in the west and cool coast
country, beautiful through the summer and far into the cool autumn,
and consider the fine China Roses, such as Laurette Messimy, raised
in our own day, all decorative in the highest sense of that poor word.
The outcome of it all is that the Rose must go back to the flower
garden — its true place, not only for its own sake, but to save the
garden from ugliness and hardness, and give it fragrance and dignity
of leaf and flower. The idea that we cannot have prolonged bloom
Irom Roses is not true, because the finer monthly and Tea Roses
1 82 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
flower longer than any bedding plants, even without the advantage
of fresh soil every year which bedding plants enjoy. I have Roses
growing in the same places for seven years, which have the fine
quality of blooming in autumn, and even into winter. And they
must come back not only in beds, but in the old ways — over bower
and trellis and as bushes where they are hardy enough to stand
our winters, so as to break up flat surfaces, and give us light and
shade where all is usually so level and hard. But the Rose must
not come back in ugly ways, in Roses stuck — and mostly starving
— on the tops of sticks or standards, or set in raw beds of manure,
and pruned hard and set thin so as to develop large blooms ; but,
as the bloom is beautiful in all stages and sizes, Roses should be
seen closely massed, feathering to the ground, the queen of the
flower garden in all ways.
The Rose is not only a " decorative " plant of the highest order,
but no other plant grown in European gardens in any way ap-
proaches it in this quality. The practice of exhibitors of any kind
is of slight value from the point of view of beauty of the garden, and
not always of the very flower itself, as we see in the case of the Dahlia.
Thirty years ago the florists, like the late Mr. Glenny, who had the
law in their own hands as regards the Dahlia, would have knocked
a man on the head who had the audacity to dissent from their lumpy
standard of beauty. It was really a standard of ugliness as so many
of these " florists' ' rules are. Then came the Cactus Dahlias, of free
and distinct form, and the single Dahlias, and now we see proof
in cottage gardens even that the Dahlia is a nobler thing by a long
way than the old florist's idea of it. And so we shall find with
the Rose, that, brought back to its true place in the flower garden,
it will be a lovelier thing than ever it has been on the show bench,
seen set in the finely coloured and graceful foliage of the " Teas,"
and with their many buds and charming variations as to flower and
bud, from week to week, until the first days of winter.
THE STANDARD ROSE. — A taking novelty at first, few things
have had a worse influence on gardening than the Standard Rose
in all forms. Grown throughout Europe and Britain by millions,
it is seen usually in a wretched state, and yet there is something
about it which prevents us seeing its bad effect in the garden, and
its evil influence on the cultivation of the Rose, for we now and then
..see a fine and even a picturesque Standard, when the Rose suits the
stock it is grafted on, and the soil suits each ; but this does not
happen often. The term grafting is used here to describe any modes
of growing a Rose on any stock or kind, as the English use of the
term budding, as distinct from grafting, is needless, budding being
only one of the many forms of grafting. There is no reason why
THE NEW ROSE GARDEN.
183
those who like the form of the Standard should not have them if
they can but get them healthy and long-lived ; but in that case
they should train hardy and vigorous Roses to form their own stems.
While of the evil effect of the Standard Rose any one may judge
in the suburbs of every town, its other defects are not so clear to
all, such as the exposure high in the air to winter's cold of varieties
Climbing cluster Rose at Belmont.
more or less delicate. On the tops of their ugly stick supports
they perish by thousands even in nurseries in the south of England
(as in Kent). If these same varieties were on their own roots, even
if the severest winter killed the shoots, the root would be quite safe,
and the shoots come up again as fresh as ever ; so that the frost
would only prune our Rose bushes instead of killing them and leaving
1 84 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
us a few dead sticks from the Dog Rose. Even if " worked " low
on the " collar " of the stock, grafted Roses have a chance of rooting
and keeping out of the way of frost, which they never have when
stuck high in the air. Then there is the fact of certain Roses dis-
liking stocks, or certainly some stocks, as all buyers of Roses may
see certain varieties always " growing backwards " so to say, and soon
dying. This happens even where the first year's growth and flower
are all we could desire. The question for the seller is how his stocks
look the year of sale no doubt, but the buyer should see whether his
Roses improve or not after the first year, and it is certain that many
varieties do go back when " worked " as the term is.
Another element of uncertainty is the kind of stock used. Even
if the propagator knows the right stock for the sort he may not for
some reason use it, as many have found to their cost who have bought
Tea Roses grafted on the Manetti stock — a stock that in any case has
no merit beyond giving a few large blooms for a show the first year.
And in many cases it paralyses all growth in the kind grafted
on it.
There is a way to solve the question as to any kinds we are really
interested in — say Gloire Lyonnaise, Princess Marie d'Orleans and
Bouquet d'Or, or any other hardy and good Roses we fancy, old or
new. It is easy to try a few of each kind in the same soil in the
natural way on own roots, and also grafted on the wild Dog Rose or
any other stock that may be recommended for a given variety, using
the " worked " kinds both as Standards and half Standards or dwarfs
as may be preferred. The first care should be to get plants on own
roots about as strong as those worked, and it is not difficult to do
this with a little patience, as some gardeners and even cottagers strike
Roses from cuttings very successfully. But no trial would be of any
use which did not go over the first year or two, because of the
dread phase of the grafting humbug above alluded to, that the things
are grown to sell, and although they look well when they come to us,
after a year or two they perish, and we are as much in want of
Roses as ever. This may look very " good for trade," but any
practice which leads to the vexation and disappointment of the
grower is not good for trade, as many people give the Rose up
as hopeless on their soil when they get a poor result.
If we go into the Rose garden of the Luxembourg at Paris or any
of the regular roseries in England, we shall find more than half the
plants in a sickly, flowerless state. So sickly are the bushes, or what
remains of them, that it is common to see a rosery without any
Roses worth picking after the first flush of bloom is past, and this
is a great waste of time and temper. When we think of the number
of beautiful things which this has to do with to their harm : — the
THE NEW ROSE GARDEN.
185
flowers fairest of all in form, colour, and odour, from the more beau-
tiful tea-scented Roses raised in our own days to the oldest Roses —
the Moss and Provence Roses — these, too, being often seen in a
Rose La Marque on south wall, July,
miserable state in the rosery, though by nature vigorous and quite
hardy, there is surely some reason for looking into ways of Rose
growing that have led to this end.
Even where the Rose thrives as a Standard, on deep, good loamy
i86 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
soils, there would be other things of interest to determine — length of
bloom and endurance of the grafted plant, as compared with plants
on their own roots — my own view being that own root plants
generally would give the most continuous and finest bloom in the end,
good cultivation and soil being understood in each case, and that in
hot seasons, of which we have had severe examples of late years, the
own root plants are far the best.
THE MANETTI STOCK. — Often I have reason to wish that Signor
Manetti of Naples had never been born or given his name to the
wretched Rose stock that bears it, as among my blighted hopes is a
wall of Marechal Kiel Rose, the plants on which have remained
" as they were " at first for the last five years ; but this year beside
one of them is in bloom the poor Manetti Rose, on which the Marechal
was grafted, and, as the Tea Rose will not grow, the Manetti begins
to take its place. In some soils and conditions, the Manetti may give
some apparent advantages for the first year in making the plant
grow rapidly, and perhaps giving one or two flowers to be cut off for
a show, but afterwards it is all the other way ; the Rose fails on it,
and Tea Roses do not grow on it at all. It is quite distinct in
nature from them, and nurserymen who use the Manetti for Tea
Roses do no good to their own art or to gardens. People ordering
Tea Roses should be careful to order them never to be sent on Manetti
stock. But even if they do so they may be disappointed, as the large
growers have often to buy from others and so send out Tea Roses
on the Manetti stock, an absolutely sure way to prevent the Roses
growing or ever showing their extraordinary beauty.
Why do trade-growers do this sort of thing to the injury of their
own art and the loss to the buyer who supports them ? Unfortunately
routine takes hold of every business and has taken deep hold of this
to its real injury. Roses are not only propagated by the trade for
the garden, but also for forcing, for sale, and for showing ; and it is
the quickest way to make a presentable growth that is taken. In
various cases the plant is only wanted for one year, as when florists
want to get strong blooms and throw the plants away afterwards.
In this case the life of the plant does not matter, but to the private
grower the result could not be worse.
ROSES AND MANURE. — In most gardens where people pay any
attention to Roses the ground in which they grow is in winter densely
coated with manure, often raw and ugly to see in a flower-garden—
perhaps under the windows of the best rooms of the house. This is
the regulation way of catalogues and books, but it is needless and
impossible in a beautiful Rose garden. Most of our garden Roses
being grafted on the Dog Rose of our hedgerows, which does
best in the heavy, cool loams of the midlands, if we want the
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ordinary grafted garden Rose to do well we must give it not less than
30 inches in depth of like soil. This is often of a rich nature, and
it is very easy to add, in putting the soil in, all the manure which the
Rose may want for some years, so that the surface of the bed might
be planted with light-rooting rock and like plants, one of the prettiest
ways being to surface it with Pansies and Violets. I have beds of Tea
Roses over which the Irish mossy Rockfoil has been growing for years
without the roses suffering. Beautiful groups of mossy plants of all
sorts, or pretty little evergreen alpine plants associated with the earliest
flowers, show that the surface of the Rose garden itself might be
a charming garden of another kind, and not a manure heap. In the
old way of having what is called a " rosery " it did not matter so much
about covering the surface with manure, but where we put our Rose
beds in the centre of the very choicest flower garden or under the
windows of the house it is a very ugly practice. The Rose can be
nourished for six or eight years without adding any manure to the
surface, and after six, eight, or ten years most beds will probably
require some change, or we may change our view as regards them.
If we free our minds from the incubus of these usual teachings
and practices, many beautiful things may be done with Roses
for garden adornment. What is wanted mainly is that the very
finest Roses, and above all long-blooming ones like Monthly Roses
and such Tea Roses as George Nabonnand, Marie Van Houtte,
and Anna Olivier, should be brought into the flower garden in bold
masses and groups to give variety and prolonged bloom, using the
choicest Tea Roses in the flower beds, with wreaths of yellow
climbing Roses swinging in the air, and on walls, especially the
climbing Tea Roses. Perhaps it may be worth while, to encourage
others, to tell the story of
MY ROSE GARDEN, as a record of a trial that succeeded may be of
more use to the beginner. My idea was to get the best of the Roses into
the flower garden instead of bedding plants or coarse perennials, to
show at the same time the error of the common ways of growing
Roses, and also the stupidity of the current idea that you cannot
near the house (and in what in the needless verbiage of the day
is called the " formal " garden) set flowers out in picturesque and
beautiful ways. Another point was to help to get the flower garden
more permanently planted instead of the eternal ups and downs of
the beds in spring and autumn and the ugly bareness of the earth
at these seasons, and to see if one could not make a step towards the
beautiful permanent planting of beds near the house and always in
view. Tea Roses only were used for the sake of their great freedom
of bloom, and these were all planted in large groups, so that one might
judge of their effect and character much better than by the usual way
THE NEW ROSE GARDEN. 189
of mixed ineffective planting of one kind in a place. The success of
the plan was remarkable both for length of bloom and beauty of
flower and foliage, variety of kind and charming range of colour, and
also curious and unlocked for variety in each kind. That is to say,
each Tea Rose varied as the' weather varied, and the days passed
on : the buds of Anna Olivier in Tune were not the same as the buds
of the same rose in September, and all kinds showing ceaseless
changes in the beauty of bud or bloom from week to week.
No STANDARDS. — It was easy to abolish the standard as hopeless
and diseased in many cases and ugly in effect, but not so easy to get
out of the way of grafting on something else, which is the routine in
nurseries, and here I had to follow the usual way of getting all the
Tea Roses grafted on the common Dog Rose, but always getting the
plants " worked " low either on the base of the stock or on the root, so
that it is easy in planting to cover the union of the stock with the
more precious thing which is grafted on to it, and so protect the often
somewhat delicate kind from intense cold. There is also a chance in
this way of letting the plant so grafted free itself by rooting above the
union. If we plant firmly in the earth, slightly inclining it to one
side, and scrape a little off the lower part of the stems of the Rose, we
may encourage the rose to root itself above the stock, and in any
case we escape the ravages of frost. Certainly it is so in my
garden in a cool and upland district. For ten years or so, of the
many kinds we have planted we have had no losses from cold. The
Tea Roses were often cut down by the frost, but they came up again,
often vigorously ; some kinds undoubtedly go back or fail, but not, I
think, because of cold, but rather through not liking the stock.
Making all our beautiful and often tender roses grow on one wild
stock only may have bad effects, just as grafting all the precious
Rhododendrons on the wretched R. ponticum has bad effects. Some
kinds flower, do well for a year or two, and then rapidly diminish in
size and beauty ; some are very vigorous the first year but die off
wholly in the second. The Wild Rose stock has the power to push
the Rose into great growth the first year, and then, owing to the
stock and graft being of a wholly different origin and nature, there is
a conflict in the flows of the sap, and death quickly ensues. There
has been such a number of beautiful Tea Roses raised and lost that
it is worth while inquiring if we have not lost many of them from
this cause. Some Roses that grew freely did not open their buds
in our country, and others broke away into small heads and* buds
which made them useless. However, out of the thousands planted
some kinds did admirably, and quite enough of them to make a
true garden of Roses, lasting in beauty throughout the summer and
autumn.
190
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PREPARATION OF THE ROSE BEDS. — Knowing that we had to
face the fact of all the Roses being grafted on the Dog Rose it was
important to give them a deep, cool loam, and the beds in most
cases were dug out to a depth of thirty inches below the surface.
Although a somewhat rocky and impervious bottom no drainage
was used, no liquid manure was ever given, and no water even in
the hot summers. The beds were filled with the cool heavy loam of
our best fields, mixed with the old dark soil of the beds and raised
gently above the surface, say, to an average height of not less than
6 inches, so that there was about 3 feet of good rich soil. And this
Summer Roses on cottage wall (Surrey).
preparation was sufficient for years, the beds being in some cases
quite vigorous after six and seven years' growth.
ROSE BEDS AND ALPINE FLOWERS. — Instead of mulching the
beds in the usual way, and always vexing the surface with attentions
I thought dirty and needless, we covered them with Pansies, Violets,
Stonecrops, Rockfoils, Thymes, and any little rock-plants to spare.
Carpeting these rose beds with life and beauty was half the
battle. Every one asks us how we mulch. Well, we do not mulch
except with these living plants, many of which are so fragile in their
roots that they cannot have much effect in a bed of 3 feet of moist,.
THE NEW ROSE GARDEN.
good soil. So that instead of the bare earth in hot days, the flower
shadows are thrown on to soft carpets of green Rockfoil and Thyme,
or any other fragile rock or mountain plant that we think worth
growing for its own sake also. It may even be that these " mossy ""
plants prevent the great drying out of the soil in hot summers and
autumns, such as we have had of recent years.
SHELTER. — The position was not at all protected in the direction
of the prevailing winds, or by walls in any way, so that little was
owing to the natural advantages of site The first thing that occurred
to people on seeing the Roses was that they were due to some
peculiar merit of the climate or the soil ; but the same things were
carried out in several gardens formed by me in quite different soils
and districts — Shrubland Park, and Hawley, in Hants, for instance—
and the results were equally good in every case, in some cases better
than in my own garden. It is very likely that working in the same
way all should be able to grow Tea Roses — that is, the best of all
Roses — on many warm soils which are supposed to be useless to-
grow Roses now. There is a limit no doubt as to how far north one
would get these Roses to open, but over a large area of the country
now roseless for half the summer, and in some dry soils with few
or no roses at all, we could make a change towards a real Rose-
garden. All who have hot and warm soils should enrich them as
much as possible, but in view of the failure of the Rose in the brier
they should never try any Standard Tea Roses, but grow these on
their own roots or grafted low, and the point of the graft buried in
the soil so as to allow of the plant rooting itself in a soil which it
may be able to enjoy perfectly well without the aid of a horrid and
corrupting " middle man " in the shape of a Dog Rose, longing all
the time for its home in the clay.
CLIMBING ROSES. — In the sketch of Rose pillars taken by Miss
Willmott in her garden at Warley Place, we see some of the grace
of the Rose treated as a climber, in the flower garden. There are a
great number of Roses that lend themselves to this, the old climbing
Roses being now backed up by a splendid series of long-blooming
climbing Tea Roses which are more valuable still, and much in want
of planting in simple ways to break up the level of gardens and
the chessboard appearance they usually have. Wreaths and gar-
lands of this sort were very much more frequent before everything
was cleared away for the flatness and hardness of bedding out, and
this way of treating Roses ought to be practised more than ever.
They should be trained abundantly over well-formed pergolas, covered
ways, trellises, and fences. In countries a little warmer than ours we
see what can be done with Roses as noble climbers ; in Algeria, and in
Madeira, the climbing Tea Roses running up trees in the loveliest
192 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
bloom, all of the finest sorts, seeming as free as the Monthly Rose
is in the West of England. In our country we have to face hard
winters, but we have many Roses which will stand the test of our
hardest, and there is little difficulty in getting good effects from the
Rose as a bold climber, and better than anything else able to break
up the hardness and monotony too visible in flower-gardens.
" OVER PRUNING CLIMBING ROSES. — The way the unpruned Rose
behaves is this : the plant, as soon as fairly established in a good soil,
throws up plenty of strong shoots, and the following year these shoots
break their buds freely along the stem, and each branch produces a
mass of bloom, which, after a shower, weighs the branch almost down to
the ground. They are often best let alone when among shrubs or in
groups on the lawn, and it is the climbing Roses that show what the
Rose is capable of when cultivated in this free and natural manner.
One of my best rose bushes is an old double white Ayrshire Rose
growing in a shrubbery for more than thirty years — sending out
a shoot of white flowers sometimes on this side, and sometimes
on that side of the clump of bushes, and sometimes scrambling
up to the tops of the tallest branches, and draping them with blossoms
throughout June and July. Some time ago I measured the ground
covered by the plant and found it rather over 70 feet in circumference.
It is growing in a deep dry loam, and this, together with head room,
seems to be all it requires. There are far too few examples of this
kind, for our efforts have not been in the direction of showing what
could be done with the Rose as a tree or bush. The common Dog
Rose teaches us a lesson in pruning and climbing. It forms a mighty
mound of branches, the older stems dying down as the young ones
grow till a large bush is formed, covered with flowers, and they are
never the less for the absence of all pruning !
" Climbing and strong-growing Roses make handsome bushes in a
few years on pleasure-ground lawns. I have seen bushes of this kind
twenty years old in which the wood had accumulated about 2 feet
or more deep, and yet nowhere was any dead wood to be seen, owing
to the plants throwing out annually fresh shoots which covered the
old ones. The plants, in fact, grow exactly in the same manner
as the wild Brier, which keeps sending up from its centre long
shoots, increasing its size every year. Except against walls and in
similar situations, there is no occasion to prune climbing Roses.
They make the finest display when left to themselves, and it is only
necessary to provide them with a deep, strong soil, and to let them
have light on all sides. Whether planting be carried out with the
object above described, or for the purpose of covering naked tree-
. stumps or branches, or for draping any unsightly object whatever,
good soil in the first instance is the main thing." — J. S.
THE NEW ROSE GARDEN. 193
WILD AND SINGLE ROSES. — Another way of attacking the
monotony and barrenness of the " rosery " of the books, is to plant
many of the wild roses, from which all the garden roses come. They
do not, however, appear to advantage in shows ; but on cool grass
in the hot summer days there is nothing more delightful, whether
they be those of our own country like the Sweet Brier, Dog and
Field Roses, or those of other countries, such as the beautiful
Altai Rose, the Rosa gallica and many others. As to growing
wild Roses, the best way is not to put them in the flower-garden, but
rather by grass walks or rough banks, or in newly made hedgerows.
If their beautiful bloom does not last long, the fruit is pretty, and
though they are not of the things that repay us well for garden
cultivation, as the best garden Roses do, the wild Roses may often
be used with good effect.
Among the wild Roses, not natives of Britain, that give us most
pleasure there may be named the Needle Rose of Japan (R. acicularis) ;
the Carolina Rose, charming for its distinct clusters and late
bloom, the alpine Rose and its Pyrenean variety, excellent for rocky
banks ; the glossy Rose (R. Lucida), one of the most excellent in
marshy or almost any ground, pretty in colour too in winter ; the
Austrian Brier, a native of Central Europe, and thriving even
among wild Roses, R. macrantha, R. brunonis and the Musk
Rose and all its forms, the many-flowered Rose R. multiflora,
and the Japanese Roses (R. rugosa). The creeping Rose of
China and Japan (R. Wichuriana) is quite distinct from any, and
excellent for running about rocky banks and as a climber. These
are but a small number of the Roses with which the northern and
mountain world is clothed, and of which many have yet to come to
our gardens.
Apart from the wild Roses of which there are so many, there are
also the single and other roses of garden origin which were thrown
away by raisers so long as the show standard was the only one
thought of, but a few of which are now coming into use, such as
the Paul's Carmine, Bardou Job, the hybrid sweet Briers and
Japanese and other hybrids, and to such roses we may hope for
many additions.
AN ESSEX ROSE GARDEN.
What causes the difference between the burnt up gardens of Sussex
and Surrey and this Essex garden land ? It can surely only be the
open, dark, friable soil, that gives the trees their deep verdure, the
hardy plants their handsome growth, the turf its fine texture and
O
194
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
good colour. In the fashionable flight to the country south of
London garden lovers do not always know that they are turning
their backs on the good soil ; chalky hills and sandy heaths and poor
clays can never give anything like the same results, no matter how
THE NEW ROSE GARDEN. 195
we labour. The difference in soil values is very great, and a vital
question for those who expect to get good results in flowers or fruit,
and the worst of it is that on many poor soils no money or no
manurial or any other additions can ever make them as good as a
naturally good soil.
So here, on a good soil, we have a beautiful garden showing how
Roses love the soil and air, especially the Tea and Monthly Roses,
which have the precious quality of coming out again with ever so little
-encouragement — an hour or two of sun, or even without this in gentle
rains. It may be noticed in the engraving that the border below the
house at the bottom of a terraced-lawn is planted with Tea Roses of
the best sorts, so that it comes into the garden-picture, and is con-
venient for cutting or seeing the flowers, and not thrust away into
a separate corner out of the flower garden as Roses so often are.
And well the Tea Roses repay for the good place, from the ever-
constant Princess de Sagan to the rain-and-storm proof G. Nabonnand.
To these ever-welcome Roses, as good for the house as the open
garden, the best of the wild Roses are a great aid, all the more so
when we come to the adornment of walls, pergola, or the house-walls,
and here in August the Macartney, Prairie, and Japanese creeping
Rose (Wichuriana) come in so well after the early wild Roses are
past. Drooping from a pergola the Japanese creeping Rose is
graceful in the toss of its branches and the purity of its flowers. And
these late wild Roses go so well with the Clematis, Vine, Passion-
flower, Jasmine, and the best climbers we have for house-walls, the
good use of which does so much to grace the house.
And as we have seen that in this garden near the house the garden
Rose occupies its true place (although a modest one compared with
what it deserves), here, round the water-lilies the wild Roses are
grouped. Now that the taste for these beautiful wild Roses from
various countries is reviving, it is well to know what should be done
with them. Their season is too short to entitle them to a place in
the flower garden and a very good one is the margin of pools and
small lakes which are now very rightly given up to precious water-
lilies. The Roses for the flower garden are the long blooming Tea
and Monthly Roses, which reward us by months of changeful flower.
The wild Rose is much better placed in the more picturesque parts
of grounds where we neither expect nor look for continuous bloom
and all the more so because these wild Roses are hardy shrubs that
want no attention for years at a time.
O 2
THE SUMMER GARDEN BEAUTIFUL
(continued}.
CHAPTER XIV.
CARNATION, LILY, IRIS, AND THE NOBLER SUMMER FLOWERS.
THE flowers of our own latitudes, when they are beautiful, are
entitled to the first place in our gardens, and among these flowers,
after the Rose, should come the Carnation, in all its brilliancy of
colour, where the soil and climate are fitted for it, as is the case over
a large area of our sea-girt land.
Our flower-gardens have to a great extent been void of beautiful
flowers and plants ; but instead, acres of mean little sub-tropical weeds
that happen to possess a coloured leaf — Coleus, Alternanthera, Perilla,
&c. — occupy much of the ground which ought to be true flower-
gardens, but which is too often set out with plants without fragrance,
beauty of form, or good colour.
It is not enough that the laced, flaked, and other varieties of
D. Caryophyllus should be grown in frames or otherwise ; we should
show the flower in all its force of colour in our flower-gardens, and
this is an entirely distinct question from the growth of kinds hitherto
known as "florists' flowers." Many who have not the skill, or the
time, for the growth of the " florists' " flowers, would yet find the
brilliant "self" Carnations delightful in their gardens- in summer and
autumn, and even in winter, for the Carnation, where it does well, has
a fine colour-value of foliage in winter, which makes it most useful
to all who care for colour in their gardens, adorning the garden
throughout the winter and spring, and full of promise for the summer
and autumn.
What Carnations are the best for the open air ? The kinds of
Carnations popular up to the present day are well known by what is
seen at the Carnation shows, and in the florists' periodicals, like the
Floral Magazine, Harrison's Cabinet, and, indeed, all similar period-
CARNATION, LILY, IRIS, AND THE NOBLER SUMMER FLOWERS. 197
icals up to our own day, when I began to insist that all flowers
should be drawn as they are. The artist should never be influenced
by any " rules " or " ideals " whatever, but be allowed to draw what
he sees. This all conscientious artists expect, and it is the barest
justice. If we raise new forms, or what we consider "perfect"
flowers, let the artist see them as they are, and draw them as he sees
them, without the confusion of drawing impossible hybrids between
what he sees and what he is told is perfection in a flower. It was
the want of this artistic honesty which has left us so worthless
a record in illustrated journals of the century, where the artist was
always told to keep to the florist's " ideal " as to what the flower
should be, and hence the number of plates of flowers of many kinds,
all " drawn " with the compass. Behind the florists' plates of this
century we have the pictures of the Dutch flower-painters contain-
ing fine Carnations, well grown and admirably drawn after nature.
These artists were not confused by any false ideal to which they
were to make the flower approach, and so we have a true record of
what the Carnation was 200 years ago. In these pictures we
generally see the finer striped and flaked kinds given the first place,
which is natural, as such varieties are apt to strike people the most ;
and in those days little consideration had yet been given to the
question of effect in open gardens, but in our own day this question
has been forced upon us in very unpleasant ways by masses of crudely
arranged, and not always pretty flowers. One of the aids in effect is
the Carnation in its pure and lovely colours — colours which no other
flowers possess. It would be a pity to use these lovely colours only
for " button-holes ' and for the house, when they may afford us such
welcome colour in our summer and autumn gardens, in the days when
people see and enjoy their gardens most.
Hitherto the effect of the Carnation in masses has been mostly
judged 01 from the Clove Carnation, but fine as this is, it is not so
good as other varieties which are better, stronger, flower longer, and
are finer in form, such as " Murillo," " Carolus Duran," ' Comte de
Melbourne," " Francois Lacharme," " Madame Roland," " Paix
d'Amiens," " Marquis de Dampierre," " Mdlle. Rouselle," " Alice, Aline
Newmann," ''Countess of Paris," and "George Maquay." These represent
the Carnation of our own day in its finest form, perfectly hardy, if
layered in the summer, and planted early. Rooting well before winter
in easy and bold groups, they afford pretty effects of colour from
foliage alone, and even in winter time adorn the garden. Some
varieties are very continuous in bloom, like the " Countess of Paris,"
and these should be added to as time goes on.
Over a very large area of the United Kingdom Carnation culture
may be carried out well, and perhaps most successfully near the sea.
198 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
The gentler warmth of the shore in some way influences this, and in
any case the best results I have seen from out-door culture have been
in places like Scarborough, Edinburgh, Anglesea, the shores of
Dublin Bay, and in sea-shore gardens generally where the soil is warm
and good. It is wonderful what one may do in such places as
compared with what is possible, say, in the Weald of Kent. At
Scarborough we may see Carnations almost forming a bush ; near
Edinburgh I have seen tufts of the Clove Carnation 5 feet in
diameter, whereas in Sussex and Kent we have to plant annually.
In our island the area for shore gardens being very large, we may see
how important the flower in gardens in sea-shore districts may be,
valuable as it is in any place where it Happens to do well ; but some
sandy and warm soils, like that of the Bagshot sands for example,
are singularly adverse to the Carnation.
In advocating an extension of ways of growing this noble flower,
I may perhaps be permitted to state the results obtained in my own
garden in Sussex, and in a garden in Suffolk, two districts widely
different as regards soil and climate. In my own garden I collected
all the kinds of Carnations of the self, or one colour, that could be
got in France or England, and grew them in lines in a very exposed
and quite unprotected situation, about five hundred feet above the sea ;
and also in groups and masses in the flower-garden, generally with
very happy and distinct results both as to colour and beauty of
bloom, the failures being mostly from late planting.
So far as hardiness is concerned, we had no trouble in proving
the absolute hardiness of the plants — the harder the winter, the
happier the flowers. An " open," changeable winter is more against
them, by exciting growth, than a hard winter. They were planted in
large and simple flower-beds near the house, between groups of Tea
Roses, occasionally running into the more open groups. In mixed
beds where there are many Tufted Pansies and other hardy and half-
hardy flowers, it is easy to get places for groups of Carnations in early
autumn, and it is best to get enough of each kind to give a fair expres-
sion of its colour.
On the margins of mixed borders the same Carnations may be
used with excellent effect, especially for those who frequent their
gardens late in the summer and autumn. Beautiful effects of colour
may occasionally be had in such borders by associating with the Car-
nations other grey-hued plants, such as Lavender and Rosemary, also-
planted in bold informal groups. The soil of my own garden was a
deep unctuous loam, the rainfall of the district being rather higher
than that of the surrounding country, and though successful, the ex-
periment could not be said to have been made under the best condi-
tions.
CARNATION, LILY, IRIS, AND THE NOBLER SUMMER FLOWERS. 199
The next made was at Shrubland Park, in Suffolk, under condi-
tions totally different, where Lord de Saumarez entrusted me with
the remodelling of this garden, which was for long perhaps the most
famous " bedding-out " garden in England. I had to consider the
question of its embellishment with beautiful hardy flowers, the carpet
and bedding systems, white gravel and broken coloured brick, having
been given up. The soil here is a light warm friable loam, delightful
for gardening ; and so I determined to plant to a great extent with
the Carnation, Tea Rose, Tufted Pansy, Lavender, Rosemary, and all
Carnations and Roses in front of Tudor House.
the beautiful and hardy plants obtainable. Many of the self Car-
nations were used, and with excellent effect. The beds were simple
and bold, and we had large masses, in groups, of the finest self
Carnations known.
The climate, like that of the eastern counties generally, is colder
than that of Sussex in winter, but brighter in summer, and a better
result was obtained than in my own garden ; so that between these
two very different districts we have evidence that the Carnation can
200 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
be used (not merely the Cloves, but many other handsome forms
ranging through the best colours) with in every way satisfactory
effects in the flower garden.
The hardiness of the flower is proved by the natural habitats of
the plant, which is found in rocky upland places in many countries of
Europe, and finds a substitute for its native rocks on Rochester Castle,
and at Chateau Gaillard, in Normandy. It never suffers from cold,
though alternations of mild and hard weather will often affect it on
cold soils by starting the plants into growth at a time when on the
mountains they are at rest under snow.
LILY AND IRIS AND THE NOBLER SUMMER FLOWERS.— The Lily
had to go too from the flower-garden of our own day ; it was too tall,
and no doubt had other faults, but like the Rose it must come back,
and one of the gains of a free way of flower-gardening is that we are
able to put Lilies or any other flowers in it at any season that suits
their planting, and that their bloom is welcome whenever it comes,
and leaves us content with brown stems when it goes, If in the large
flower-garden we get some diversity of surface through groups of the
rarer flowering evergreen shrubs, we have for these the very soil that
our Lilies thrive in, and we break up in pretty ways these groups by
planting Lilies among them, gaining thereby two seasons of bloom,
light and shade in the masses, and diversity of form.
The Iris too, with its Orchid-like beauty and flower, and with a
higher value of leaf than either Lily or Orchid, is in summer flowering
kinds fit to grace the flower-garden with some permanent beds. Some
will tell us that we may not do these things in the set flower-
garden under the windows, but from an artistic point of view this is
not true and very harmful. There is no flower-garden, however arid
or formal in its plan, which may not be planted in picturesque
ways and without robbing it of fine colour either. But to do that
in the face of ugly plans we must be free to choose among all beauti-
ful things of the open air, not forgetting the best of the half-hardy
plants that enjoy our summer — Heliotrope, great Blue Salvia, not
forgetting Scarlet Geranium — no more than Cardinal Flower ; annual
summer flowers, too, from Sweet Pea to Stocks, Mignonette, and Pansy.
A true flower-garden is one which has a place for every flower its
owner cares for.
There is no reason for excluding the best of the summer flowers
from Hollyhocks to Sea Hollies, choosing always the best and those
that give the most pleasure, and never coarse or weedy plants. For
these the true place is the shrubbery and wild garden. It was the
use of these coarse and weedy plants that did much harm in old
mixed borders when they were allowed to eat up everything. In
those days they had not the choice of fine plants we now have, many
CARNATION, LILY, IRIS, AND THE NOBLER SUMMER FLOWERS. 201
of the finest we have coming in our day, like the Lilies of Japan and
of Western America, and also the new Water Lilies. These last
are above all flowers of the summer, and whenever there is any
garden water, they add a distinct and enduring charm to the summer
garden. We should not only represent them, but also the other
water plants of the summer ; and as shown in the chapter on the
water garden, many handsome plants can be grown in rich soil that
often occurs near water, massed in picturesque groups, like Loose-
strife, Meadow Sweets, and Japanese Iris.
Basket of fine leaved plants in the Gardens, Regent's Park.
THE SUMMER GARDEN
(continued}.
" Another thing also much too commonly seen, is an aberration of the
human mind, which otherwise I should have been ashamed to warn you of.
It is technically called carpet-gardening. Need I explain it further ? 1
had rather not, for when I think of it, even when I am quite alone, 1
blush with shame at the thought" — W. MORRIS, HOPES AND FEARS
FOR ART.
CHAPTER XV.
SUMMER-BEDDING.1
WHEN the bedding system first came into vogue, it was no doubt
its extreme brightness, or what we should now call its " gaudiness," that
caused it to hold the position it did ; but it was soon done to death.
Only scarlet Geraniums, yellow Calceolarias, blue Lobelias, or purple
Verbenas were used ; and the following year, by way of a change,
there were Verbenas, Calceolarias, and Geraniums, — the constant
repetition of this scarlet, yellow, and blue nauseating even those with
little taste in gardening matters, whilst those with finer perceptions
began to inquire for the Parsley bed, by way of relief. Such a state
of things could not continue ; but yet the system could not be given
up for several reasons — a very good one being that the great bulk of
hardy flowers had been ruthlessly swept out of the garden to make
room for bedding plants, and so — gardeners being, as it were, in
desperate straits — the development of the bedding system began,
and foliage plants of various colours were mixed with the flowers.
Then followed standard graceful foliage plants and hardy carpeting
plants ; and now dwarf-growing shrubs are freely associated with the
1 As the aim of this book is to show in how many ways we can make a garden beautiful
apart from the bedding system, that system is described by one who carries it out with
great success.
SUMMER-BEDDING, 203
commoner types of bedding plants. Indeed, the system improved
so rapidly that its most relentless opponents admitted that it
had some redeeming qualities. I think, however, that the strongest
reason of all for its retention is its suitability to formal or geometrical
parterres.
Most people have their own notions as to what constitutes per-
fection of colour in bedding arrangements. This perfection I have
not attained to, nor have I, perhaps, any decided preference for one
colour over another ; but I have very decided notions that the various
colours should be so completely commingled that one would be
puzzled to determine what tint predominates in the entire arrange-
ment. This rule I have followed for years, and have had a fair
amount of success in working it out. I am even still learning, my
latest lesson being that, if any colour at all may predominate, it is
" glaucous," that is, a light gray or whitish green. Of this colour the
eye never tires, perhaps because it is in harmony with the tints of the
landscape, and particularly of the lawn. To carry out my rule as to
colour successfully, there are other rules which must be studied.
The first is that high colours, such as scarlet and yellow, must be
used in much less proportion than colours of a softer tint, for high
colours overweigh all others ; the second is that there must be no
violent transition from one colour to another — the contrast of colours
must as far as possible be avoided in favour of their gradual inter-
mingling or harmonising ; the third, that the most decided or high
colours, being the heaviest, ought to occupy the most central part of
the beds, or be distributed in due proportion over the entire garden,
so as to ensure an even balance throughout. Further, when dealing
with such colours, use them in necessary proportion, and no more,
and, if you err at all, err on the side of niggardliness. By close
adherence to these rules, I have for years had no difficulty in pro-
ducing a harmony of colour that has worn so well as to be as welcome
at the end of the season as at the beginning ; for the quieter the
colouring the more lasting is the enjoyment of it. And it is pleasant
to observe the great advance yearly made in favour of the quieter
tints — gaudiness, in bedding-out, having become the exception rather
than the rule. To fully carry out the ideal of colour here advocated,,
a great variety of plants is needed, though not more than is generally
grown where bedding-out is practised to any extent. But there is
colour and colour ; and those who cannot have elaborate designs and
variety in colour, may have an equivalent in graceful foliage and
beautiful tinted shrubs of hues varying from deep green to bright
yellow, and in habit tapering, weeping, or feathery. Cypresses,
Yews, Yuccas, and many others, not only associate well with all kinds
of bedding plants, but with the various kinds of hardy Sedums
204 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Saxifrages, and Veronicas. These are all within the means of most
owners of small gardens, and may be arranged in bedding-out form, the
shrubs for centres and panels, and the dwarf hardy plants for massing
and carpeting.
SOIL AND CULTIVATION. — Next to position, soil is the most
important element in the formation of a garden. In selecting a
soil, two things should be kept in view — first, that an open or well-
drained soi1 assists climate (that is, the more porous a soil is the
warmer is the ground, and the better able to withstand extreme cold
are the plants) ; and secondly, that the soil should be deep. Unless
there is depth, permanent things will not flourish satisfactorily. And
for less permanent things, depth of soil is just as important, as it
renders unnecessary frequent dressings of fresh soil to maintain
fertility. Wherever these conditions of soil exist, flower-gardening
is easy ; but in many cases opposite conditions have to be dealt with,
and though it is hopeless to attempt to rival a naturally suitable
soil, a very near approach can be made to doing so. The best soil
is good loam, that is, soil of a clayey nature, but sufficiently sandy
not to be sticky. Of the two states, light and heavy, the light is
the better, because it is the warmer, and the more easily cultivated.
In dealing with heavy soil, we must have drainage, deep tilth, and
the working-in of material rendering it more porous, such as half-
decayed leaves, mortar or brick rubble, charcoal, and ashes. If
manure be needed, it should be used in the long straw state as it
comes from the stables. One mistake frequently made with regard
to soil is, that sufficient attention is not paid to the kind of plants
that the soil of a given district is best suited for. Were this always
remembered, we should see fewer garden failures, and the gardening
in different districts would possess an interest from variety. If each
possessor of a garden were to strike out a line for himself, the
question of suitability of soil would soon be settled, for a man would
be too observant to plant a Rhododendron in chalky soil because he
had admired a friend's Rhododendrons in peaty or vegetable soil.
A healthy Yew or Box is infinitely preferable to a sickly Rhodo-
dendron. The annual dressing of flower-beds is needed to get the
best effects ; and by all means continue it, but not to the entire
neglect of hardy flowers and shrubs. These though they will do a
long time without fresh food, enjoy rich top-dressings of good soil or
manure ; it is only by so treating them that their best effects are
developed.
Flower-beds occasionally require to be deeply dug. Trenching
is perhaps the proper term, but it scarcely expresses what I mean.
The time to do it is when the beds are empty. I trench up my
flower-beds once in two years — in autumn, after the summer bedders
SUMMER-BEDDING. 205
are removed, and before the spring-flowering plants are put in.
Stirring flower-beds creates a wider field of action for the roots, and
gives them an opportunity of getting out of the reach of drought in
a dry season.
COLOURED FOLIAGE. — The use of coloured and fine-leaved
plants in the flower garden has increased, the causes being, the
introduction of a number of suitable plants ; and the weather, which
has often been so wet that, no sooner have ordinary bedding plants
got into full flower, than they have been dashed to pieces by the rain.
Hence the desire for plants that would withstand such washings, and
yet give bright effects. As regards coloured-foliaged bedding plants
in particular, I do not think that if half of the bedding plants used
were what are termed foliage plants, it would be out of proportion ;
in such coloured foliage I would include the variegated Pelargoniums,
together with hardy variegated plants, such as Japanese Honey-
suckles, variegated Periwinkles, Ivies, and the hardy Sedums and
Saxifrages. The effects to be had from this class of plants combined
with variegated and coloured-leaved plants of the tender section, and
with graceful-leaved plants, are better than any to be had from
flowering plants alone, as they stand all weathers without injury.
One of the brightest coloured beds I have ever seen planted in
geometrical form for summer effect was composed of the following
plants — viz. Sedum acre elegans, creamy white ; Sedum glaucum, gray ;
Herniaria glabra, green ; Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variega-
tum, light yellow ; and the bright orange and scarlet Alternantheras,
all dwarf plants ; the standard or central plants being Grevillea
robusta and variegated Abutilons.
BEDDING AND FINE-LEAVED PLANTS. — There can be no doubt
that the use of the freer-growing green and graceful fine-leaved
plants has done a great deal of good. In the South of England
one may grow a great variety of plants of this kind. A number of
greenhouse and even of stove plants may be placed in the open air
without injury, and even with benefit to themselves. But some
plants put out look sickly all the summer and make no good growth.
Others always look well, even in the face of damaging storms.
Where the climate is against the tenderer plants, a very good selec-
tion may be made from hardy things — from shrubs, plants like the
Yucca, or young trees cut down and kept in a single-stemmed state.
But there are errors in the system from which these things cannot
save us. A geometrical bed is little the less geometrical because we
place green-leaved or graceful plants in the middle of it. A more
radical alteration is required, and that is the abolition of geometry
itself, of formalism and straight lines, and of all the hateful gyrations
206 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
which place the art of gardening on a level so much lower than it
deserves to occupy. We can have all the variety, all the grace, all
the beauty of form, all the glory of colour of the world of flowers
and plants, without any of the pattern business which is now the
rule. But we cannot make much progress in this direction except
by suppressing the elaborate pattern beds as much as convenient,
and by letting the vegetation tell its own story. The plants
we must feed and the soil we must enrich ; but finicking beds,
reminding one of the art on fire-shovels and such productions, are
not necessary. Let us then begin by adopting a bold, large, and
simple type of bed, from which the flowers will spring and make us
think more of them than of the pattern. By way of variety, succu-
Stone basket of flowers and fine-leaved plants (Heckfield Place).
lents are desirable plants for dry positions and under the shade
of trees, where other bedding plants do not flourish satisfactorily.
From their power of withstanding storms of wind and rain, and even
drought and cold, they are always in good form ; and they should
have a place in summer flower-garden arrangements of any extent.
They harmonise well with many hardy plants that may serve as
cushions for them to display their quaintness on. The term " succulent "
includes all plants of a fleshy character, the more common types
being the Echeverias, Cotyledons, and Kleinias. Agaves and Aloes
are more rare, but are none the less valuable for bedding.
SUMMER-BEDDING. 207
VASES. — In their proper place, and in due proportion, vases and
baskets are useful in flower gardens, but they are frequently to a
great extent out of all harmony with the style of the garden and its
surroundings. Perhaps the tendency to over-decorate in this way
is due to the geometrical plan of many gardens, when vases are
placed on every pedestal and at every corner to square with many
meaningless angles. Happily, this style of gardening is giving place
to one in which vases and baskets can be used or not, according
to the taste of the owner. When vases are used in large numbers,
much may be done by planting plants of a drooping character
in them ; indeed, vases look most natural when trailers or climbers
droop over the sides. Basket-formed beds are well suited to
almost any position in pleasure-grounds ; but the best of all spots
is in an isolated recess on the turf, and next, in the central bed of
a flower garden, where the surrounding beds are circles or ovals. I
have one, the extreme length of which is 16 feet ; it is 8 feet wide
in the middle, stands 2 feet 6 inches above the turf, and is made of
Portland cement. The principal plants in it are Marguerites, Pelar-
goniums, Heliotropes, Fuchsias, Marvel of Peru, Abutilons, Castor-
oils, Cannas, Japanese Honeysuckles, and Tropaeolums. More rustic-
looking baskets would be better suited for isolation on the turf and for
distant parts of the pleasure-grounds ; and very good ones can be
formed of wirework, lined inside with zinc, or made of barked Oak
boughs instead of wirework. In baskets and vases of this kind
permanent plants should be used, such as the variegated Ivies,
Periwinkles, Japanese Honeysuckles, Clematises, and climbing Roses
— space being reserved for flowering plants in summer and for small
shrubs in winter.
SUB-TROPICAL BEDDING.— There are four types of summer
flower-gardening : i, the massing (the oldest) ; 2, the carpet ; 3,
the neutral — quiet and low in colour, mainly through use of
succulents ; and 4, the sub-tropical, in which plants of noble
growth and graceful foliage play the chief part. To my mind,
a mixture of the four classes is the very ideal of flower-gardening.
It is possible to plant a formal garden in such a manner that the
severest critic could not complain of excessive formality ; for, after
all, it is the abuse of carpet bedding that has brought it into dis-
repute. And justly so, for when one sees bed after bed and arrange-
ment after arrangement repeated without end, with no plants to
relieve the monotony of flat surfaces, one has good reason to protest.
I have charge of a terrace garden which has to be planted with a
view to obtaining the best display Trorn June to November, arid I
am therefore compelled to adopt the carpet-bedding system ; but
208
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
I supplement it by dotting over the surface, of necessarily formal
arrangements, plants of noble or graceful aspect, such as Acacia,
Dracaena, and Yucca. In such arrangements a judicious blending
of beds of flowering plants, principally Pelargoniums, adds brightness
SUMMER-BEDDING. 209
to the whole ; but, save under exceptional circumstances, flowers,
and even fine-foliaged and flowering plants, should never be put in
the same bed as succulents. The colour-massing or grouping style
of summer-gardening is best adapted to a terrace or parterre that
is well backed up or surrounded by evergreens, as these afford relief
from the glare of brilliant colours, and at the same time set them
off to advantage. A few plants of fine form distributed apart over
the garden, and especially in beds of glaring colours, will be found
to enhance the beauty of the whole. My view of sub-tropical
gardening is, that it is only suitable for positions where it can be
associated with water, or for sheltered nooks and dells, where the
force of the wind is broken before it comes in contact with the
plants. Where such positions are not at command, it is best to
choose the hardier class of noble or handsome foliaged plants, many
of which may be permanently planted, such as Ailantus, Rhus,
Arundo, Salisburia, Yuccas, and the hardy Palm (Chamaerops humilis).
Of half-hardy plants that will withstand wind there are numbers,
such as Araucaria, Acacia, Ficus, Cycas, Dracaena, Aralia. In planting
sub-tropical plants, care should be taken that the beds when fully
furnished do not have a " bunchy " appearance. To avoid this, plant
thinly, and use as undergrowth dwarfer plants, of which there are many
suitable kinds.
SUMMER AND WINTER BEDDING. — Now that there is such a
wealth of plants suited for furnishing the flower-beds in winter, there
can be no excuse for their remaining empty after the summer-bedding
plants are cleared away. Much labour is required to carry out both
summer and winter bedding ; but I strongly recommend this kind of
decoration. There are reasons why winter bedding should be en-
couraged. First, winter is the season when all around us is bleak, dull
and bare — leaden skies, leafless trees, flowerless meadows, and silent
woods, all of which have a depressing effect on most temperaments. It
therefore behoves us to endeavour to neutralise this prevailing dulness
by making our gardens as cheerful as possible. Another reason —
which to those fond of summer bedding should be the great reason for
adopting winter bedding — is the short period during which summer
bedding continues in perfection. The thought is continually haunting
one that it will fade all too soon. The adoption of winter bedding,
however, in my own case obliterates such thoughts, and one looks
forward to real pleasure from both systems. Nor has this been the
only result. It being necessary that summer and winter bedding
should meet, ingenuity had to devise means to this end. This led to
my using as summer bedders many hardy plants which otherwise I
should not have thought of using, but which are just as effective as
P
210
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
tender exotics ; nay, in some cases, more so ; and which, when planted
in the spring, serve till the following spring, when they are taken up,
divided, and replanted for another year.
Principal Plants used for Bedding-out.
Abutilon
Agathaea
Ageratum
Ajuga
Alternanthera
Alyssum
Amaranthus
Anagallis
Anthemis
Begonia
Blue Marguerite
Brugmansia
Calceolaria
Canna
Centaurea
Cerastium
Cheiranthus
Chrysanthemum
Cineraria
Coleus
Convolvulus
Cotyledon
Cuphea
Dahlia
Daisies
Dianthus
Echeveria
Erigeron
Fuchsias
Gazania
Gladiolus
Gnaphalium
Heliotropium
Hollyhock
Iberis
Iresine
Lantana
Leucophyton
Lobelia
Matricaria
Mesembryanthemum
Mimulus
Myosotis
Nertera
Nierembergia
CEnothera
Oxalis
Pachyphytum
Pansies
Pelargonium
Pentstemon
Petunia
Phlox
Plantain Lily
Plumbago
Polemonium
Pulmonaria
Pyrethrum
Salvia
Santolina
Saponaria
Sempervivum
Senecio
Silene
Solanum
Stachys
Stocks
Tropasolum
Tussilago
Verbena
Veronica
Viola
Vittadena
Garden near Loch Kishorn, Ross. From a water-colour drawing by F. Staintoi
Orange-trees in tubs, Tuileries.
THE SUMMER GARDEN BEAUTIFUL
(continued}.
CHAPTER XVI.
PLANTS IN VASES AND TUBS IN THE OPEN AIR.
IN old days and for ages it was not easy — not always possible
to many — to have a garden in the open air. The need of mutual
aid against the enemy threw people into closely-packed cities, and
even small towns in what might seem to us now the open country.
In our own country, free for many years from external enemies, we
have spread our gardens over the land more than others ; but in France
farmers still go home to a town at night from the open, and often
homeless and barnless plain, where they work. And so it came
that the land of Europe was strewn with towns and cities, often
fortified, and many of those most able to enjoy gardens had to do
the best they could with little terraces, walls, tubs by the door, and
even windows. And often in Italy and other countries of the south
of Europe and north Africa we see beautiful plants in tubs, on
balconies, on flat roofs, and every imaginable spot where plants can
be grown in a house in a street. Happily, in our country, there
is less need nowadays for the garden in tubs ; but the custom is
bound up with ways of growing plants which are still essential
to us in some cases.
In many gardens plants in tubs are often used without good reason,,
for example, when hardy evergreen trees are grown in tubs, and in
front of the Royal Exchange in London there are hardy Poplars
in tubs ! But some may pursue this sort of gardening with advantage
P 2
212
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
— first, those who have no gardens, and, secondly, those who have and
who may desire to put half-hardy bushes in the open air, for example
Myrtle or Oleander or Orange, which may not be grown out-of-doors
throughout the year, and which yet may have fragrance or other
charms for us. Many plants can be grown in the open air in summer
which will not endure our winters, but which placed in a cellar, dry
room, or cool greenhouse would be quite safe, and might then be put
out-of-doors in summer. This way is commonly the case abroad
with large Datura, Pomegranate, and Myrtles, and a great variety
Vase plants at Turvey Abbey.
of plants such as we see put out in tubs in certain old palace
gardens, like those of Versailles. What was called the orangery,
which has almost disappeared from English gardens, was for keeping
such plants alive and well through the winter, and in old times,
if not now, had a very good reason to be.
There are many charming plants too tender for the open altogether
that are happy in tubs, and may be sheltered in an outhouse
or greenhouse through the winter — such as the Pomegranate, the
Myrtle, and Romneya (the White Bush Poppy). The blue African
Lily is often happy in tubs, its blue flowers when seen on a terrace
PLANTS IN VASES AND TUBS IN THE OPEN AIR. 213
walk having a distinct charm, but in England, generally, it must be
kept indoors in winter.
Excellent use may be made of the great handsome oil-jars, which
are used to bring olive oil from Italy to London, and the best things
to put in them are half-harcly plants, which can be taken intact into
the cool greenhouse or conservatory at the approach of frost. Even
Seakale-pots can be rilled with half-hardy plants, as scarlet Pelar-
goniums, which have a good effect in them. In some rich and moist
soils the Pelargonium all grows to leaves and does not flower, and in
such cases we can humour it into good bloom by growing it in pots
or vases in the light soil that suits the plants.
ORANGE TREES IN TUBS. — One of the most curious examples
of routine and waste I saw in the Tuileries gardens on the last day
of September, 1896, when the Paris people were preparing for the Czar,
and among their labours was the refurbishing of the old Orange
trees in these gardens. There were a regiment of them set all along
the gardens at regular intervals in immense and costly tubs, involving
herculean labour to move in and out of the orangery. One might
suppose this labour to be given for some beautiful end in perfecting
the flower or fruit of the plant, but nothing of the kind ; the trees
being trained into mop heads, and when the plants make any
attempt to take a natural growth they are cut sharply back, and often
have an uglier shape than any mop. The ground was strewn with
shoots of the orange trees which had been cut back hard. When
the tree was in poor health, as it was often, the dark stems were the
most visible things seen against the blue sky. This costly and ugly
work is a survival of the time when the " golden apples " were a
novelty, and it was not so easy to go and see them growing in the
open air as it now is, and so what was worth doing as a curiosity
hundreds of years ago is carried out still. Since the idea of growing
these trees in such an ugly fashion arose we have had a noble
garden flora brought to us from all parts of the earth, and it would
be easy to take our choice of different ways of adorning this garden
in more artistic ways with things in the open ground, and of far
greater beauty. If this thing at its best and done with great cost
has such a result, what are we to think of the English imitations of
it, such as those at Panshanger, in which hardy shrubs are used, like
Portugal laurels, and sham tubs placed around them ?
I saw the vast orangerie terrace at Sans Souci in July 1897, and
was deeply struck by its " ornaments " in tubs ; the branches of the
poor distorted trees like black skeletons against the summer sky
showing that even with all the aids of artifice, no good result with
tubbed oranges is got in northern Germany no more than in
northern France. In the warmer south a little better result may be
214
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
had from trees in tubs, but a few days' journey brings us to orange
trees growing as freely and gracefully as willows in Tunis and Algeria
and the countries round the Mediterranean.
THE POET'S LAUREL IN TUBS.— The Laurel is a winter-garden
The Blue African Lily {Agapanthus vnibellatus) in its summer quarters.
plant over a large area of northern and central Europe, where the true
Laurel (our gardeners and nurserymen erroneously give the name to
the vigorous evergreen Cherry, of which we have too much in
England) is a tender evergreen, requiring the protection of a house
PLANTS IN VASES AND TUBS IN THE OPEN AIR. 215
in winter, it is grown to a vast extent in tubs to place in the open
garden, on terrace, or in courtyard during the summer. The culti-
vation of the Laurel for this purpose is carried on to such an extent
that miles of handsome trees in various forms may be seen in one
nursery. There is no plant more worthy of it than the true Laurel,
which we usually call the Sweet Bay, and those who cannot enjoy
the plant out of doors, as we may in many of the warmer districts of
the British Isles, would do well to grow it in tubs, in which state
they may enjoy it both in winter and summer. It would be worth
while growing it in the same way in cold and northern districts,
where it is killed or much hurt in winter, and this sometimes occurs
in parts of southern England. Near the sea it may flourish, and
twenty miles inland be cut down to the ground, or so badly hurt
that it gives no pleasure to see. In gardens where one may have fine
groups of the tree on sunny slopes, we should never think of it in any
other way, and no evergreen tree gives us more beauty when old and
untrained and undipped. Growing in tubs, the need of storing away
in winter, often in a small space, and keeping the plant in health in
boxes not too heavy make some training necessary, and the shapes
common in Continental gardens are as good as could be obtained
under the circumstances, while the health of the bush in these
artificial conditions is singularly good. It is often surprising to see
what fine heads arise in good health from small tubs, the soil being
helped now and then by a little weak liquid manure water not
oftener than once a week. Once the plants are stored for the winter,
sometimes in sheds with little light, it is best to give no water during
the winter months. In the same way we may also enjoy the Laurus-
tinus in districts where it is killed by frost out of doors which in hard
winters happens, even in the southern countries which is all the more
unfortunate as this shrub and its varieties flower so prettily. If grown
well in tubs, we may flower them in the cool house and place them
out of doors in summer.
CULTIVATION OF PLANTS IN ORANGERIES. — The old way of
growing plants in the orangery is still much more practised in
France than with us, and a few words as to the mode of culture
in use may be useful. Though the orange from which the structure
gets its name is not often happy in it, other plants like the Myrtle,
Pomegranate, African Lily, and Hydrangea may often be kept with
safety through the winter in such a house.
Among shrubs we have the Pomegranate, Oleander, Orange,
Fuchsia, Myrtle, Camellia — in fact, all those that are commonly
placed for shelter in greenhouses during winter. For shrubs like
these the year has two seasons: (i) that during which they are
placed for shelter in the orangery or the cool house, or, in the absence
216
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
of these, some place where the conditions of temperature, air, light,
and construction are similar ; and (2) the summer season, when they
are taken out into the open air and set in variously exposed situations
in order that they may mature, grow, and bloom.
WINTER CULTIVATION. — In October the shrubs are removed to
warm corners. The shedding of the leaf in some plants gets rid of
one difficulty in their cultivation, that of their preservation during
the winter, as the summer-leafing kinds are so easy to store away
if the frost be kept out. Half-hardy evergreen shrubs require to be
kept in a well-lighted house, but shrubs, which, like Fuchsias and
Pomegranates, shed their leaves in autumn, can during winter be
conveniently kept in any dark place, such as a cellar or warm shed,
Orangery, Holm Lacey, Hereford.
and in their case watering will scarcely be required. As a general
rule, for orangery shrubs, the temperature may be such as will exclude
frost ; some kinds, however, will be found to withstand a hard frost
like the Oleander. Although the summer-leafing shrubs scarcely
need water at all during the winter, it is needed for evergreen shrubs.
Yet even here we shall have to make a distinction. For instance, the
Orange-tree requires more water than the Myrtle, and the Myrtle
more than the Proteads. In the majority of orangeries the plants are
watered every two or three weeks during winter, and daily after the
month of April, and those who cultivate Orange-trees are able to tell
us that want of water, which is always prejudicial to this tree, may
even result in a complete loss of leaf. There are two plans for
PLANTS IN VASES AND TUBS IN THE OPEN AIR. 217
avoiding the ill effects of too-abundant watering, the former of which
is to plant in soils which allow the water to run away freely ; the
second is to use boxes with sides that can be opened from time to
time to enable the roots to be seen.
SUMMER CULTIVATION. — In May, and, if possible, during cloudy
weather, all plants in the orangery are transferred to sunny and
sheltered places outside. The pots, if small, will have to be plunged,
as this keeps the roots in good condition. In this, as in other cases,
where the plants are in pots or boxes, we shall have occasionally to
give some manure, and weak liquid-manure gives good results. This
is the Belgian method, and one of its effects is that it enables us to
postpone the repotting of the plants and permits of the employment
of smaller boxes and vases as compared with the size of the trees.
So in the nurseries of Ghent and France, too, we often see Sweet Bays
with heads more than a yard in width, whilst the tubs they are in
scarcely measure twenty inches in diameter, and under such conditions
the plants thrive for years without enlargement of the tubs or change
of soil, thanks to feeding with liquid-manure.
The same things may be said of the plants in the cool house,
or any house in which we store almost half-hardy Palms, Cycads,
Tree-Ferns, or other plants which may with advantage pass a few
months in the open air in summer. All of these, in fact, may be
treated much as the Blue African Lily is treated, allowing always for
the differences between evergreen shrubs, like the Orange, Eugenia,
and Myrtle ; herbaceous plants, like the sweet-scented Plantain Lily,
grown in pots and in courtyards in France, and summer-leaving
shrubs like Fuchsia, Justicia, and Pomegranate.
AN AMATEUR ON PLANTS IN TUBS FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN.
—The need of the orangery strictly so-called, is now lessened by
two causes; (i) our rich, hardy garden-flora with many things as
lovely as any that grow in the tropics ; (2) the nearly universal
adoption of the greenhouse, in which many plants find shelter in
winter that in old times would have been housed in the orangery.
But notwithstanding these changes there are still some plants worth
while to keep over the winter in any convenient way, and the following
extract from The Garden shows how a good amateur gardener
manages them as an aid to her flower-gardening.
" A great deal of real gardening pleasure is to be had from growing
plants in pots and tubs or in vases and vessels of various kinds both in
small and big gardens. I use large Seakale pots, when they are no
longer wanted for the Seakale, by turning them over, putting two bits
of slate in the bottom of the pot, some drainage, and a few lumps of
turf, and then filling up with good garden mould. Another useful
pot is one called a Rhubarb pot. If you live near a pottery they
218
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
will turn you out almost any shaped pot you fancy. Flat ones like
those used by house painters, make a pleasant change, especially for
small bulbs. Petroleum casks cut in two, burnt inside, then tarred
and painted, are invaluable tubs. I use butter-casks treated in the
same way, and have some little Oak tubs in which bullion came from
America. These are very strong, and some water-loving plants do
much better in wood, since the evaporation in summer is not
nearly so rapid as from the earthenware. That is an important thing
to remember both as regards sun and wind. If the plants are at all
Plants in Italian oil-jars, Woodlands, Surrey.
delicate and brought out of a greenhouse, the pots, when standing out,
ought to be either quite sunk into the earth or shaded. This cannot
be done in the case of pots placed on a wall or terrace or on a stand,
and so they must not be put out in the open till the end of May.
Constant care about watering is also essential. Even in wet weather
they often want more water if the sun comes out, as the rain wets the
leaves, but hardly affects the soil at all. On the Continent, where all
kinds of pot cultivation have been longer practised than in England,
flower-pots are often glazed outside, which keeps the plants much
moister because of less evaporation, and makes less necessity for
PLANTS IN VASES AND TUBS IN THE OPEN AIR. 219
frequent watering. The large red jars in which oil is still conveyed
from Italy, covered with their delightful coarse wicker-work, are use-
ful ornaments in some gardens. They are glazed inside, and boring
a hole in the bottom of them is not very easy work. They have to
be more than half filled with drainage, and plants do not do well in
them for more than one season, as the surface of the earth exposed
at the top is so small. In old days the oil merchants in the suburbs
of London used to cut them in two vertically, and stick them against
their houses, above their shops, as an advertisement or ornament. The
enthusiastic amateurs will find that they get two very nice pots by
sawing them in half horizontally just below the sham handles. The
top part when reversed requires the same treatment as was recom-
mended for the Seakale pots."
WHAT TO GROW. — The first rule, I think, is to grow in them those
plants which do not grow well in your own local soil. To put into a
pot what is flourishing much better in a bed a few yards off is, to my
mind, a mistake. I grow large old plants of Geraniums in the open
ground, and they are kept on in the greenhouse from year to year,
their roots tied up in Moss, and crowded into a pot or box with no
earth and very little water through the winter ; they can be kept in a
cellar or spare room. Early in April they are potted up and pro-
tected by mats in a pit, as I have no room for them in the greenhouse.
This causes them to be somewhat pot-bound, and they flower
splendidly during the latter part of the summer. Marguerites, the
yellow and the white with large leaves, are good pot plants early in
the year, far prettier than the narrow-leaved kinds. A double Pome-
granate I have had for many years in a pot, and if thinned out in the
summer it flowers well ; also two small Orange trees. The large old-
fashioned Oak leaved, sticky Cape Sweet Geranium, which has a
handsomer flower than the other kinds, makes a very good outdoor pot
plant. Fuchsias, especially the old-fashioned fulgens, are satisfactory.
Carnations Raby Castle, Countess of Paris, and Mrs. Reynolds Hole
I grow in pots, and they do well ; they must be layered early in
July, and answer best if potted up in September and just protected
from severe frosts. In fine summers, Myrtles and Oleanders flower
well with me in tubs, not in the open ground. I treat Oleanders as
they do in Germany — cut them back moderately in October and dry
them off, keep them in a coach-house, warm shed, or wherever severe
frosts will not reach them. When quite dry they stand a moderate
amount of frost. Then in March they are brought out, the surface is
stirred and mulched, they are taken into a greenhouse and brought on
a bit. In May they are thickly covered with good, strong horse
manure and copiously watered. At the end of the month they are
stood out in the open on a low wall. During May, June and July
220
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
they cannot have too much water ; after that they want much less, or
the leaves turn yellow and drop off. Some years I grow Solanum
jasminoides over bent wires in pots ; grown thus it is pretty. The
American Aloe. Example of greenhouse plants set in open air in summer. Engraved from a photograph
taken in Knightwick Rectory Garden, Worcestershire.
variety of plants which can be tried for growing in pots out of doors
in summer is almost endless. Love-lies-bleeding ( Amaranthus caudatus)
is an annual, but if sown in January and very well grown on as a fine
PLANTS IN VASES AND TUBS IN THE OPEN AIR.
single specimen plant, it looks handsome and uncommon in a green
glazed pot or small tub. Nothing I grow in pots is more satisfactory
than the old-fashioned Calceolaria amplexicaulis ; it does not grow to
any perfection with me in the beds, the soil being too dry, but potted,
it makes a splendid show through the late summer and autumn
months. The shrubby Veronica speciosa rubra, and V. imperialis, I grow
in pots because they flower beautifully in the autumn, and the drowsy
bumble-bees love to lie on them in the sunshine when Sedum specta-
bile is passing away. They are not quite hardy with me, as they can-
not withstand the long, dry, cold springs. This in itself justifies the
growing them in pots ; in mild, damp districts they are large shrubs.
The blue Agapanthus everybody grows in tubs. The plants have to
be rather pot-bound and kept dry in the winter to flower well, and as
the flower-buds form they want well watering and a weekly dose of
liquid manure. Hydrangeas I find difficult to grow when planted out ;
the common kinds do exceedingly well in tubs in half shady places if
they get a good deal of water. Large standard Myrtles I have had
covered with bloom in August in tubs. My large old plant, which I
had had many years, was killed last spring by being turned out of
the room it had wintered in too early, because I came from London
sooner than usual. The great difficulty in small places is housing
these large plants in winter. They do not want much protection, but
they must have some, and the death of large old plants is grievous.
Woodlands, Surrey. M. T. E.
Spray of Myrtle.
Sheltered dell, with tree ferns and stove plants placed out for the summer (Batlersea).
CHAPTER XVII.
BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN, AND HEREIN ALSO
OF THE SUB-TROPICAL GARDEN.
THE use in gardens of plants of fine form has taught us the value
of grace and verdure amid masses of flowers, and how far we have
diverged from artistic ways. In a wild state brilliant blossoms are often
usually relieved by a setting of abundant green, and where mountain
or meadow plants of one kind produce a sea of colour at one season,
there is intermingled a spray of pointed grass and leaves which tone
down the colour masses.
We may be pleased by the wide spread of colour on a heath or
mountain, but when we go near we find that it is best where the
long moss cushions itself beside the ling, and the fronds of the Poly-
pody come up around masses of heather. If this be so on the hills,
a like state of things is more evident still in the marsh or wood. We
cannot attempt to reproduce such conditions, but the more we keep-
them before our eyes the nearer shall we be to success, and we
may have in our gardens (without making wildernesses of them
either) all the light and shade, the relief, the grace, and the beauty of
natural colour and form too.
A recent demand for £2,000 for the building of a glass house
for Palms for the subtropical garden of Battersea Park here throws
light on the costly system of flower gardening in this and other
Hardy Palm in the open, Cornwall.
224 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
public gardens. It may be noted that this is only a small part
of the cost of keeping the tender and half-hardy plants in a glass
nursery and not a demand of money for a Palm-house which the
public might enjoy ; but was to be part of the expenditure on
some glass-sheds which they never see, and which were merely
to grow the plants to be put out for a few months in summer.
In our flower gardens Palms can only be seen in a small state ; nor
can they, as shown in pots and tubs in Battersea, give one any idea of
the true beauty of the Palm on the banks of the Nile or the Ganges.
But, worse than this, the system leads to the neglect of the many
shrubs and trees of the northern world, which are quite as beautiful as
any Palm. The sum mentioned as the cost of the house for young
Palms would go far to plant Battersea Park with the finest hardy
shrubs and trees. The number of these public gardens that are being
opened in all directions makes it all the more important that the false
ideal they so often set out should be made clear. I do not say \ve
should have none but hardy plants in public gardens, but the con-
centration of so much attention, and of the greater part of the cost
on such feeble examples of tropical plants as can be grown in this
country set out for a few months in the summer has a very bad effect.
The lesson all connected with gardening in any way want most to
learn is that the things which may be grown to perfection in the open
air in any country are always the most beautiful, and should always
have the first place in their thoughts.
It would be much better in all ways to place a like artistic value
on everything that stands in the open air in a garden, and regard all
parts of the garden as of equal importance without wholly doing
away with tropical plants, at least with those that can be grown
with advantage in our country.
Looking round the London parks we see much waste in trying to
get effects of form from Palms and various tender plants, strewn in all
directions in Hyde Park, often dotted about without good judgment,
and marring the foreground of scenes that might be pretty. Where
this is done there is rarely any attempt to get effects of fine form
from hardy trees, shrubs, and plants, which is a much simpler and
easier process than building costly glasshouses to get them.
For our gardens, the first thing is to look for plants that are
happy in our climate, and to accustom ourselves to the idea that
form may be as beautiful from hardy as from tender things. Many
tropical plants, which we see in houses cut down close and kept
small, would, if freely grown in the open air in their own country, be
no more striking in leaf than the hardy Plane or Aliantus. Many
plants that are quite hardy give fine effects, such as the Aralias,
herbaceous and shrubby. Aristolochia among climbers ; Arundo,
Pampas Grass in a Sussex garden (Chichester).
Q
226 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
hardy and very pretty beside water ; Astilbes, rough herbaceous
plants which can be put anywhere almost ; the hardy Bamboos of
Japan and India, which are increasing in number, and are very
distinct and charming, and often rapid growers in genial parts of
the country, especially near the sea. A considerable number will
probably be found hardy everywhere. The large leaved evergreen
Barberries are beautiful in peat soils, and, grouped in picturesque
ways, effective for their noble leaves as well as flowers.
The Plume Poppy (Bocconia) is handsome for its foliage and
flowers, even in ordinary soil. A great number of the larger hardy
Compositae (Helianthus Silphium, Senecio, Telekia, Rudbeckia) are
fine in leaf, as are some of the Cotton Thistles and plants of that family.
The common Artichoke of our gardens and its allies are fine in form
of leaf and flower, but apt to be cut off in hard winters in some soils.
The Giant Fennels are most graceful early leafing things, thriving
admirably in sandy and free soils. Plantain Lilies (Funkia) are
important, and in groups their foliage is excellent. The Pampas
Grass is precious where it grows well, but in many districts is
gradually killed by hard winters. Where it has the least chance, it
should be planted in bold masses.
The great leaved Gunneras are superb near water and in rich soil.
The giant cow parsnips are effective, but apt to take possession of
the country side, and are not easily exterminated, and, therefore,
should be put in with a sparing hand in islands and rough places
only. The large Indian evergreen Rockfoils are fine in form, and in
their glossy foliage are easily grown and grouped in picturesque
ways, and they are very hardy. In sandy and free soils a handsome
group of beautiful leaved things may be formed of Acanthus. The
new water lilies will help us much to fine foliage, especially in
association with the many graceful plants that grow in and near
water, as are also certain hardy ferns which may be grown near
water, like the Royal Fern, which in rich soil and shade makes leaves
as fine as any tropical Fern. In southern districts the New Zealand
Flax is effective in gardens, and the great Japan Knotworts (Poly-
gonum) are handsome in rough places in the wild garden, and
better kept out of the flower garden. Some of the Rhubarbs, too,
are distinct and handsome, and very vigorous by the waterside,
where the great water dock often comes of itself. It is a stately
genus, and though we may not find room for many in the garden, it
may be easy to do so by the water side or in rich ground anywhere.
With our many fine-leaved plants from temperate and cool climes
it is possible to have beautiful groups of hardy fine-leaved plants, for
trees like the Ailantus and Paulownia make almost tropical growth if
cut down close to the ground every year. We have also the hardy
Palm (Chamserops), the Yuccas, and graceful Bamboos, and Siebold's
BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN.
227
Plantain Lily (Funkia), and plants of a similar character. Amongst
those annually raised from seeds, and requiring only the protection
of glass to start them, we have much variety from the stately Castor-
oil-plant to the silver Centaurea. Although tender plants in pots are
effective- in summer in special positions, plants that cannot stand
out-of-doors from the beginning of June until the end of September
can hardly be called fit for summer gardening. Among the most
suitable are several kinds of Palm, such as Seaforthia elegans,
Chamaerops excelsa, and C. humilis ; Aralias, various ; Dracaenas, do. ;
Group of house plants placed out for summer. Harrow Lodge, Dorking.
Phormium tenax and its variegated form ; Yucca aloifolia variegata
Ficus elastica, and some Eucalyptus. Erythrinas make fine autumn
groups and are brilliant in colour, and useful for lighting up masses
of foliage.
The hardiest Tree Fern, Dicksonia antarctica, looks well when
plunged in shady dells with • overhanging foliage for shelter ; and
several varieties of dwarf Ferns, such as the Bird's-nest Fern, are
admirable for undergrowth to this Fern. Plants raised from seed
will, however, usually form the majority, owing to the lack of
Q 2
228 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
room under glass for many large plants. Of plants raised from
seed the most useful are Cannas, which may be taken up and
wintered under glass, or securely protected in the soil. Most of the
tall light green-foliaged varieties flower freely and make excellent
centres for groups, while the dwarf bronze-foliaged sorts are e good for
vases. Solanums have also been effective in the south. The spiny-
leaved S. robustum, the elegant cut-leaved S. laciniatum, and S.
Warscewiczi make good single specimens, or edgings to groups of
taller plants. Wigandias, Ferdinanda eminens, and Melianthus
major are all useful ; and Acacia lophantha, Amaranthus, Cineraria
maritima. Bocconias, with their tall spikes of graceful flowers and
noble foliage, are very effective and permanent plants and several
varieties of Rhus or Sumach have good foliage, Rhus glabra laciniata
among them.
As to arrangement, the best beds or sets of beds are those of the
simplest design. Shelter is a great aid, and recesses in shrubberies
or in banks clothed with foliage form the most fitting background
for beds or groups to nestle in. Avoid Musas or Caladiums, the
leaves of which tear to shreds if winds cannot be shut out, and
also plants that look unhappy after a cold night or two. Make the
most of plants that grow under nearly all conditions, and use any
dell overhung by trees for half hardy fine-leaved plants. A garden
where each plant spreads forth its delicate foliage will form a pleasant
change from brilliant bedding plants, or severely geometric carpet
beds.— J. G.
Better effects may be obtained from hardy plants only than from
tender ones. There are the Yuccas, hardy, and unsurpassed by
anything of like habit grown in a hothouse ; the Arundos, con-
spicua and donax ; fine hardy plants like Crambe cordifolia, Rheum
in variety, Ferula and umbelliferous plants, as graceful as tenderest
exotics. Then we have a hardy Palm that through all our recent
hard winters has preserved its health and greenness wherever its
leaves could not be torn to shreds by storms.
As an example of fine form from hardy plants, I cannot do
better than give the New Zealand Reed ( Arundo conspicua). This
handsome Grass produces its blossom-spikes earlier than the Pampas,
and is more elegant in habit, the silky white tufts bending like
ostrich plumes at the end of slender stalks. It is best adapted to
a sheltered corner, where it is protected from rough winds, and does
admirably in the cold and warmer districts, but, like the Pampas
Grass, not very hardy in cool and inland districts.
As to tender plants in the open air, it would be difficult to give
a better illustration than the stately Musa Ensete in Berkshire.
In sheltered nooks in the southern counties this plant makes a
very fair growth in the summer. In 1877 I was struck with its
BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN.
229
health and vigour at Park Place, Henley-on-Thames. Mr. Stanton,
the gardener, raised a batch from seed, and it was surprising
what fine plants they became in fifteen months. The plant is
quite as effective in a conservatory in winter as out-of-doors in
summer.
In the illustration of a bold mass of fine leaved plants near Hyde
Park Corner, we see some of the best features of recent fine-leaved
gardening. It had a great Abyssinian Plantain in the middle, and
was fringed by a few sub-tropical plants, and edged by an extra-
Fine-leaved herbaceous plant (Plantain Lily).
ordinary fringe of the fine hardy Siebold's Plantain Lily, long-
enduring in beauty. The reason of the success of this bed is clear ;
it was not a finicking angle or a wormy scrawl, but a bold circle, and
presented no confusion to the observer, who simply saw the plants
rising in a well-defined group from the turf. It was by itself, could
be seen unopposed, and was not hedged in by a lot of other beds.
Lastly, the plant forms were strong and well selected, and contrasted
well with the ordinary tree vegetation near. The way in which the
Plantain Lilies began early in the year to adorn the spot, and continued
230 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
to do so throughout the whole summer and autumn, was a pleasure
to see. The drawing was made about the end of September, shortly
after some heavy storms which tore the Musa a little, but the effect
remained excellent till October.
YUCCAS IN GROUPS. — Wherever space can be afforded, hardy
Yuccas should be grown, for few hardy plants are so distinct in
foliage and manner of growth ; but they appear to best advantage
arranged in bold groups, near trees and shrubs, and forming a har-
monious contrast to them. Perhaps the best situation is a sloping
ground fully exposed to the mid-day sun, and backed by evergreens.
If allowed space for development, they will every year add beauty
to the place. The handsome spikes of their large cream-coloured
flowers are extremely effective, especially when relieved by a back-
ground of verdure. Yuccas like a well-drained soil, and thrive on a
subsoil of pure chalk, and they delight in full exposure to the sun,
and enjoy shelter from rough winds. Hence the advisability of plant-
ing them near trees or shrubs.
In grouping Yuccas, a better effect is obtained if some of the
specimens have the head of their foliage from 3 feet to 6 feet
above the soil. These tall plants should not, however, be placed in
a back line, but some should be allowed here and there to advance
into the foreground, some of the smaller specimens nestling at
their feet. The effect of a group thus arranged charms by its
irregularity and quaint beauty.
Among the more tender plants, we must choose such as grow
healthily in sheltered places in the warmer parts of England. The
kinds with stout evergreen foliage, such as the New Zealand Flax
and the hardier Dracaenas, will be as effective here as they are
around London and Paris, and to them the northern gardener should
direct his attention. Even if it were possible in all parts to cultivate
the softer-growing kinds to the same perfection as in the south of
England, it would not be always desirable, as they cannot be used
indoors in winter. The best are the many evergreen plants that stand
out in summer without injury, and may be transferred to the con-
servatory in autumn, to produce through the cold months as fine an
effect as in the flower garden in summer. One kind of arrangement
in particular must be guarded against. I mean the geometro-pictur-
esque one, which is seen in some parts of the London parks devoted
to sub-tropical gardening. The plants are often of the finest kinds
and in the most robust health, and all the materials for the best
results are abundant ; yet the result is not artistic, owing to the
needless formality of the beds and the heaping together of many
specimens of one kind in long masses straight or twisting, with
high raised edges of hard-beaten soil.
The first and the last word to say about form is, that we should
BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN.
231
try and see beauty of form everywhere among plants that suit our
climate. The willo'ws of Britain are as beautiful as the olives of
Italy, or the gum trees as seen in Algeria and the South of France,
so that, although the sub-tropical as a system of flower gardening has
failed throughout our country generally, and can only be carried out
well in the south of England and the warmer countries of Europe, never-
theless we need not deprive ourselves of the enjoyment of the finest
forms near and in our gardens. The new Water Lilies take us to the
waterside, and there are many good forms even amo'ng our native
flowers and weeds. The new hardy Bamboos are also very graceful
and most distinct, of which several of the highest value promise to be
Gunnera and Bamboo (Fota, co. Cork).
hardy in our country. What can be done with them, and a few
other things, we can now see in the Bamboo garden at Kew, at
Batsford Park, and other places. The common hardy Japan Bamboo
has thriven even in London, and it is not only waterside or herbaceous
plants of all kinds we have to think of but the foliage of trees,
which in many cases is quite as beautiful as that of the dwarfer
plants. The hardy trees of North America are many of them beauti-
ful in foliage, from the Silver Maple to the Scarlet Oak, and Acacias
from the same country have broken into a number of beautiful
forms ; some are as graceful as ferns. These trees, if obtained on
their own roots, will afford us fine aid as backgrounds. The Aralias
of Japan and China are quite hardy and almost tropical in foliage,
232 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
while the beauty that may be got from ferns is very remarkable
indeed, our native Royal Fern being- of noble proportions when well-
grown in half-shady and sheltered places in deep soils, as at Newick
Park, and the same is true of all the bold American ferns, plants
too often hidden away in obscure corners, whereas the boldest of
them should be brought out in our cool British climate to form
groups on the lawn and turf. This applies also to our larger native
ferns, which, massed and grouped away from the old-fashioned fernery,
often tell , better. In this way they are used in some German
gardens. We do not illustrate them in this chapter, because the
reader has simply to turn to the chapter on the Fern garden to see
some of their fine forms.
If any one objects that some of the plants mentioned in this
chapter are coarse, such as the great leaved composite, the answer is
tjiat, on the other hand, many of them are refined and delicate, such
as the Acacias, Acanthus, Asparagus, Bamboos, and Ferns. Great
Reed, Pampas and Bulrush evergreen, Barberry, and graceful Cypress,
Cedar and Fir. Plaintain-Lily and Adams needle — not forgetting
the fine foliage of the Tea Rose.
During recent years the most graceful things and of permanent
value in our gardens are Bamboos.
THE BAMBOO GARDEN AT KE\V. — " The Bamboo garden formed a
few years ago at Kew has proved so well adapted for the plants, that
4 few notes as to its position and soil may be of value to the
numerous readers who intend to grow the Bamboos. A position was
selected in the middle of a wood near the Rhododendron dell, and;
taking advantage of a hollow already existing there, the ground was
lowered some 5 feet or 6 feet below the surrounding level. A belt of
shrubs on the north and east sides, between the trees and the Bamboos
together with the low level, affords them a shelter almost as perfect as
can be furnished out of doors. Even the bitterest north-easter loses
a good deal of its sting before it reaches these Bamboos. What the
cultivator of Bamboos has most to fear is not a low temperature
merely — most of the Bamboos will stand 20° or 25° of frost in a still
atmosphere — but the dry winds of spring.
Bamboos like best a free, open, sandy loam, and the greater part
of the soil at Kew is poor and sandy ; but there is, in one part, a belt
of good stiff loam extending for a few hundred yards, and it is on
the border of this that the Bamboo garden is situated. At the com-
mencement the ground was trenched to a depth of 3 feet, and
enriched with leaf-soil, and where necessary lightened with sandier
soil. These plants can scarcely be over-fed, and in well-drained soil
can scarcely be over-watered, and an annual mulching with rich
manure is of the greatest advantage.
In regard to transplanting, the best time to plant is in spring, when
BEAUTY OF FORM IN THE FLOWER GARDEN.
233
growth begins. The renewal of growth is indicated by the unrolling of
the young leaves, which may be in April or May,accordingto the winter.
Bamboos are very difficult to kill outright, but treated improperly they
are apt to get into a stunted condition, which it takes them along time
to recover from. I would advise those who wish to try these plants to
obtain them from the nurserymen in autumn or winter, if they have
been grown in pots, and to give them greenhouse treatment till the
end of May, when they can be planted out in a growing state ; but,
on the other hand, if they have been planted out in the nursery
ground, not to have them sent off till the end of April or later, when
they can be set out at once. A yearly clearing out of the older, worn-
out stems, dead leaves, &c., prevents that choked-up appearance one
In Bamboo garden, Kevv.
s'ees so often in ill-tended Bamboos, and whilst giving a lighter and
inore graceful aspect to the plants allows freer play to the young
growths.
Such, briefly, has been the system of cultivation pursued at Kew,
and that it is the right one is shown by the luxuriant growth of almost
all the kinds — so luxuriant, indeed, as to be rather embarrassing in the
somewhat restricted space occupied by the collection. The Bamboo
garden was made in 1892, and the following are the lengths of a few of
this year's growths, exceeded, of course, by specimens in older collec-
tions and in warmer parts of the country, but of some interest,
perhaps, as showing the rate of growth of Bamboos in a district which
has not proved particularly favourable to the growth of tender shrubs
234
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
as a rule : Arundinaria Simoni, 17 feet ; Phyllostachys viridi-glauces-
cens, 17 feet; P. Henonis 15 feet; Arundinaria nitida, 13 feet; A.
japonica, 12 feet; Phyllostachys aurea, 12 feet; P. nigra, 12 feet;
P. fastuosa, 1 1 feet 6 inches ; Arundinaria Hindsi, 1 1 feet 6 inches ;
Phyllostachys Boryana, 9 feet ; P Castillonis, 8 feet 6 inches ;
Arundinaria anceps, 7 feet 3 inches A. tessellata 4 feet 6 inches ;
A. Fortunei (variegated), 4 feet.
Bamboos are not all of equal merit, but some of them are the
most beautiful of evergreens. Just now when Christmas is at hand,
and the days are at their shortest and darkest, there is nothing out of
doors that equals the best Bamboos in the fresh greenness and beauty
of their foliage.— W. J. B."
Plants hardy or half-hardy, with fine Foliage or Form, for use in
British Gardens.
Acacia
Acanthus
Agave
Ailanthus
Alsophila
Amaranthus
Andropogon
Aralia
Aristolochia
Artemisia
Arum
Arundo
Asparagus
Asplenium
Astilbe
Bambusa
Berberis
Bocconia
Bupthalmum
Caladium
Calla
Canna
Cannabis
Dracaena
Ligularia
Ricinus
Carduus
Carex
Equisetum
Eryngium
Megasea
Melia
Rumex
Sagittaria
Carlina
Carludovica
Eucalyptus
Farfugium
Melianthus
Molospermum
Scirpus
Seaforthia
Caryota
Centaurea
Ferdinanda
Ferula
Montagnasa
Morina
Senecio
Silphium
Chamaedorea
Ficus
Mulgedium
Silybum
Chamaepeuce
Chamaerops
Cordyline
Corypha
Crambe
Funkia
Gourds
Gunnera
Gynerium
Gymnocladus
Musa
Nicotiana
Nuphar
Onopordon
Osmunda
Solanum
Sorghum
Struthiopteris
Thalictrum
Tupidanthus
Cucurbita
Cyathea
Hedychium
Helianthus
Paulownia
Petasites
Typha
Uhdea
Cycas
Heracleum
Phoenix
Veratrum
Cynara
Inula
Phormium
Verbascum
Cyperus
Datisca
Jubaea
Kochia
Polygonum
Polymnia
Wigandia
Woodwardia
Dicksonia
Koelreuteria
Rheum
Yucca
Dimorphanthus
Latania
Rhus
Zea
Dipsacus
Bed of fine-leaved plants in Hyde Park. From a sketch by H. G. Moon.
Torch lilies (Longleat).
CHAPTER XVIII.
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN AUTUMN.
Now who hath entered my loved woods,
And touched their green with sudden change ?
Who blanched my Thistle's rosy face,
And gave the winds her silver hair ?;
Set Golden-rod within her place,
And scattered Asters everywhere ?
Lo ! the change reaches high and wide,
Hath toned the sky .to softer blue ;
Hath crept along the river side,
And trod the valleys through and through !
RECENT additions to our garden flora have made such a difference
that the flower garden in th^ autumn may be even more beautiful
than that of the spring, rich as that is in flowering trees and shrubs.
The use of half hardy, or bedding plants, which are often showy
in autumn, gives a certain amount of colour which is very precious ;
and the introduction of many beautiful hardy flowers gives us the
means of making the autumnal garden very fine in colour effects.
It would be easy to give the names of many things that are to be
found in flower in gardens in autumn, but that is not nearly so im-
portant as getting an idea of many of the nobler class of plants which
may be effectively used at that time, no matter almost what the
season may be. Half hardy plants for the garden depend very much
on the weather of the summer, and certain seasons are so much
236 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
against them that they make no show ; but this cannot be said of
the hardy flowers of nobler stature and beauty, which are so well
fitted for our climate, like the many Sunflowers. Certain plants may
depend for success on soil and situation, or even climate, even when
they are hardy as the Fuchsia, which is so much better in the coast
and west country gardens ; but, when everything is left out that wants
any extra culture or advantages of climate and soil, there remain
for every garden many beautiful things for the garden in the fall.
Of those that can generally be trusted for our country, I should
say that, of all the gains of the past generation, the brilliant groups
of plants of the Sunflower order were the finest, handsomest, and
most generally useful for their disregard of any weather likely to
occur. The masses of fine form and colour one may have with these
when grouped in picturesque ways are remarkable. With the Sun-
flowers are included not only the Helianthus strictly, of which there
are so many good kinds now, but also other showy prairie flowers of
the same natural order, which approach them in character, such as
Rudbeckia, Silphium, Helenium, and other vigorous families of this
numerous tribe of plants. The best character of many of these is
that they thrive in any soil, and make their way in rough places and
among shrubs, or in parts of gardens less precious than those we keep
for our best flowers.
For delicate and fine colour, however, the first place belongs to
Tea and monthly Roses, of which the best kinds should always be
grown in the open air. Of the kinds which open best in England, a
delightful garden may be made in autumn, in fine seasons enduring
right to the end. Until quite recently no one trusted the Tea Rose
out in bold masses in the flower garden, and hence the ordinary red
Rose, not generally flowering late, was kept by itself. A greater
mistake could not be, because these most precious of all Roses (the
Teas) go on blooming throughout the summer and autumn, and very
often they vary in bloom ; that is to say, the flowers of September
will not be the same as the flowers of June, the buds also varying.
So we have not only lovely Roses throughout the fine season, but also
variety every week, every shower seeming to influence the bloom.
There is such great variety among them that every week seems to
give us a new aspect of beauty. In my own garden were planted
several thousands of Tea Roses in this way, not only for their beauty,
but also with a view of testing the kinds best for our country.
Some kinds which are fine abroad do not open well with us, but a
number of beautiful kinds do, and we have never seen any picture of
garden beauty equal to theirs in such a fine autumn as that of 1895.
We had thousands of blooms open until the end of September, almost
as showy as bedding plants, but far more refined in colour, fragrance,
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN AUTUMN. 237
and everything that makes a plant precious. Almost the same thing
may be said of the neglected monthly Roses, which have this charm
of late flowering, in many cases even in cold northern districts.
But the most precious, perhaps, of all flowers of autumn for all
parts of the country, grouped in an artistic way, are the hardy Asters
of the American woods, which lived for ages in our gardens in mean
bundles tied up in mixed borders like besoms. The best of these
massed and grouped among shrubs or young plantations of trees,
covering the ground, give an effect new and delightful, the colour
refined and charming, and the mass of bloom impressive in autumn.
Some kinds come in flower in summer, but nearly all the loveliest
Asters in colour flower in September and October, and no such good
colours of the same shades have ever been seen in the flower garden.
It is not only the Asters of America we have to consider, but the
still more precious Asters of Europe, which, by their extraordinary
beauty, make up for their rarity. Professor Green, of California, who
knows the American Aster well, on seeing here a plant of Aster
acris, said, „ We have none so beautiful as that." This is the Aster
with the beautiful blue purple flower which is so effective when
massed. Under different names this plant is grown in nearly allied
forms, some having specific names, enabling us to enjoy plants of
different stature but the same high beauty, flowering at slightly
different times, but always at their best in autumn. With these
should be grouped the handsome large Italian Aster, which also has
its half-a-dozen forms, not differing much, but precious for their
variety, and among the prettiest plants ever seen in our gardens. It
is none the less valuable because as easily cultivated as the common
Balm of the kitchen garden. For the last two years I have had
several thousand plants of these European Asters beneath a group of
half-grown Fir, just as they might be in their wild state, but rather
thicker, as the spot is a cultivated one, and have never had the
same return of beauty from anything else. Be the weather what it
may, the lovely blue and purple was a picture, and landscape
painters came to paint the scene.
The Sunflowers and Starworts we give the first place to because
they are almost independent of soil or cool climates. Hardy as the
Chrysanthemum is, the same cannot be said for it, because, as an
outdoor flower, it must have a sandy soil and warm positions, and
cool soils, even in southern England, are against it ; whereas in warm
and free soils, like that at Hazlemere, one may see delightful results
from the cottage Chrysanthemums, which are very pretty where they
can be grown against low walls or palings. Other plants which are of
the highest value in endurance and freedom of bloom are the Heaths
of our own islands. Their effect is good, summer and winter ; but in
238 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
autumn some of them flower in a pretty way, particularly the Cornish
and the little Dorset Heath, and the Irish Heath in its purple and
white forms.
Among the half hardy plants of the garden perhaps the first place
belongs to the Dahlia, which was always a showy autumn flower, but
of late has become more precious through the beauty of what are called
Border of Michaelmas Daisies (Munstead), Surrey.
Cactus Dahlias, which are so much better in form and colour than the
roundheaded Dahlias.
The hardy Fuchsia is in the warmer and milder districts often
very pretty in autumn, especially where it is free enough to make
hedges and form large bushes ; but in cold and midland places the
growth is often hindered by hard winters. Gladiolus is a splendid
flower of the south, but coming more into a class of flowers requiring
care, and if they do not get it soon disappearing, liable also to disease,
and, on the whole, not so precious as showy. Nurserymen are raising
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN AUTUMN 239
kinds of a hardier nature, but we have more precious flowers. The
last few years have brought us magnificent varieties of the Cannas
through the crossing of some wild species with the old hybrid kinds.
Unfortunately, although in warm valleys and under special care here
and there they do well, our country is not generally warm enough
to show their fine form and colour as in France and Italy. Their
use in pots is another matter.
The addition of Lilies to our garden flora within the past generation
has had a good effect on the autumn garden. Where the finer kinds
are well grown, the varieties of the Japanese Lilies, with their delicate
and varied colours, are splendid autumn flowers for the open air. The
Anemones, usually flowers of the spring, come in some forms for the
autumn garden, particularly the white and pink kinds. The handsome
Bignonia, or trumpet creeper, is precious on all warm soils, but
generally it has not done so well with us as in France. Several kinds
of Clematis come in well in autumn, particularly the yellow and the
fragrant kinds. The Pentstemons are handsome and very valuable in
warm soils and districts where they may live out of doors in winter,
but in London districts they are not so good. A splendid autumn
flower is the Cardinal Flower, and happy should be those who can
grow it well. It fails in many gardens in loamy soil, and where there
is insufficiency of water, being a native of the bogs, and thriving best
in moist and peaty soil. A number of fine varieties have been raised,
and are brilliant in suitable soils ; but without these they are best
left alone.
The Torch Lilies are extremely effective in autumn, and in warm
soils they are often among the handsomest things, but, not being
northern plants, are unable to face a northern winter. Happily this
is not so with the beautiful new Water Lilies raised by M Latour
Marliac, which are hardy in the open air, even with such weather as
that of the early part of 1895. Though perhaps the best bloom comes
in summer, they flower through the autumn, varying, like the Tea Rose,
according to the weather, but interesting always up to the end of
September. We should also name the Hollyhock which is, however,
so liable to accident from disease, and those who care for it will do
well to use seedling plants. Seedsmen are now saving seed of
different colours which come fairly true.
A handsome group of vigorous perennials for the autumn are the
Polygonums. Some of the large kinds, such as the Japanese and
Indian, are not showy, but massed picturesquely on margins of a
wide lawn, and on pieces of stiff soil which are useless in any garden
sense, are effective for many weeks in autumn, as the flower is pretty,
and the foliage of one kind is often fine in colour. I have three kinds
of them massed together, growing like great weeds, namely, P.
240 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
cuspidatum, sachalinense, and complexum, and a very soft and good
effect they gave together in a rough hollow where no garden plants
less vigorous than these would have grown.
Thus we have a noble array before coming to some old flowers
of autumn, the Meadow Saffrons or " autumn Crocuses," many of
the common kind of which fleck the meadows in autumn. There
are other kinds, too, which of recent years have been added in
greater numbers to our gardens, some of them pretty, and the
double kinds prettier than most double flowers. As they grow
naturally in meadows, in turf is a delightful way to have them
in gardens, though new and rare kinds should be grown in nursery
beds until they are plentiful. They are not difficult to grow, and
should often be placed in moist grassy places.
Then there are the true autumn Crocuses, which are very little
seen in gardens, but are most delicate and lovely in colour. Coming
for the most part from sunny lands, they do best in light soils ; but
some, like C. speciosus, grow in any soil, and all are worth grow-
ing. Among the best is C. nudiflorus, naturalised in Britain, in
colour one of the most lovely flowers. To get little pictures from
such plants we must have them happy in grass or among dwarf
plants, and on sunny banks and grassy corners of the lawn or pleasure
ground.
In mid-October they have often taken away large areas of bedding
plants in the London parks ; while, at the same time, there are many
lovely hardy flowers in perfect bloom. No doubt severe frosts may
destroy any kind of flower soon, but for those who live in the country in
the autumn it is something to have bright colours and beautiful plants
about them late, and these are afforded as well by the Starworts and
other hardy plants in October, as the fairest flowers that come in
June. When we have a severe September about London, many
gardens of tender plants are shorn of their beauty, whereas, the hardy
flowers go on quite untouched for a month or six weeks later, and
not merely bloom as do heliotrope and geranium, in a fine autumn,
,but as the meadow flowers in summer, with vigour and perfect health.
Therefore, it is clear that, whatever the charms of tender plants may
be for the summer, those who live in the country in autumn are
unwise to trust to anything but the finer hardy plants.
Thus, without touching on rarities or things difficult to grow, we
have a handsome array of beauty for the autumn garden, even leaving
out of the question the many shrubs and trees which are beautiful in
foliage or fruit in autumn, and there are many of these in any well-
stored garden.
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN AUTUMN.
241
Some Hardy and Half-hardy Plants blooming in British gardens.
September — October.
Abutilon
Aconitum
Agapanthus
Ageratum
Amaryllis
Anagallis
Anemone
Arnebia
Aster
Berberidopsis
Bignonia
Brugmansia
Calceolaria
Campanula
Canna
Cassia
Ceanothus
Celsia
Centaurea
Chrysanthemum
Clematis
Colchicum
Convolvulus
Coreopsis
Crocus
Cuphea
Cyclamen
Dahlia
Delphinium
Desmodium
Dianthus
Diplacus
Diplopappus
Eccremocarpus
Erica
Escallonia
Fuchsia
Gaillardia
Geum
Gladioli
Godetia
Gypsophila
Helenium
Helianthus
Heliotrope
Hieracium
Hollyhock
Honeysuckle
Hyacinthus
Hypericum
Iberis
Impatiens
Lantana
Lauristinus
Lavender
Liatris
Lilium
Linaria
Linum
Lobelia
Lonicera
Lupin
Lychnis
Lythrurn
Magnolia
Marigold
Matthiola
Mignonette
Mimulus
Montbretia
Nicotiana
Nigella
CEnothera
Pampas Grass
Pansy
Papaver
Pentstemon
Petunia
Phlox
Phygelius
Physalis
Physostegia
Plumbago
Polygonum.
Prince's-feather
Pyrethrum
Rose
Rudbeckia
Salpiglossis
Salvia
Scabious
Sedum
Senecio
Silene
Silphium
Snapdragon
Solanum
Solidago
Statice
Strawberry
Sweet Peas
Sweet William
Telekia
Trachelium
Tradescantia
Tritoma
Tritonia
Tropa^olum
Tuberose
Valerian
Venidium
Verbascum
Verbena
Veronica
Viola
Yucca
Zephyranthes
Zinnia
Belladonna Lily and Zephyranthes, Kew. Engraved from photograph by G. Champion.
R
Winter Jasmine
CHAPTER XIX.
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER.
THE idea that winter is a doleful time for gardens must not be
taken seriously even by those who only grow hardy things out of
doors ; because between the colour of the stems and leaves of trees,
or shrubs, there is much beauty left, even in winter, and in mild
winters good things venture to flower. Mr. Moore, of Dublin, wrote
to me in midwinter :
After a very open winter we have had a sharp snap of cold, and to-day (Jan. 20)
it is blowing a bitterly cold storm from the east. To-day has opened Winter
Sweet and Winter Honeysuckle ; Iris Stylosa, blue and white, Christmas Roses
and Winter Heliotrope are beautiful ; in fact, I never saw them so good.
But even where, owing to hard winters, we cannot enjoy our
flowers in this way, there is much beauty to be had from trees and
shrubs, evergreen and summer-leafing. Hitherto we have been all so
busy in planting evergreens in heavy masses, that the beauty one
may realise by using a far greater number of summer-leafing shrubs
and fine herbaceous plants among the evergreens is not often seen.
But gardens are too often bare of interest in winter, and some
of the evil arises from the common error that plants are not worth
seeing in winter. The old poet's wail about the dismal winter is
a false one to those who have eyes for beauty. Woods are no less
beautiful in winter than in summer — to some, more beautiful from
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER. 243
the refined colour, tree form and the fine contrast of evergreen and
summer-leafing trees. In any real garden in winter there is much
beauty of form and colour, and there are many shrubs and trees
which are beautiful in the depth of winter, like the Red and
Yellow Willow and Dogwoods, and even the stems of hardy flowers
(Polygonum) ; the foliage of many alpine plants (Epimedium) are not
only good in colour, but some of these plants have their freshest hues
in winter, as the mossy Rockfoils of many kinds. In the country
garden, where there are healthy evergreens as well as flowering
shrubs and hardy plants, how much beauty we see in winter, from
the foliage of the Christmas Roses (Helleborus) to the evergreen
Barberries ! The flower gardener should be the first to take notice
of this beauty, and show that his domain as well as the wild wood,
might be interesting at this season.
For the dismal state of flower-gardens in winter the extravagant
practice of our public gardens is partly to blame. A walk by the
flower beds in Hyde Park on Christmas Day, 1895, was not a very
enlivening thing. One by the bent-bound dunes of the foam-dashed
northern shore, on the same stormy day, might be more instructive —
for here is a large garden carried out with the very extravagance of
opulence, and not one leaf, or shoot or plant, or bush in it from end
to end ; giants' graves and earth puddings — these and iron rails and
the line of planes behind. The bare beds follow each other with
irritating monotony — only five feet of grass between those in line.
The southern division of this garden is nearly 500 paces long, and
so even that those not in the habit of seeing this costly garden
may imagine its ill effect in winter. Nearly 500 yards of a garden
sacrificed for its kaleidoscopic effects in summer, and barer and uglier
in winter than words can tell of. A more inartistic arrangement
would be impossible and there is no chance of variety, breadth, or
repose even in summer.
How are we to break up such an arid space as this in winter ? One
of the best ways would be to group families of the choicest flowering
shrubs, which would be worth having for their own sakes, and at
the same time would give relief to the wintry waste of desolation.
At present any relief is only to be obtained by carrying out, in early
summer, Palms and Bamboos from the hot-house, which is a very
expensive and poor way in a country like ours. In forming groups
of the more beautiful flowering shrubs, I do not mean anything like
the present brutal treatment of shrubs in the London squares, where
the surface is dug, and the shrubs are trimmed like besoms, ending
in frightful ugliness ; but each group of plants grown well by itself
and let almost alone when once established. They would give relief
in the summer ; they often flower beautifully ; and here and there
R 2
244 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
they might form dividing masses, so as to throw the unwieldy space
into parts, which would help to secure variety and contrast.
The result of planting and placing rightly well chosen hardy
shrubs would be a good background here and there ; a smaller area
to plant with summer things ; less dependence on such feeble
examples of tropical plants as one can grow in Britain ; light and
shade, and a variety of surface as well as more variety of plants and
bushes ; in short, all the life of the garden, instead of a dead waste.
And not only would the winter effect be improved, but the summer
also. The objection that some shrubs do not flower long enough is
not serious, as we have their beauty of form and leaf, and delicate
green and other fine colour of foliage. Moreover, the tropical plants
put out to relieve the flowering plants do not, many of them, flower
at all, and do not give such good relief as hardy shrubs and choice
trees.
This is not a question of town or public gardens only, as it arises
in many private places, and especially in large gardens, where much
of the surface is given to half-hardy summer flowers. As to the
common plan for getting rid of the winter bareness of such beds by
evergreens and conifers in pots, it is impossible on a large scale, and
sticking potted conifers in a flower-garden to drag them away in spring,
is at best a very inartistic and very costly business. Some permanent
way of breaking up the flatness is the best way ; and this way would
enable us to limit the excessive area of ground to be planted with
tender things, the real root of evil.
KEEP THE STEMS OF HARDY PLANTS. — The stems of all her-
baceous plants, reeds, and tall grasses in winter, are very good in
colour, and should always be allowed to stand through the winter
and not be cut down in the fidgety tidy way that is so common,
sweeping away the stems in autumn and leaving the surface as bare
and ugly as that round a besieged city. The same applies to the
stems of all waterside and herbaceous plants, stems of plants in
groups often giving beautiful brown colours in many fine shades.
Those who know the plants can in this way identify them in winter
as well as in summer — a great gain in changing one's plantings and
in increasing or giving away plants. Moreover, the change to all
these lovely browns and greys is a distinct gain as a lesson in colour
to all who care for refined colour, and also in enabling us to get
light and shade, contrasts and harmonies in colour. If these plants
are grouped in a bold and at the same time picturesque way, the good
of letting the stems remain will be far more evident than in the
weak "dotty" way generally practised, the seed pods and dead
flowers of many plants helping the picture. There is no need to
remove any stem of an herbaceous plant until the spring comes and
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER. 245
the growing shoots are ready to take the place of the brown and dead
ones, which then may be cleared away.
EVERGREEN PLANTS. — Apart from our evergreen shrubs, so happy
as these are in many parts of the British Isles, there are the oft-
neglected evergreen rock and herbaceous plants, such as Christmas
Roses, Barrenworts, Heuchera, Alexandrian Laurel, the bolder
evergreen ferns, and the large Indian Rockfoils, Saxifraga or
Megasea. In early winter these fine evergreen plants become a
deeper green, some forms getting red. They have been in our
gardens for years, but are seldom made a right use of; thrown
into borders without thought as to their habits, and soon forgotten
or overshadowed by other things ; so that we never get any expression
of their beauty or effect in masses or groups. Yet, if grouped in
effective ways, they would go on for years, giving us fine evergreen
foliage in winter. In addition to the wild kinds, a number of fine
forms have been raised in gardens of late years. Some thought
should be given to the placing of the large Rockfoils, their mountain
character telling us that they ought to be on open banks, borders, or
banky places exposed to the sun, and not buried among heaps of tall
herbaceous and miscellaneous vegetation. They are so easily grown
and increased that a little thought in placing them in visible masses is
the only thing they call for ; and the fact that they will endure and
thrive under almost any conditions should not prevent us from show-
ing how fine they are in effect when held together in any bold way,
either as carpets, bold edgings, or large picturesque groups on banks
or rocks.
The Alexandrian Laurel (Ruscus racemosus) is a most graceful
plant, somewhat shrubby in character, with glossy dark green leaves
and Willow-like shoots. It is most free and happy on peaty and
friable soils, growing 3 feet or 4 feet high ; in winter the effect
is very good, and it is valuable for the house, to give a graceful and
distinct foliage to accompany various flowers at this season. It
grows very well in Ireland on the limestone. In clay soils it may
want a little encouragement, and it thrives well in partial shade.
The Christmas Rose is a noble winter flower where well grown, and
is lovely in its wild state in the foot-hills of the Alps, in Italy and
countries near ; and, happily, it flowers in our gardens very well also,
varying a little in its ways. The stout kind (H. maximus) flowers in
the early winter in front of walls and in sheltered spots, and is hardy
and free in ordinary soil. The true Christmas Rose (H. niger) is a
little more particular ; it thrives much better on chalky and warm
soils, and grows best on a northern aspect or shaded place ; and even
in its own country the finest plants are found in places where it
escapes the sun. These are true winter flowers ; but hardly less so are
246 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
the Lenten Roses, or forms of the Oriental Hellebores. In the southern
counties, five seasons out of six, no weather stops them from being
fine in flower before the winter is past ; they often bloom in January
and make a handsome show in February, and they are the finest of
all flowers to end the winter. The Winter Heliotrope (Tussilago
fragrans) is not to be despised, although it is a bad weed, and hard
to get rid of. The way to deal with it is to put it on some rubbish
heap, or gravel bank, right away from the garden, where a handful
of it may be gathered when wanted.
The Algerian Iris flowers in warm sandy borders in the country
around London, and in mild winters is a great treasure, not merely
for its beauty in warm sheltered corners, but also its precious qualities
for the house, in which the flowers, if cut in the bud state, open grace-
fully if placed in basins in moss. In warm and sheltered gardens,
on warm soils, others of the winter blooming Iris of the East may
be grown, while in such gardens, in the south at least, the good
culture of the sweet Violet will often be rewarded with many flowers
in winter.
A beautiful Italian Crocus (Imperati) often flowers in winter in
the southern counties at least, as, where people take the trouble to
get them, do C. Sieberi, Dalmaticus Etruscus, Suaveoleus and others.
This habit of some of the winter flowers of the south of Italy and
Mediterranean region to open in our green and open winters should
be taken advantage of. The fate of these Crocuses is interfered with
by the common field vole, and the common rat is also a great destroyer
of the Crocus. Where these enemies do not prevail, and the soil
favours these charming winter and early flowers, we can grow them,
not only in the garden, but on the turf of sunny meadows and lawns
in which these beautiful Crocuses will come up year after year in
winter and early dawn of spring.
SHRUBS AND TREES IN THE WINTER GARDEN.— The Winter-
sweet (Chimonanthus fragrans) is in bloom often before Christmas in
the country around London, and every shoot full of fragrant buds
opening on the trees against south and west walls. It is invaluble
both for the open garden and the house. The many bright berries
which adorn our country, both in the wild land and in well-stored
gardens, are rather things of the autumn ; and by mid-winter the birds
are apt to clear them off Wild Roses, Briers, Barberry, and Thorns,
American as well as British. The Pyracantha, however, stays with us
late ; and Hollies, Aucuba, Cotoneaster, Snowberry, and the pretty little
hardy Pernettya, from the Straits of Magellan, which has broken into
such variety of colour in our country, are among those that stay late.
But, however the cheery berries may fail us in hard winters, the colour
of the trees and bushes that bear them never does ; and the red and
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER.
247
yellow Willow, Dogwood, Thorns,
Alders, Birch, and many Aspens
and Maples, give fine colour when
massed or grouped in any visible
way. Still more constant are the
flowering shrubs of winter, where in
sheltered gardens and warm valleys
any attention is given to them —
Winter Jasmine, Winter Sweet,
Winter Honeysuckles, Wych-
Hazel, Japan Quince in many forms,
Laurustinus, several Heaths, Ar-
butus, at least one variety of
Daphne Mezereon, the pale South-
ern Clematis (Calycina) happy in
our warmer gardens, Eleagnus, the
Nepal Barberry, a Chinese Plum
(P. Davidiana), and the catkin
bearing Garrya and Hazel. The
Winter Honeysuckles are a bit
slow in some districts, and a better
result is got from them on free
soils, and from walls in sheltered
corners, an immense difference re-
sulting if we can have them near
the sea, with its always genial in-
fluence in favour of things from
climates a little warmer than our
own. In heavy soils in the inland
country and around London the
Laurustinus often comes to grief
or fails to flower well, but has
great beauty in seashore districts,
and often on sandy and gravel soils
is charming, even in inland places.
The hardy and beautiful Winter
Jasmine, which is so free on cottage
walls and wherever it gets a chance,
is most precious, owing to the way
it opens in the house especially
if gathered in the bud state. If
we have it in various aspects, such
a contingency as the sun scorching
the shoots after a frost and killing
Winter Sweet, drawn by H. G. Moon from shoots
gathered at Gravetye New Year's Day, 1895.
248 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
the flowers may be avoided, and the flowers will come later. The
plant is so free that, if the shoots are allowed to hang down, they
root in the ground like twitch, and therefore it can be increased very
easily, and should be seen in visible groups and lines, and not only on
the house or on walls, as in the milder districts it forms pretty garlands
and bushes in the open. I have a little oak fence covered with it,
which is usually very pretty about Christmas. In mild winters its
beauty is extraordinary out of doors, and in the hardest winters the
buds will open in the house.
And when the Dogwood has lost all its leaves and is a deep red by
the lake, and the Cardinal Willow has nearly taken its winter colour,
the dwarf autumn blooming Furze flowers far into winter, and is in
perfect bloom on the drier ground, telling us of its high value where
dwarf vegetation not over a yard high is desired. It is seen in
abundance on many hills and moors, but is hardly ever planted by
design. A good plant for all who care for low foreground vegetation,
it may be planted like common furze, but by far the best way is to
sow it in spring in any bare or recently broken ground. The Common
Furze, too, of which the season of bloom is spring and mild winters,
often flowers at Christmas ; odd plants here and there in the colonies
of the plant bearing quite fresh flowers; and if from the nature of
these native shrubs they do not find a place in the flower garden,
there are few country places where they may not be worth growing
not far from the house, in covert, or by drives or rough walks, as
no plants do more to adorn the late autumn and winter.
The hardy Heaths are excellent for the winter garden in their
brown and grey tuftiness. The forms of the common Heather and
the Cornish Heath are best for rough places outside the flower-garden
but some kinds of Heath are among the best plants for the choicest
winter garden of the open air, particularly the Portuguese Heath
(E. Codonodes), which in mild winters is of great beauty ; also a
hybrid between the Alpine forest Heath (E. carnea) and the Mediter-
ranean Heath, with the port and dense flowering habit of the Alpine
Heath and the earlier bloom of the Mediterranean Heath. The Alpine
forest Heath, the most precious of all hardy Heaths, often flowers
in mild winters, and in all winters is full of its buds ready to open.
So far we are speaking of districts where there are few advantages
of climate ; if we include others there might be more flowers in the
winter-garden, and many varied flowers are seen in gardens in the
Isle of Wight, Isle of Man and many other favoured gardens — not
always confined to the southern parts of England and Ireland : the
Cornish, Devon, South Wales or Cork Coasts being far more favour-
able. From these places Roses, Indian Daphne, and many other
flowers, have often been sent to me in perfect bloom in January.
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN WINTER.
249
And if the snow shrouds the land, all's well, as the leaves of ever-
green plants, like Carnations, are at rest in it, and some plants are all
the better for the peace of the snow for a time. And even if our
eyes are not open to the beauty of the winter let us make the
flower-garden a real one for spring, summer and fall, as if it were
true that in winter
The year
On the earth her deathbed, in a shroud of leaves dead,
Is lying.
But it is not true : there is in winter no death, every root works
and every bud is active with life ; the wooded land is tender with
colour : — Alders by the busy wintry stream and Birch on the airy hill,
Reeds fine in colour round the lake or marsh, and if even our wild
marsh or rough woodland be beautiful in winter, our gardens, with the
flora of three continents to gather from, should not then be poor in
beauty. No ! Winter is not a time of death, but of happy strife
for plants and men.
Until her
Azure sister of the spring shall blow
Her clarion o'er the dreaming earth, and fill
(Driving sweet buds like flocks to feed in air)
With living hues and odours plain and hill :
Hazel catkins. From a drawing by H. G. Moon.
CHAPTER XX.
WATER GARDENS BY VARIOUS WATER GARDENERS.
IT is not only from the mountain's breast, dyed with Violet and
Gentian, the Sunflower-strewn prairie of the north, or the sunny fields
where Proserpine gathered flowers, that our garden flora comes.
River and stream are often fringed with handsome plants, and little
fleets of Water Lily — silvery fleets they look as one sees them from
the bank — sail on the lakelets far away in North America and Asia,
even where the water is solid ice in winter. One need not go so far
to see beautiful plants, as our own country rivers and back-waters of
rivers possess many. Our gardens are often made about towns
where there are few chances of seeing our native water plants, but by
the back-waters of rivers and by streams in many situations, and by
lakes like the Norfolk Broads one may often see as handsome
plants in these places, and also in the open marsh land, as in any
garden, and some that we do not often see happy in gardens, such
as the Frogbit, the Bladderwort, and Water Soldier.
Where, as often is the case in artificially made ponds, the margin
of the water is not the rich deep soil that we have by the Broads and
by the sides of rivers, which themselves carry down deep beds of
rich soil, a good way is to put the mud which we take out of the
pond around its sides a little above and below the water line. This
will encourage a rich growth of such Reeds as are found beside
natural waters. Water with a hard, naked, beaten edge and little or
no vegetation is not good to look at, and a margin of rich living
plants is better for fish and game as well as for effect. The waterside
plants one may establish in that way are worth having and give good
cover for duck.
Perhaps the most beautiful of all water gardens are the river and
stream gardens, as their form is so much better than anything we
can make and the vegetation is often good even without care. With
a little thought we can make it much more so, and in our river-
seamed land there are so many charming opportunities for water-
garden pictures.
252 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
WATERSIDE PLANTS. — The water-margin offers to lovers of
hardy flowers a site easily made into a fair garden. Hitherto we
have used in such places aquatic plants only, and of these usually a
very meagre selection ; while the improvement of the waterside may
be most readily effected by planting the banks near with vigorous
hardy flowers, as many of the finest plants, from Irises to Globe
Flowers, thrive in moist soil. Bank plants have this advantage over
water plants that we can fix their position, whereas water plants
spread so much that some kinds over-run others. The repeating of a
favourite plant at intervals would mar all ; groups of free hardy
things would be best : Day Lilies, Meadow Sweets, tall Irises, which
love wet places ; Gunnera, American swamp Lilies in peaty soil,
the rosy Loosestrife Golden Rods, Starworts, the Compass plants,
Monkshoods, giant Knotworts, Moon Daisies, the Cardinal Flower,
the common Lupine — these are some of many types of hardy flowers
which would grow freely near the waterside. With these hardy
plants, too, a variety of the nobler hardy Ferns, such as the Royal
Ferns and Feather Ferns, would associate well.
WATER PLANTS of northern and temperate regions associated
with our native water plants, add much beauty to a garden. If the
soil be rich, we usually see the same monotonous vegetation all
round the margin of the water, and where the bottom is of gravel
there is often little vegetation, only an unbroken, ugly line of washed
earth. A group of Water Lily is beautiful, but Water Lilies lose
their charm when they spread over the whole of a piece of water, and
even waterfowl cannot make their way through them. The Yellow
Water Lily (Nuphar lutea), though less beautiful, is well worthy of
a place, and so is the large N. advena (a native of America), which
pushes its leaves above the water. The American White Water
Lilies (Nymphaea odorata and N. tuberosa) are hardy and beautiful,
and of recent years much beauty has been given our water plants in
the hybrid hardy Water Lilies raised by M. Latour-Marliac, who
has added the large and noble forms and the lovely colour of the
Eastern Water Lilies to the garden waters of northern countries.
The splendid beauty of these plants should lead people to think of
artistic ways of planting garden waters. Our native Water Lily was
always neglected and rarely effective, except in a wild state ; but
when people see that they may have in Britain the soft yellow and
rose and red flowers of the tropical Water Lilies throughout summer
and autumn, they may take interest in water gardens, and even
the wretched duck ponds which disfigure so many country seats will
begin at last to have a reason to be. The change should be the
means of leading us to think more of the many noble flowers and
fine leaved plants of the water-side, apart from Water Lilies. The
WATER GARDENS BY VARIOUS WATER GARDENERS. 253
new hybrid kinds continue blooming long after our native kind has
ceased, and from the middle of May to nearly the end of October
flowers are abundant.
For many years, pond, streamlet, and lake to a very considerable
extent were left very much to themselves, with scarce a thought
bestowed upon them or the plants for beautifying their surface or
margin. In a large London nursery nearly twenty-five years ago,
where a very large and, perhaps, complete collection of water plants
existed, I was surprised to find that so very few aquatic plants should
be required year after year ; so few, indeed, that the cost of maintain-
ing the whole was barely met. This was most discouraging, because
even water plants, where a representative collection is grown, cannot
Pond at Enys, Cornwall. From a photograph sent by Mr. F. W. Meyer, Exeter.
receive the necessary space for their free growth in a nursery. This
was even so in the case of that lovely and fragrant Cape Pond
Flower (Aponogeton), that, seeding in such abundance, was floated
hither and thither in thousands, and in consequence had to be kept
in check. The rapid increase of this plant, however, is by no means
common ; indeed, many instances are known where it cannot be
induced to flourish in the open. But in the nursery referred to, by
reason of the quantity and size of the plants, flowers of this Apono-
geton were gathered the greater part of the year, in the wintry season
even its flowers floating on the surface by hundreds. The water in
this instance, supplied from an artesian spring, contributed to the
success of the plant, as also its freedom of flowering. Gradually,
254 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
however, the aquatics are coming to the front, and an altogether fresh
impetus, as well as a great one, has resulted from the introduction of
the many charming new hybrid Nymphaeas which are fast making
their appearance in some of the best-known gardens. As yet many
of these hybrids are scarce, and care will be needed, and possibly
protection required, on the larger pieces of ornamental water where
water-fowl are encouraged.
In planting these choicer kinds, some precaution is necessary when
sinking them into their places. Very deep water is not essential, but
if the pond be an artificial one, it will be found a good plan to
take a few bags of heavy loamy soil to the spot by means of a punt
and empty the soil over the side. Then the plant itself, well fixed
by wire to the side of a basket already filled with similar soil, should
be gradually lowered on to the mound of soil already deposited. In
the natural lake no soil will be needed before sinking the plant in
position, though similar means may be used to lower the plant, which
will quickly take to the accumulation of earth and leaves that years
have deposited. Many of the most lovely of aquatics may be grown
with considerable success even where neither pond, lake, rivulet, nor
ornamental water is found, some very good results having been derived
by growing them in tanks 2 feet or 3 feet deep into which a depth
of some 12 inches of clay earth has been placed. The recent hybrids
are well worthy of attention in this way, and if a fair-sized tank be
made and so placed that it will catch the rain water, so much the
better for the plants. In this way also fountain basins on the terrace
garden may be made to do some service. Besides the hybrid
Nymphaeas, such places are well suited if the water be fairly deep for
such things as Orontium aquaticum, the Pontederias, and Arrowheads,
all of which are perfectly hardy with their crowns 8 inches or 10
inches below the surface of the water, while Thalia dealbata, a rarely
seen plant from Carolina, is quite safe with similar treatment.
Indeed, it is to be regretted that this handsome plant is not more
frequently seen in the water where its handsome leaves and heads
of purple blossoms are very showy, but our country is too cool to
show its fine form and stature.
FORMING THE WATER GARDEN. — Fortunate indeed are those
through whose grounds runs a brook or streamlet. As a great many
of our most effective and most graceful hardy plants can be grown
either in the water itself or in the moisture-laden margin of a pond
or brook, it is surprising that more advantage is not taken of this fact
when the opportunity occurs. Even where natural ponds exist it
frequently happens that the banks of the pond, as well as the water
itself, are either perfectly bare, or are covered only by the rankest
weeds. The ponds chiefly considered here are those mostly formed
WATER GARDENS BY VARIOUS WATER GARDENERS. 255
without cement, by natural flooding from a brook, streamlet or river.
If the water supply is abundant and continuous, it matters little
whether a portion of the water is wasted by percolating the sides of
the pond, but when only a small supply can be had, the bottom and
sides of the pond must be either concreted or puddled with clay. It
often happens that when the excavations for a pond are completed,
the bottom is found to consist of impervious clay, but the sides
consist of ordinary soil, which would allow a large portion of the
water to waste. In such cases the best way out of the difficulty is
the cutting of a narrow trench, say 18 inches wide, to a depth a little
beyond the surface of the natural clay subsoil. This trench, which
should skirt the whole pond at some little distance from the actual
Riverside plants in front of an old manor — Levens.
edge of the water, is then filled with clay " puddle " till just above
the water-line and forms an effective remedy against waste, while
the water-soaked soil between the trench and the actual outline of
the pond forms an excellent home for all kinds of marsh plants of
the bolder type. The outline of a pond is of the utmost importance.
Regular curves of circles or ovals are utterly out of place and look
ridiculous in a landscape with irregular and naturally undulating
ground. In order to be effective, the outline of the pond must not
only be irregular, but it must be also in accordance with the laws of
Nature, and as in most cases the natural pond or lake is merely an
expanded stream or river, we must look to the shore-lines of the
latter for guidance in the forming of artificial ponds. In a natural
stream the curves are mostly due to the water meeting with some
256 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
obstacle which caused a deviation in its course. We find invariably
that where a promontory, a projecting rock, or some other obstacle
caused an alteration in the course of the water, the latter is thrown
against the opposite bank with greater force, and unless the ground
be very hard a good portion of it is washed away by the force, and
an extended recess is the natural result. In the same way an
irregular pond to look natural should have the largest and boldest
recesses opposite or nearly opposite the largest promontory on the
other side. The shore-line should not terminate abruptly, but should
form a slope continued below the water level.
In planting the shore of a pond or lake it is the ground which
projects into the water which should be furnished with the largest
and boldest plants. This is not only perfectly natural, but has also
the effect of partially concealing some of the recesses of the water.
A pond thus treated will appear larger than it really is, and a walk
around the shore-line will reveal fresh surprises with every step.
AQUATICS. — Of all plants suitable for the water garden, none
can surpass the Nymphaeas now that we have a variety of shades of
colour undreamt of a few years ago. The delicate pink Nymphaea
Marliacea carnea and the yellow N. M. Chromatella seem to make
the most rapid progress in English water gardens, while the white
Nymphaea pygmaea alba and the yellow N. p. Helvola are the
Liliputians of the race. Perhaps the most exquisite of the newer
kinds are N. M. Seignoretti (which is red, shaded with orange).
N. M. Robinsoni and the deep carmine N. M. ignea. A little less
expensive is the large deep red N. Laydekeri lilacea, while the
following are now to be got : N. Laydekeri rosea, deep rose, changing
to carmine ; N. odorata exquisita, rosy carmine ; N. o. rosacea, tender
rose shade ; N. o. rubra, deep rose, and N. odorata sulphurea, deep
yellow. Nuphar advena should not be used except in places where
there is plenty of room, when, as shown in the picture, even the
leaves alone produce a bold effect. The same might be said of our
native Water Lilies, Nymphaea alba and Nuphar lutea. Stratiotes
aloides (popularly known as the Water Soldier) is attractive, not so
much for its flowers as for its long leaves, which form a striking
contrast to other aquatics. Villarsia Humboldtiana and the native
Villarsia nymhpaeoides, with its small round leaves and yellow
flowers, form a good contrast to plants of a bolder type. Another
interesting aquatic is Vallisneria spiralis, with very long, narrow
leaves and small white flowers floating on the surface of the water.
AQUATICS FOR SHALLOW WATER. — The common Sweet Flag
( Acorus Calamus), the Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus), and the
Bulrush or Reed Mace (Typha latifolia) are bold as well as graceful
objects in shallow water, especially in a large lake, but in ponds
WATER GARDENS BY VARIOUS WATER GARDENERS.
257
of only moderate size they should be used with caution, or they
would soon shut out Nymphaeas and other aquatics whose leaves and
flowers float on the water. Much less robust in their growth are
Typha angustifolia and T. minima. Very striking, too, are the
arrow-shaped leaves and white spikes of blossom of Sagittaria
sagittaefolia and the Buckbean (Menyanthes trifoliata). The flowers
of the latter are very sweet-scented and arranged in racemes ; they
are beautifully fringed, pure white, slightly tinged with pink outside.
This also must be kept in check to prevent injury to other aquatics.
A handsome American aquatic, quite hardy in shallow water, is
Pontederia cordata, with handsome spikes of blue flowers and almost
erect leaves on long stalks about 18 inches or more in height. The
Natural grouping of waterside plants. From a photograph sent by M. Louis Kropatsch, Imperial
Gardens, Vienna.
Bog Arum (Calla palustris), though only about 9 inches high, when
planted in groups is most effective. The well-known Arum Lily
(Calla aethiopica) may — in the west and south of England at all
events — also be used as an aquatic for shallow water. Though a
severe winter will cut it down, the roots below the surface of the
water will push forth new leaves and flowers in great profusion. At
Trelissick, near Truro, the pond was skated on for several weeks,
and 1 6° and 18° of frost were registered during the severe winter two
years ago, but in the following spring many thousands of Arum
Lilies were cut from the very same pond.
MARGINS OF WATER. — The water-soaked margins of our ponds
and brooks would furnish a home for many graceful fine-foliaged and
S
258 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
flowering plants. One of the noblest of our plants with large leaves
delighting in such a position is Gunnera manicata. Gunnera scabra
also likes a similar position, but its leaves seldom attain a diameter of
more than 5 feet, while Gunnera magellanica is quite a pigmy.
Rheum Emodi from the Himalayas, Rheum palmatum from Northern
Asia, and the Siberian Rheum undulatum are also effective plants for
the waterside. Of an entirely different type are the noble Arundo
donax and its variegated variety. In the south-west of England
they are, as a rule, hardy without protection, and their elegant grace
is most striking. The Pampas Grass (Gynerium argenteum) and its
early-flowering companion, Arundo conspicua, from New Zealand,
may also be mentioned as graceful plants for the waterside. Much
dwarfer, but also effective, is the deciduous grass, Elymus glauco-
phyllus, with broad glaucous foliage contrasting well with the fine
deep green foliage of Carex pendula or the still finer Carex riparia
and its variegated form. Cyperus longus is another suitable com-
panion from the same family. Juncus effusus spiralis, with its stems
twisted like corkscrews, is perhaps more curious than pretty, but
Acorus gramineus variegatus and Juncus zebrinus have an un-
common as well as a pretty effect in consequence of their variegated
leaves.
The plants just mentioned as suitable for the waterside are valued
mostly on account of their foliage. But among flowering plants also
handsome varieties may be found that might with great advantage be
used for decoration at the waterside much oftener than is at present
the case. Few things are brighter than the brilliant purple flowers of
Lythrum salicaria var. roseum superbum, or the large yellow flowers
of Inula Helenium and Telekia speciosissima. Groups of Iris
Kaempferi and the well-known Iris germanica, also look exceed-
ingly well on the margin of a pond, and the "flowering" Fern
(Osmunda regalis) delights in that position. Senecio japonica grows
really well only when its roots can find abundance of moisture ; its
large deeply-cut leaves are as handsome as its deep yellow flowers,
4 inches across, and borne on a stem 3 feet to 4 feet high. A similar
position is required by Spiraea gigantea, which bears its flowers on
stems 5 feet to 6 feet above the ground. Spiraea Aruncus, though
not so tall, is, nevertheless, most suitable, as are also its smaller, but
still more handsome companions, Spiraea palmata, S. alba, S. astil-
boides, and Astilbe rivularis. Very bright and effective, too, in such
a position are Chelone barbata and Lyoni, and the Globe Flowers
(Trollius) show by the waterside a vigour they do not develop else-
where. This might also be said of the double Marsh Marigold
(Caltha palustris fl.-pl.) and of several varieties of Hemerocallis.
FOR A SHADY NOOK by the waterside we are by no means
WATER GARDENS BY VARIOUS WATER GARDENERS. 259
limited to Ferns. It is in such a position Primula japonica and sik~
kimensis delight. Here also the blue Himalayan Poppy (Meconopsis
Wallichi), the tall yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea), and the bright
blue Mertensia virginica will flourish as well as Saxifraga peltata,
Sanguinaria canadensis, Podophyllum Emodi, the handsome P. pel-
tatum, and Rodgersia podophylla, while Trillium grandiflorum and
Solomon's Seal will be at their best. There is, no doubt, a number
of other suitable plants for the water garden, especially if we include
the plants generally known as bog plants, which, however, are per-
haps more suitable for the bog bed of a rock garden than the bolder
margins of ponds or lakes, but enough plants have been enumerated
to show that we have a great variety to pick from, and that certainly
there is a great future for the water garden. — F. W. MEYER, Elmside
Exeter.
It is now some fifteen or sixteen years since I planted the common
white Water Lily in the pond here. Noting how well it grew, I was
induced to try the pink or rose-coloured form of it which had been
introduced from Norway — i.e.y Nymphaea alba var. rosea. Finding,
too, that this was thriving, I further extended the Lily culture by the
addition of a dozen more varieties and species. Of these I have only
lost N. flava, and that occurred during the severe frost of 1894-95.
All that I gave in the way of protection then was laying a few mats
upon the ice when it was sufficiently strong to bear one's weight, and
that small amount of protection was more in the form of a prevent-
ive against any skaters running over them where the ice was none
too strong, and possibly cause injury should it have given way. Dur-
ing that winter the ice was unusually thick ; so much so here must it
have been as to almost, if not quite, reach the Lily roots, the depth of
water over them then being only about 12 inches. No better test of
their hardiness is, I think, needed than this, save in the case of N.
flava. Last spring I added N. Robinsoni, the present winter being of
course its first test, but of its hardiness I have not the slightest doubt.
In addition to the foregoing I have three of the pigmy varieties,
which, with a distinct form of the common white from Norway, make
in all eighteen kinds or varieties.
In the spring, when I added the twelve varieties (chiefly those
of M. Latour-Marliac's raising), these being small tubers, I com-
menced by putting them carefully into soil in large-sized punnets,
the entire dozen coming to hand in one parcel by post. I mention
this so that some idea may be formed of the then size of the tubers
compared with the present time. During the summer of 1894 they
grew well, making steady progress, and towards the autumn a few
flowers appeared on the strongest plants. The following summer
(i.e., 1895) a most marked progress was made the stronger-growing
S 2
260 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
kinds beginning to give some indications of their true character,
whilst the flowering period was well prolonged and a considerable
number of flowers produced. Seeing that more room was essential
for their perfect development, I decided to provide for this by care-
fully lifting the plants last spring when the first indications of growth
were visible. This operation was performed about two years from
the time of first planting them, but so well had they rooted in the case
of the strong growing kinds, that it took three men to lift them with
digging forks, several of the roots being as large as one's fingers and
of considerable length. These came up with good balls, and were
immediately transferred to large circular baskets which had been half-
filled with good loam and leaf-soil, a few handfuls of bone-meal being
allotted to each basket according to its size. When the roots were
carefully spread out more soil was added to fill each basket, which
was at once sunk again into the water, but at a greater distance apart
than in the first ' instance. This time the strongest were placed at
some 10 feet or so from each other, but I can see already, after only
one more year's growth that they will require more room even than
this. These plants were sunk in about 18 inches of water this time in
order to be more in accord with their growth. The more moderate
growers were arranged in front of these and in about 12 inches of
water. No apparent check ensued even at the first, for they grew
away most vigorously, and in most cases have flowered as profusely.
By the autumn the strongest clumps were fully 6 feet across, and
this season I shall not be surprised if they touch each other. The
lake has a fair quantity of mud in it, about 6 inches perhaps where
the plants are at present, the bottom being puddled with clay. The
supply of water is from a spring which continuously discharges into
the lake.
These fine water plants as grown and bloomed here are singularly
beautiful and effective ; either one or another is always producing
the distinct and pleasing flowers. The flowers remain open, too, for
a prolonged period each day, either one or another being in good
condition from 9 a.m. to nearly dusk when the weather is bright.
On more than one occasion I have also noted how beautiful they
have been during showery weather ; the water then being clear added
to their beauty, the flowers glistening and sparkling like diamonds
when under a brilliant light. When seen in this state, scarcely any-
thing in the way of flowers could be more beautiful. — JAS. HUDSON,
Gunnersbury House, Acton.
ARUM LILIES AS AQUATICS IN BRITAIN. — Whether or not the
common Arum (Richardia aethiopica) is naturally an aquatic it may be
taken as proved that it is at least amphibious, as a friend of mine has
for years past grown Arum Lilies in a fresh water lake by the banks
WATER GARDENS BY VARIOUS WATER GARDENERS. 261
of the river Fal within 20 feet of salt water, and his success has been
great, as may be imagined when I say that the plants now form a broad
margin to a portion of the lake about 300 yards in length and vary-
ing in width from I yard to 3 yards. The flowers on this belt open,
at one time in June last, were estimated at 10,000, and the annual
number is not less than 50,000. After a mild winter, such as that of
1895-96, cutting commences in February; by Easter the number of
flowers is immense, and theii production is continued to the end of
September. The hardiness of the plants was well tested in the
winter of 1894-95, when ice sufficiently thick to be skated on was
formed on the lake, but this only served to check and not to destroy
any of the plants, the check on those plants with crowns near the
surface being sufficiently severe to prove that a good depth of water
over the crowns is safest
The method adopted for planting is simple enough and involves
but little labour. Plants which have been forced are taken direct to
the water, carried in a boat to the position selected, and then simply
dropped overboard, after which they soon commence to root freely in
the pond mud. A large waggon-load was treated in this way last
year, and this represents about the usual rate of annual increase by
new plantings. The position chosen for the Arums by the lake-side
is a sunny, but well-sheltered one, and here the plants revel to such
a degree as to have induced owners of other estates in Cornwall to
plant largely on the same lines, with, of course, greater climatic
advantages than can be found in the country at large. But does not
the proved well-doing of the plants in water 2 feet deep open up
possibilities for their cultivation in colder climes ? — J. C. TALLACK,
Livermere.
ENEMIES. — Many water plants will grow almost anywhere and
bid defiance to game or rats, but the newer and rarer Water Lilies
are worth looking after, as they will not show half their beauty if
they are subjected to the attacks of certain water animals. They
may, indeed, when young be easily exterminated by them, and even
when old and established the common water rat destroys the flowers
and, taking them to the bank, eats them at its leisure, and I have often
found the remains of half a dozen fine flowers in one spot. When the
plants are small, the attacks of the common moorhen and other water-
fowl may mean all the difference between life and death to a Water
Lily. Perhaps, therefore, the first thing to be done in establishing
these plants is to put them in some small pond apart from the rougher
water-side plants, and especially where they will be safe from the
attacks of the water rat and other creatures which cannot be kept out
of ponds fed by streamlets. By these and river banks or back-waters
water rats are hard to destroy, and guns, traps, ferrets, or any other
262 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
means must be used. The common brown rat is not so fond of
these flowers as the true water rat, but it is so destructive to every-
thing else, that it is essential to destroy it at the same time, as it
often abounds near water. The water or moorhen is continuously
destructive to all the Water Lilies, pecking at the flowers until mere
shreds are left, and no one can fairly judge of the rare beauty of
these plants where these birds are not kept down.
PLANTING THE WATERSIDE. — People are so much led by showy
descriptions in catalogues, and also by their own love for ugly things,
that we often see misuse by the waterside of variegated shrubs — a
bold lake margin almost covered with variegated bushes, like the
yellow elder, the purple beech, and even down to the very margin of
the water with variegated shrubs, absolutely the worst kind of vegeta-
tion which could be chosen for such a place.
Of all places that one has to deal with in gardening or planting,
islands and the margins of water — lake or river — we have the clearest
guidance as to the trees and shrubs that inhabit and belong to such
places, and that always thrive and look best in them. The vegetation
best fitted for those places is mostly of an elegant and spiry character ;
willows in many forms often beautiful in colour, in summer or winter,
dogwoods and aspen poplars. There is no scarcity of such trees and
shrubs at all ; even the willows of Europe and Britain furnish a fine
series of trees, and some form tall timber trees like the white willow,
and low feathery willows like the rosemary-leaved one. There is also
a superb group of weeping trees among these willows, some of them
more precious and hardy even than the Babylonian willow. As
regards reeds and herbaceous plants, our country and the northern
world are very rich indeed, so that we need never use any grossly
unsuitable plant for the waterside.
These facts are worth bearing in mind in seeking true and artistic
effects, as the side water properly or improperly planted is strangely
different from an artistic point of view. Take for example a piece of
water, good in form of margin, and right in every way as to its rela-
tion to the landscape ; it is quite easy to spoil the effect of it all by
the use of shrubs which have not the form or colour characteristic of
the trees and shrubs of the water side. By the right use of the trees
or shrubs — true to the soil, so to say — we may, on the other hand,
make the scene beautiful in delicate colour and fine form, at all
seasons, right, in a word, either as a picture, as a covert, and even for
timber, for some of the willows have a high value as timber.
The best materials for waterside planting are distinctly those of
our own country, or of Europe and the northern world generally ; but
we need not despise things that are very suitable and which come to
us from other countries, and among them some of the bamboos
WATER GARDEN'S BY VARIOUS WATER GARDENERS.
263
promise very well, having, to some extent, the same character of
graceful, pointed leaf of the willow and the reed.
WILLOWS AND THEIR COLOUR. — Some say that to enjoy the colour
of willows we should cut them down once a year and that the young
shoots so grown are more showy. In that case they are thicker
together and more level in colour ; but it is a very stupid practice to
carry out, because some of the finest willows are trees, and by cutting
them down we lose the form, which is very beautiful throughout the
year. Colour also is bound up with form and light and shade, and
we cannot see the most beautiful effects of colour without these ; so
that it is wrong in every way to cut down our willows for the sake of
enjoying their colour. A small patch may be treated in that way,
especially if we follow the good old plan of using the twigs. If we
cut these every year we have a useful aid in packing, tying the
branches of trees, and for other purposes. Even in the wild willows
of our own country we can notice the great error of this practice of
cutting down — in such places, for instance, as Brandon in Norfolk,
and other eastern county places, where we see the far greater beauty
of the naturally grown tree, even from the point of view of colour.
Pool with Calla Lilies, Trelissick, Truro.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE BOG GARDEN.
THE bog garden is a home for the numerous children of the wild
that will not thrive on our harsh, bare, and dry garden borders, but
thrive cushioned on moss or in moist peat soil. Many beautiful
plants, like the Wind Gentian and Creeping Harebell, grow on our
own bogs and marshes, much as these are now encroached upon.
But even those who know our own bogs have, as a rule, little notion
of the multitude of charming plants, natives of northern and
temperate countries, whose home is the open marsh or bog. In
our own country we have been so long encroaching upon the
bogs and wastes that some of us come to regard bogs and wastes
as exceptional tracts all over the world, but when we travel in
new countries in northern climes we soon learn what a vast extent
of the world's surface was once covered with bogs. In North
America, even by the margins of the railways, one sees, day after
day, the vivid blooms of the Cardinal-flower springing erect from the
wet peaty hollows ; and far under the shady woods stretch the black
bog pools, the ground between being so shaky that you move a few
steps with difficulty. And where the woody vegetation disappears
the Pitcher-plant (Sarracenia), Golden Club (Orontium), Water Arum
(Calla palustris), and a host of other handsome bog plants cover
the ground for hundreds of acres, with perhaps an occasional slender
bush of Laurel Magnolia (Magnolia glauca) among them. In some
parts of Canada, where the painfully long and straight roads are often
made through woody swamps, and where the few scattered and poor
habitations offer little to cheer the traveller, a lover of plants will find
beside the road conservatories of beauty in the ditches and pools
of black water fringed with a profusion of stately ferns, and bog and
water bushes.
Southwards and seawards, the bog flowers, like the splendid
kinds of herbaceous Hibiscus, become tropical in size and brilliancy,
while far north and west and south along the mountains grows the
THE BOG GARDEN. 265
queen of the peat bog — the beautiful and showy Mocassin-flower
(Cypripedium spectabile). Then in California, all along the Sierras,
a number of delicate little annual plants continue to grow in small
mountain bogs long after the plains are quite parched, and annual
vegetation has quite disappeared from them. But who shall record
the beauty and interest of the flowers of the wide-spreading marsh-
lands of this globe of ours, from those in the vast wet woods of
America, dark and brown, hidden from the sunbeams, to the little
bogs of the high Alps, far above the woods, where the ground
often teems with Nature's most brilliant flowers ? No one worthily ;
for many mountain-swamp regions are as yet little known to us.
One thing, however, we may gather from our small experience —
that many plants commonly termed " alpine," and found on high
Mocassin-flower in rocky bog.
mountains, are true bog plants. This must be clear to any one who
has seen our pretty Bird's-eye Primrose in the wet mountain-side
bogs of Westmoreland, or the Bavarian Gentian in the spongy soil
by alpine rivulets.
In many country seats there are spots that with a little care can
be made into pretty bog gardens. Where there are no natural sites
a bog garden may be made by forming a basin of brickwork and
Portland cement, about one foot in depth ; the bottom may be either
concreted or paved with tiles laid in cement, and the whole must be
made water-tight ; an orifice should be made in the side, at the
height of 6 inches, to carry off the surplus water, and another in the
bottom at the lowest point, with a cork, or, better still, with a brass
plug valve to close it. Five or six inches of stones and bricks are
266 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
to be first laid in, and the whole must be filled with good peat soil,
the surface being raised into uneven banks and hillocks, with large
pieces of sandstone imbedded in it, so as to afford drier and
wetter spots. The size and form of this garden may be varied at
discretion ; it should be in an exposed situation ; the back may be
raised with a rocky bank of stones imbedded in peat, and the moisture,
ascending by capillary action, will make the position a charming one
for Ferns and numberless other peat-loving plants. It is in every
way desirable that a small trickle of water should constantly flow
through the bog ; ten or twelve gallons daily will be sufficient, but
if this cannot be arranged it may be kept filled by hand. Such a
bog may be bordered by a very low wall of flints or stones, built
with mortar, diluted with half its bulk of road-sand and leaf-mould,
and having a little earth on the top ; the moisture will soon cause this
to be covered with moss, and Ferns and all kinds of wall-plants will
thrive on it.
Where space will permit, a much larger area may be converted
into bog and rockwork intermingled, the surface being raised or
depressed at various parts, so as to afford stations for more or less
moisture-loving plants. Large stones should be freely used on the
surface, so as to form mossy stepping-stones ; and many plants will
thrive better in the chinks between the stones than on the surface of
the peat. It is not necessary to render water-tight the whole of such
a large area. A channel of water about 6 inches deep, with drain-
pipes and bricks at the bottom, may be led to and fro or branched
over the surface, the bends or branches being about 3 feet apart. The
whole, when covered with peat, will form an admirable bog, the spaces
between the channels forming drier portions, in which various plants
will thrive vigorously.
Perhaps the best place for an artificial bog is on sloping ground.
The water flows in at the top, and the surface must be rendered
water-tight with Portland cement or concrete. Contour or level lines
should then be traced on the whole surface at distances of about
3 feet apart, and a ridge, two bricks in height, should be cemented
along each of the horizontal lines. These ridges, which must be
perfectly level, serve to hold the water, and the surplus escapes over
the top to the next lower level. Two-inch drain tiles, covered with
coarse stones, should be laid along each ridge to keep the channel
open, and a foot of peat should be thrown over the whole. Before
adding the peat, ridges may be built on the surface, the stones
being built together with peat in the interstices. These ridges
need not follow the horizontal lines. The positions thus formed are
adapted both to grow and to display Ferns and alpine bog plants to
advantage.
THE BOG GARDEN.
267
Perhaps the most charming plants to commence with are our own
native bog plants — Pinguicula, Drosera, Parnassia, Menyanthes, Viola
palustris, Anagallis tenella, Narthecium, Osmunda, Lastrea Oreopteris,
Thelypteris spinulosa, and other Ferns ; Sibthorpia europaea, Linnaea
borealis, Primula farinosa, Campanula hederacea, Chrysosplenium
alternifolium and oppositifolium ; Saxifraga Hirculus, aizoides, stel-
laris, Caltha, and Marsh Orchises. These, and a host of plants from
our marshes and the summits of our higher mountains, will flourish
as freely as in their native habitats, and may all be grown in a few
Cypripedium. Trillium. Sarracenia.
A bog garden.
Helonias. Pinguicula
square feet of bog ; while Rhododendrons, Kalmias, dwarf Ferns, and
Sedges will serve for the bolder features.
One of the great charms of the bog garden is that everything
thrives and multiplies in it, and nothing droops or dies, but the real
difficulty is to prevent the stronger plants from overgrowing, and
eventually destroying, the weaker. A small pool of water filled
with water plants is a charming addition to the bog garden. The
only precaution needed is to destroy the weeds before they
gain strength — a single plant of Sheep Rot (Hydrocotyle), for
example, would smother and ruin the entire bog in a season.—
LATIMER CLARK.
268 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
In the bog garden many of our most beautiful plants, which in a summer like
that of 1895 have been languishing for moisture in the borders, may be grown to
perfection surpassing in beauty all our former impressions of them. Of primary
importance, of course, is the position, and where this is naturally of a moist,
boggy or swampy character, matters will be much simplified. We will assume there
is such a spot at disposal, a swampy, treacherous, and, as we are wont to regard
it, useless piece of land, under water the greater part of the year. Such a spot
will be sure of its crop of naturally water-loving plants, such as Rushes, Sedges,
or the like, and the first care must be to root them out one and all. In doing
so, be careful that 12 inches or so of the margin be overhauled, as in all probability
there will be here roots and seeds of all these wildlings. According to the
nature of the boggy piece and also the depth of the water, it may be necessary for
cleansing the ground to cut a deep trench and allow the water to pass away, as,
without the moisture, the whole is much more convenient for preparation, and
roots are more readily eradicated. The ground thoroughly cleansed at the outset,
attention should next be directed to the soil. This may be variable, according to
the variety of plants it is intended to introduce. For instance, strong growing
subjects like the Astilbes and Meadow Sweets are all at home in a fairly stiff and
moist soil. On the other hand, Iris Ksempferi, Trilliums, Cypripediums, Lilium
pardalinum, L. superbum, and other such things have a decided preference for
soil of a vegetable character, such as peat, leaves, and the like. These latter,
again, have a preference for the drier parts of the bed, while such as the Calthas
and Menyanthes trifoliata revel in wet mud. To meet the varied degrees of
moisture which the plants prefer will be quite an easy matter in an artificially
constructed bog by the adoption of an undulating surface throughout. Slightly
raised mounds are by far the most convenient, and certainly the most economical,
way of providing for the greatest number of plants.
FORMATION. — The shape, of course, should be irregular, and, unless a depression
of the whole exists, let this receive the next attention, and in such a way that the
highest part will be 9 inches below the average surrounding soil. The paths should
next be dealt with, excavating these nearly a foot deep in the central parts and
gradually rising at the entrances. The soil taken from the paths may, if good,
be used to form the raised beds for the planting of moisture-loving plants, such
as are content if their roots only reach water. The sides of these beds may
need rough support, such as rude sandstone blocks, to keep the soil in its place.
These, or similar things, may also form stepping-stones in the wetter parts, as by
this means the plants may be viewed without inconvenience. Beds of various
sizes will be needed in proportion to the kind of plants that shall hereafter occupy
them. For instance, the sloping banks at the edge, which may also take the
form of a slightly projecting mound, would constitute excellent positions for some
of the hardy Bamboos. Similar opportunities may occur at intervals throughout
the margin for planting with such things as Acanthus, Yuccas, Eulalias, Astilbe
rivularis, Spiraea Aruncus, Bocconia cordata, and others of similar proportions,
while the lower slopes and depressions between these would make excellent
places for Osmunda regalis, Lilium giganteum, L. pardalinum, L. canadense, and
L. superbum in peaty beds. The latter three of these are really swamp-loving
by nature, and it is scarcely possible to see them in anything approaching
perfection elsewhere. In the moisture so close at hand such things simply
revel, and the owner of them may for years see them towering far above his
head in their day of flowering — a picture of health and beauty. With such things
it should always be borne in mind that constant saturation is not absolutely
essential, though, indeed, they receive it more or less in their native habitats.
THE BOG GARDEN. 269
Where space for bog gardens is limited, a very charming carpet to the Lilies just
named would be the Wood Lily of North America (Trillium grandiflorum). The
two things may be planted or replanted at the same season when necessity arises.
The Trillium, moreover, would come in spring-time and would protect the growth
of the Lilium against our late spring frosts. For the Liliums a foot deep of peat,
leaf-soil, and turf, with sharp river grit, would form a good bed, and with a mulch
each year of leaf-soil and a little very rotten manure would serve them for many
years. It may surprise many to know that under such conditions these Trilliums
would in a few years, if left alone, attain to nearly 2 feet and be lovely in the size
and purity of their flowers. In another of these depressions Cypripedium
spectabile could easily be established, or a bed may be devoted to the more showy
hardy species, giving 6 inches of peat or more, with leaf-soil added. The species
named is rather late in sending up its growth, and affords plenty of time for a
carpet of Trillium to flower before much headway is made. Other beautiful
carpeting plants for these would be found in the American Mayflower (Epigaea
repens or Pratia angulata), and if the position be shaded, as it should be for the
Cypripediums, a charming, yet delicate, fringe may be found in Adiantum pedatum.
Besides C. spectabile, C. pubescens and C. parviflorum are well deserving attention,
together with Orchis foliosa, the beautiful " Madeira Orchis," and the Habenarias,
especially H. ciliaris and fimbriata ; all delight in moisture and require but little
root room. Then if a glow of rich colour was needed in such places it could be
supplied in Spiraea venusta or S. palmata, both delighting in moist soil. Another
fine effect may be had by grouping Lobelia fulgens, or indeed any of the scarlet
Lobelias. In wet parts may be planted Osmunda regalis, Onoclea sensibilis,
Struthiopteris germanica, and Astilbe rivularis, allowing room for each. Groups
of the herbaceous Phloxes in their best and most distinct shades, particularly
of salmon scarlet and the purest white, would find their natural wants completely
satisfied in the bog garden and give fine colour. In English gardens it is only in
a moist season that we see the Phlox in even fair condition, for the reason that
the original species is a native of wet meadows. This condition we can best
imitate by deep digging and heavy manuring, and so much the better if the beds
of these be saturated with water. Only in the constant cooling moisture of the
bog can Primula japonica be seen in perfection, for here will it produce rosettes of
leaves 2\ feet across, and giant whorls of its crimson flowers, attaining to nearly
the same height. Another charming Primrose is that from the swampy mountain
meadows of the Himalayas, P. sikkimensis, essentially moisture-loving ; but to
get the best results this must be treated as a biennial, grown on quickly, and
planted in the bog as soon as large enough to handle. Other species of Primula
suited to the higher and drier parts of the bog would be found in P. cashmeriana,
capitata, denticulata, rosea, farinosa, involucrata, viscosa, and others, all alike
beautiful in their way, and attaining greater vigour with the abundant moisture.
Some of the smaller kinds of the viscosa type are better for slight shade, such
as may be provided by Dielytra spectabilis (a really delightful plant in boggy
ground) and various Spiraeas. It should be noted that many shade-loving plants
delight in full sun when given abundant moisture at the root. Particularly
noticeable is this with the Liliums have noted previously. In the early part
of the year the bog garden should be aglow with such things as Marsh Marigolds,
in single and double forms. In the wet mud in the lower parts and about the
stepping stones these would appear quite natural, and in like places Ficaria
grandiflora, a plant too rarely seen, with its blossoms of shining gold ; then
Senecio Doronicum, with golden orange flowers, Dielytra eximia, Trollius : any
of the Dentarias and Dodecatheons likewise are all well suited for the raised
27o THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
parts where the roots will touch the moisture. The Dodecatheons in peat, loam,
and leaf soil in equal parts, particularly D. Jeffrey anum, grow to a large size :
Hepaticas, too, are greatly improved in company with these last, while the
charming effects that may be produced are almost without end. Corydalis nobilis
in peat and loam, C. lutea, together with the Water Mimulus (M. luteus), all pro-
vide rich masses of yellow. Gentiana asclepiadea, G. Andrewsi, as well as G. verna,
grow charmingly in the bog. Nor is the list of plants exhausted ; indeed, they
are far too numerous to give in detail, but yet to be mentioned as among the
grandest are many Irises, I. Ksempferi in particular. Meconopsis Wallichiana
(the blue Poppy of the Himalayas) produces quite a unique effect in the moister
parts. Saxifraga peltata, S. Fortunei, S. Hirculus, S. granulata plena, Soldanellas,
Senecio pulcher, Sisyrinchium grandiflorum, and many more are all benefited by
the varying degrees of moisture to be found in the bog garden.
In gardens where no moist piece of ground exists, such as those with
gravel or sandy subsoils, it will be necessary to select a low part and mark out
an irregular outline. Next dig out the soil 18 inches or 2 feet in depth, so as to
allow of at least 6 inches of clay being puddled in the bottom to retain the
moisture. For bog plants clay is far better than concrete, because it supplies
food for many moisture-loving plants. To keep the clay in position, sloping sides
will be best, and for the soils named it will scarcely be necessary to have more
than a small outlet for excessive moisture, and this at about 12 inches high from
the deepest part. For this a narrow clinker or rough brick drain will suffice,
so placed that the outlet may be blocked, if necessary, for affording greater
moisture. By digging a shallow trench around the upper margin of the bog-
bed, and using Bamboos, such as Metake or glaucescens, or Bocconia cordata —
the last two valuable for their rapid annual growth—such things would give the
needful shade in summer.
In large gardens and cool, hilly districts the bog garden should always be
found. Some years ago I had charge of just such a garden : in the flower garden
was a fountain basin wherein water plants were grown ; the overflow from this
went tumbling in many ways over a series of rocks into the rock garden pond
containing Orontium aquaticum, Nymphasas, and Sagittarias. In turn the over-
flow from the rock garden was conducted to the bog garden proper, where many
masses of Cypripedium spectabile, with fully a score of spikes of its beautiful flowers
to each tuft, grew in luxuriance in peat and leaves under a welcome shade. In
the swampy watercourse, before the bog was entered, the Marsh Marigold in
variety abounded, being very conspicuous. Here, too, Osmundas were rampant,
together with Primula japonica and a variety of plants already mentioned, and
Ourisia coccinea, tightly pressing the surface of a stone, flowered splendidly.— E. J.
CHAPTER XXII.
THE HARDY FERN GARDEN.
THE marriage of the fern and flower garden is worth effecting, our
many hardy evergreen Ferns being so good for association with hardy
flowers. There are many varieties of our native Ferns which would
be excellent companions to evergreen herbaceous plants suited for
sheltered, half-shady nooks, and there are hardy and vigorous exotic
kinds. Graceful effects may be had in fore-grounds, in drives through
glades, through the bold use of the larger hardy Ferns, whether ever-
green or not. The Bracken is everywhere ; but there are Ferns of
graceful form which delight in the partial shade of open woods and
drives, and succeed even in the sun. Ferns have, as a rule, been
stowed away in obscure corners, and have rarely come into the
garden landscape, though they may give us beautiful aspects of
vegetation not only in the garden, but by grassy glades, paths, and
drives. In countries where hardy Ferns abound, they are often seen
near water and in hollow and wet places, and it will often be best
to group them in such localities, but without any of the ugly aspects
of " rockwork " too often supposed to be the right thing in a hardy
fernery.
In the home counties there is probably not a better fernery
than that at Danesbury. It is on a sloping bank in a rather
deep dell, overhung with trees and Ivy, in the shade of which the
Ferns delight. As regards the planting, the various families are
arranged in distinct groups, and each group has a position and
a soil favourable to its requirements. The best way to grow Ferns,
however, is with flowers, as in Nature, and a hardy fernery may
be very beautiful. As a rule, Ferns have in their natural state
both soil and locality exactly suited to their requirements ; and the
soil is yearly enriched by the decaying foliage of surrounding trees,
which protects them in winter. In arranging a fernery, study the
habits and requirements of each species, and allot to it the position
most likely to give the best results. At Danesbury the most
THE HARDY FERN GARDEN. 273
sheltered, moist spot is given to the evergreen Blechnums, which
delight in a damp atmosphere, and to the delicate forms of Asplenium.
Osmunda, which thrives amazingly, is in a low swamp. The soil used
for these Royal Ferns is a mixture of good loam and fibrous peat. The
better deciduous kinds of Polypodium, such as P. Phegopteris and
P. Dryopteris, have sheltered positions ; and in quiet nooks may be
found charming groups of the Parsley Fern, and Cystopteris fragilis,
a most delicate and graceful Fern. Lastrea Filix-mas and its varieties
occupy the more exposed positions in company with fine colonies
of the evergreen kinds, comprising some unique varieties of the
Polystichums, Scolopendriums, Polypodiums, etc. A plentiful supply
of water is available.
The Fern-lover will remember that not only have we our
own beautiful native Ferns for adorning our gardens, but also the
hardy Ferns of America, Asia, and the continent of Europe. As
to the hardiness of exotic Ferns, Mr. Milne-Redhead writes from
Clitheroe : —
Is it not strange that we so seldom see, even in good gardens, any well-grown
plants of exotic Osmundas, Struthiopteris, &c. ? Here, after a long spell of hot,
dry weather, we had on May 20, 1896, a sharp snap of frost which completely cut
off the more than usually beautiful flowers of Azalea mollis, and seriously injured
the young growths of some Japanese Pines, such as Abies firma, A. sachalinensis,
and others. This frost turned the young fronds of our English Filix-mas and
Filix-foemina quite black. Close by these plants, and under similar conditions of
soil and exposure, the American Adiantum pedatum, i foot high, and the tender-
looking Onoclea sensibilis were quite unhurt, and Osmunda interrupta and O.
cinnamomea entirely escaped and are now very fine. Our English O. regalis was
slightly touched, but the Brazilian O. spectabilis brought by myself from dry
banks in the Organ Mountains was not even browned in its early and delicate
fronds. All the Ferns I have named are great ornaments to any moist and rather
shady place in the shrubbery. In a sheltered nook in the rock garden I find, to
my surprise, that Gymnogramma triangularis has survived the perils not only of
a frosty spring, but the still greater ones of a wet autumn and winter, and is now
throwing up healthily its pretty triangular fronds, whose under surface is quite
white with the powder peculiar to the genus — in fact a hardy silver Fern.
•
A visit to Mr. Sclater's Fern garden at Newick shows us the good
effects that may be had by using the nobler hardy Ferns — both native
and foreign — in a bolder way, and often in the open sun. The idea
that a fernery is best in a dark corner has had unfortunate results in
keeping the grace of such plants out of the garden picture. Hardy
Ferns are being used in bold and simple ways at Kew, where at one
time they were in an obscure fernery, and even if some Ferns require
shade, many do not in our cool climate. Shade is, moreover, an
elastic term ; the bold hardy Ferns one sees in the American wood-
274
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
lands would not have too much sun in the open in Britain, provided
they were in the right soil.
Many hardy Ferns are excellent for association with hardy flowers,
and many may be grouped with evergreen rock and hill plants in
Native Ferns massed by shady walk (Devon,). From a photograph by S. W. Fitzherbert.
forming borders and groups of evergreen plants. Though we have
enough native Ferns in these islands to give us very fine effects, as we
see at Penrhyn, or wherever Ferns are boldly grouped, some of the
finest Ferns we see at Newick, and also at Rhianva and other gardens,
THE HARDY FERN GARDEN. 275
are natives of North America. Foremost among the strong-growing
hardy exotic kinds, there are the handsome North American Osmunda
cinnamomea, and O. Claytoniana, O. gracilis, a very pretty species of
particularly slender habit ; the Sensitive Fern (Onoclea), Dicksonia
punctiloba, the beautiful Canadian Maiden-hair, the American Ostrich
Feather Fern, Lastrea Goldiana, Woodwardia virginica, all of North
American origin and attaining between 2 feet and 3 feet in height.
Among the smaller ferns are Aspidium nevadense, novaboracense
and thelypteroides, Asplenium angustifolium, Athyrium Michauxi
and Woodwardia angustifolia, all of which grow from 18 inches to 24
inches. Allosorus acrostichoides, the handsome Polypodium hexa-
gonopterum, Woodsia obtusa, oregana and scopulina, and also two
pretty Selaginellas, viz., oregana and Douglasi. All these are of
small dimensions, varying as they do from 6 in. to 12 in. in height.
The pretty Hypolepis anthriscifolia of South Africa ; the robust
Lastrea atrata, from India ; the Japanese Lastrea decurrens, the
massive Struthiopteris orientalis, also a native of Japan, and the
pretty Davallia Mariesi are all equal in hardiness to any of our British
deciduous Ferns.
EVERGREEN HARDY FERNS. — Some of the evergreen Ferns,
whether British or exotic, which stand the severity of our climate, are
as hardy as those which lose their leaves in winter, and no Fern could
be hardier than the various small-growing Aspleniums, which grow in
old walls exposed to severe frosts, such as the black-stemmed Spleen-
wort (several), and its pretty crested and notched forms, the little
Wall Rue or Rue Fern, the forked and other native Spleenworts. All
these are small, seldom exceeding 8 in. in height, while the
black Maiden-hair Spleenwort Blechnum and its several beautiful
forms usually average from 9 in. to 12 in. in height. Polypodium
also contains some handsome evergreen plants ; even the common
Polypody is a fine plant in its way, and is seen at its best when
growing on a wall, on the branches of a tree, or on the roof of a low
house. But by far the handsomest of its numerous forms are the
Welsh Polypody, the Irish and the Cornish, and its handsome, finely-
cut varieties in which the fronds are of a light and feathery nature.
Then there are the more or less heavily crested forms, all of larger
dimensions than the species from which they are issue. The common
Hart's-tongue, also perfectly hardy, supplies us with many forms
giving fine effect and free growth.
As regards strong-growing evergreen hardy Ferns, however, none
can compare with the Prickly Shield Fern and the soft Prickly Shield
Fern and its beautiful varieties which produce massive fronds 18 ins.
to 24 ins. long. Then there is an extensive section of varieties in
T 2
276 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
which the fronds in many instances are as finely cut as those of the Lace
Fern, and infinitely finer in effect. The soft Prickly Shield Fern has
also produced some remarkably crested forms, all of which are equal
in vigour and in dimensions to the typical species. The Holly Fern
is also perfectly hardy, and is one of those plants which are usually
killed with kindness, through being grown in a temperature higher
than is required. As regards
EXOTIC EVERGREEN KINDS, North America supplies the greatest
part of those hardy in England. The larger-growing kinds from that
country are Aspidium cristatum Clintonianum, A. floridanum, Asplenium
angustifolium, Lastrea marginalis, Polystichum munitum and P.
acrostichoides, all of which sorts attain from 18 ins. to 24 ins. in
height.
Not less effective and quite as interesting as the above, though of
smaller dimensions, are the North American Asplenium ebenum,
Phegopteris alpestris, Pellsea atropurpurea, Woodsia alpina and W.
glabella varying in height from 6 ins. to 12 ins. There are also some
remarkably handsome strong-growing sorts, native of Japan, the
most decorative as also the most distinct among these being Lastrea
Standishi, with fronds 24 ins. to 30 ins. long, and of a lovely and
cheerful green colour; Lastrea erythrosora, with fronds 18 ins. to
24 ins. long, of a beautiful bronzy red colour when young, and of
a deep dark green hue when mature. Lastrea opaca is another hand-
some Japanese form, broad and massive, of a fine metallic colour when
young, and of a deep velvety green when mature. In Lastrea
Sieboldi we have a totally distinct plant, having the general aspect of
a somewhat dwarf Polypodium aureum and of the same bluish colour.
This and Dictyogramma japonica, which have somewhat bold and
broad fronds, are also quite hardy, and so are the Japanese Lastrea
prolifica, a species with finely-cut fronds, bearing numerous small
plants ; the handsome Polystichum setosum, with beautiful dark green,
shining foliage ; Polystichum Tsus-simense, Lastrea corusca and L.
aristata. Lomaria chilensis is a large-growing Fern with fronds
24 ins. to 30 ins. long and of a particularly deep green colour. Nipho-
bolus lingua is a very distinct Fern with entire fronds of a very
leathery nature, dark green above and silvery beneath, having some-
what the general appearance of our common Hart's-tongue, but in
this case the fronds, instead of starting from a single crown, are pro-
duced along a slender rhizome of a wiry nature. Perhaps one of the
prettiest of the hardy evergreen Ferns is the violet-scented Lastrea
fragrans. This charming little plant, seldom more than 4 ins. in height,
succeeds well when planted outside, as it is on the outside rockery in
278 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Kew Gardens, where its crown is simply protected by a handful of dry
leaves during the winter.
ROCK AND SUN-LOVING FERNS. — It is a mistake to consider all
Ferns as plants requiring shade and moisture. There are, on the con-
trary, ferns which like full sunshine and bright light. Without count-
ing Cystopteris alpina and fragilis, which grow in our walls as well in
sun as in shade, there is one class of Ferns which actually requires
sunshine. Cheilanthes from the Old World, as well as those from the
New, only do well in a sunny aspect. I could not succeed at Geneva
in cultivating Cheilanthes odora, lanuginosa and vestita. In spite of
every care given to them, they suffered from general weakness, ending
in decay. At last I one day saw Woodsia hyperborea, that delicate
and fragile plant, in full sun along an alpine road in Italy, and on re-
turning I planted all my Cheilanthes in sunshine on a south wall.
The result was good, and I recommend the plan to Fern growers.
But it was necessary also to change the soil in which these plants
were cultivated, and I set them in soft porous mould composed of
Sphagnum Moss, peat and sand ; good drainage and frequent water-
ing ensured an immediate and excellent result. That which proved
satisfactory for Cheilanthes I then tried for Woodsia hyperborea and
ilvensis (the treatment did not do for W. obtusa) ; then for Scolopen-
drium Hemionitis, that pretty and curious Fern from the south so rarely
met with in gardens, where it is considered difficult to grow. Then I
gave the same treatment to Nothochlena Marantae ; and this lovely
Fern, which formerly did not do with me, turned out marvellously
well. It is, then, certain that many species of Ferns require sun and
plenty of air. — H. CORREVON, in Gardeners' Chronicle.
The following exotic Ferns may be grown in the open air if the
more tender ones are protected in winter by a covering of old fronds
or soft hay pegged down over the crowns. These would be better
in sheltered nooks in the rock garden in good peaty earth. Those
kinds marked with an asterisk should receive protection in this form.
Unless otherwise mentioned, the Ferns are natives of North America,
and this list is contributed by Mr. Birkenhead, Sale, an experienced
cultivator of these plants.
THE HARDY FERN GARDEN.
279
Exotic hardy Ferns.
Adiantum peadtum
Allosorous acrosti-
choides
Aspidium cristatum
Clintonianum
fragrans
nevadense
novaborace n s e
rigidum argutum
spinulosum
thelypteroides
Asplenium angustifo-
Hum
ebenum
*fontanum (Europe)
thelypteroides
Athyrium Filix-
foemina ameri-
canum
Michauxi
Botrychium virgini-
cum
*Cyrtomium caryoti-
deum (E. Indies)
*falcatum (Japan)
*Fortunei (Japan)
Cystopteris bulbifera
fragilis (American
var).
Dennstaedtia puncti-
lobula
Hypolepis mille-
folium (N. Zea-
land)
anthriscifolia (S.
Africa)
Lastrea (Nephro-
dium)
*atrata India)
*decurrens (Japan)
fragrans
Lastrea (Nephro-
dium) — continued.
Goldiana
intermedia
marginalis
*opaca (China)
prolifica (Jamaica)
Sieboldi (Japan)
*varia (China)
Lomaria alpinafNew
Zealand)
chilensis (ChiliJ
crenulata (Chili)
Onoclea sensibilis
Osmunda cinna-
momea
Osmunda Claytoni-
ana
gracilis
japonica
*Pellaea atro-
purpurea
*gracilis
Phegopteris alpestris
Dryopteris
hexagonoptera
poly pod ioides
Polystichum acros-
tichoides
a. grandiceps
a. incisum
Brauni
concavum (Japan)
munitum. (Califor-
nia)
m. imbricans
polyblepharum (Ja-
pan)
*proliferum (Austra-
lia)
*setosum (Japan)
Selaginella Douglasi-
denticulata (hel.
vetica)
Struthiopteris ger-
manica (Europe)
*orientalis (Japan)
pennsylvanica
p. recurva
Woodsia
glabella
obtusa
oregana
scopulina
Woodwardia angusti-
folia
*jappnica (Japan)
orientalis (Japan)
radicans S.
Europe)
r. americana
virginica
A hardy fernery at Broomneld, Caterham.
CHAPTER XXIII.
COLOUR IN- THE FLOWER GARDEN.
ONE of the first things which all who care for gardens should
learn, is the difference between true and delicate and ugly colour —
between the showy dyes and much glaring colour seen in gardens
and the beauties and harmonies of natural colour. There are, apart
from beautiful flowers, many lessons and no fees : — Oak woods in
winter, even the roads and paths and rocks and hedgerows ; leaves in
many hues of life and death, the stems of trees : many birds are
lovely studies in harmony and delicate gradation of colour ; the
clouds (eternal mine of divinest colour) in many aspects of light, and
the varied and infinite beauty of colour of the air itself as it comes
between us and the distant view.
Nature is a good colourist, and if we trust to her guidance we
never find wrong colour in wood, meadow, or on mountain. " Laws "
have been laid down by chemists and decorators about colours which
artists laugh at, and to consider them is a waste of time. If we
have to make coloured cottons, or to " garden " in coloured gravels,
then it is well to think what ugly things will shock us least ; but
dealing with living plants in their infinitely varied hues, and with
their beautiful flowers, is a different thing ! If we grow well plants
of good colour, all will be right in the end, but often raisers
of flowers work against us by the raising of flowers of bad
colour. The complicated pattern beds so often seen in flower gardens
should be given up in favour of simpler beds, of the shapes best
suiting the ground, and among various reasons for this is to get true
colour. When we have little pincushion-beds where the whole
" pattern " is seen at once through the use of dwarf plants, the desire
comes to bring in colour in patterns and in ugly ways. For this
purpose the wretched Alternanthera and other pinched plant rubbish
are grown — plants not worth growing at all.
When dwarf flowers are associated with bushes like Roses, and
with plants like Carnations and tall Irises, having pointed and grace-
ful foliage, the colours are relieved against the delicate foliage of
COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 281
the plants and by having the beds large enough we relieve the
dwarfer flowers with taller plants behind. In a shrubbery, too,
groups of flowers are nearly always right, and we can follow our desire
in flowers without much thought of arranging for colour. But as
the roots of the shrubs rob the flowers ; the best way is to put
near and around shrubberies free-running plants that do not want
much cultivation, like Solomon's Seal and Woodruff, and other plants
that grow naturally in woods and copses, while with flowers like
Pansies, Carnations, Roses, that depend for their beauty on good soil,
the best way is to keep them in the open garden, away from hungry
tree-roots.
By having large simple beds we relieve the flowers, and enjoy their
beauty of colour and the forms of the plants without " pattern " of
any kind. Instead of " dotting " the plants, it is better to group them
naturally, letting the groups run into each other, and varying them here
and there with taller plants. A flower garden of any size could be
planted in this way, without the geometry of the ordinary flower garden,
and the poor effect of the " botanical " " dotty " mixed border. As,
however, all may not be ready to follow this plan, the following notes
on colour, by a flower gardener who has given much thought to the
subject, will be useful : —
" One of the most important points in the arrangement of a
garden is the placing of the flowers with regard to their colour-effect.
Too often a garden is an assemblage of plants placed together hap-
hazard, or if any intention be perceptible as is commonly the case in
the bedding system, it is to obtain as great a number as possible of
the most violent contrasts ; and the result is a hard, garish vulgarity.
Then, in mixed borders, one usually sees lines or evenly distributed
spots of colour, wearying and annoying to the eye, and proving how
poor an effect can be got by the misuse of the best materials. Should
it not be remembered that in setting a garden we are painting a
picture, — a picture of hundreds of feet or yards instead of so many
inches, painted with living flowers and seen by open daylight — so that
to paint it rightly is a debt we owe to the beauty of the flowers and
to the light of the sun ; that the colours should be placed with
careful forethought and deliberation, as a painter employs them on
his picture, and not dropped down in lifeless dabs.
"HARMONY RATHER THAN CONTRAST.— Splendid harmonies
of rich and brilliant colour, and proper sequences of such har-
monies, should be the rule ; there should be large effects, each well
studied and well placed, varying in different portions of the garden
scheme. One very common fault is a want of simplicity of in-
tention ; another, an absence of any definite plan of colouring. Many
people have not given any attention to colour-harmony, or have
282 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
not by nature the gift of perceiving it. Let them learn it by observing
some natural examples of happily related colouring, taking separate
families of plants whose members are variously coloured. Some
of the best to study would be American Azaleas, Wallflowers, German
and Spanish Iris, Alpine Auriculas, Polyanthus, and Alstrcemerias.
"BREADTH OF MASS AND INTERGROUPING.— It is important to
notice that the mass of each colour should be large enough to have
a certain dignity, but never so large as to be wearisome ; a certain
breadth in the masses is also wanted to counteract the effect of fore-
shortening when the border is seen from end to end. When a definite
plan of colouring is decided on, it will save trouble if the plants
whose flowers are approximately the same in colour are grouped
together to follow each other in season of blooming. Thus, in a part
of the border assigned to red, Oriental Poppies might be planted
among or next to Tritomas, with scarlet Gladioli between both, so
that there should be a succession of scarlet flowers, the places occupied
by the Gladioli being filled previously with red Wallflowers.
" WARM COLOURS are not difficult to place : scarlet, crimson,
pink, orange, yellow, and warm white are easily arranged so as to
pass agreeably from one to the other.
" PURPLE and LILAC group well together, but are best kept well
away from red and pink ; they do well with the colder whites, and are
seen at their best when surrounded and carpeted with gray-white
foliage, like that of Cerastium tomentosum or Cineraria maritima ; but
if it be desired to pass from a group of warm colour to purple and
lilac, a good breadth of pale yellow or warm white may be interposed.
"WHITE FLOWERS. — Care must be taken in placing very cold
white flowers such as Iberis corresefolia, which are best used as quite
a high light, led up to by whites of a softer character. Frequent
repetitions of white patches catch the eye unpleasantly ; it will
generally be found that one mass or group of white will be enough
in any piece of border or garden arrangement that can be seen from
any one point of view.
" BLUE requires rather special treatment, and is best approached
by delicate contrasts of warm whites and pale yellows, such as the
colours of double Meadow Sweet, and QEnothera Lamarckiana, but
rather avoiding the direct opposition of strong blue and full yellow.
Blue flowers are also very beautiful when completely isolated and seen
alone among rich dark foliage.
" A PROGRESSION OF COLOUR in a mixed border might begin
with strong blues, light and dark, grouped with white and pale yellow,
passing on to pink ; then to rose colour, crimson, and the strongest
scarlet, leading to orange and bright yellow. A paler yellow followed
by white would distantly connect the warm colours with the lilacs and
COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 283
purples, and a colder white would combine them pleasantly with low-
growing plants with cool-coloured leaves.
"SILVERY-LEAVED PLANTS are valuable as edgings and carpets
to purple flowers, and bear the same kind of relation to them as the
warm-coloured foliage of some plants does to their strong red flowers,
as in the case of the Cardinal Flower and double crimson Sweet
William. The bright clear blue of Forget-me-not goes best with fresh
pale green, and pink flowers are beautiful with pale foliage striped
with creamy white, such as the variegated forms of Jacob's-ladder or
Iris pseudacorus. A useful carpeting plant, Acaena pulchella, assumes
in spring a rich bronze between brown and green which is valuable
with Wallflowers of the brown and orange colours. These few
examples, out of many that will come under the notice of any careful
observer, are enough to indicate what should be looked for in the way
of accompanying foliage — such foliage, if well chosen and well placed,
may have the same value to the flowering plant that a worthy and
appropriate setting has to a jewel.
" IN SUNNY PLACES warm colours should preponderate ; the yellow
colour of sunlight brings them together and adds to their glowing effect.
*"A SHADY BORDER, on the other hand, seems best suited for
the cooler and more delicate colours. A beautiful scheme of cool
colouring might be arranged for a retired spot, out of sight of other
brightly coloured flowers, such as a border near the shady side of any
shrubbery or wood that would afford a good background of dark
foliage. Here would be the best opportunity for using blue, cool
white, palest yellow, and fresh green. A few typical plants are the
great Larkspurs, Monkshoods, and Columbines, Anemones (such as
japonica, sylvestris, apennina, Hepatica, and the single and double
forms of nemorosa), white Lilies, Trilliums, Pyrolas, Habenarias,
Primroses, white and yellow, double and single, Daffodils, white
Cyclamen, Ferns and mossy Saxifrages, Lily-of-the- Valley, and
Woodruff. The most appropriate background to such flowers would
be shrubs and trees, giving an effect of rich sombre masses of dusky
shadow rather than a positive green colour, such as Bay Phillyrea,
Box, Yew, and Evergreen Oak. Such a harmony of cool colouring,
in a quiet shady place, would present a delightful piece of gardening.
" BEDDED-OUT PLANTS, in such parts of a garden as may require
them, may be arranged on the same general principle of related, rather
than of violently opposed, masses of colour.. As an example, a fine
effect was obtained with half-hardy annuals, mostly kinds of Marigold
Chrysanthemum, and Nasturtium, of all shades of yellow, orange, and
brown. This was in a finely designed formal garden before the prin-
cipal front of one of the stateliest of the great houses of England. It
was a fine lesson in temperance, this employment of a simple scheme
284
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
A
COLOUR IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 285
of restricted colouring, yet it left nothing to be desired in the way of
richness and brilliancy, and well served its purpose as a dignified
ornament, and worthy accompaniment to the fine old house.
" CONTRASTS — How TO BE USED. — The greater effects being
secured, some carefully arranged contrasts may be used to strike the
eye when passing ; for opposite colours in close companionship are not
telling at a distance, and are still less so if interspersed, their tendency
then being to neutralize each other. Here and there a charming
effect may be produced by a bold contrast, such as a mass of orange
Lilies against Delphiniums or Gentians against alpine Wallflowers ;
but these violent contrasts should be used sparingly and as brilliant
accessories rather than trustworthy principals.
"CLIMBERS ON WALLS. — There is often a question about the
suitability of variously coloured creepers on house or garden walls.
The same principle of harmonious colouring is the best guide. A
vyarm-coloured wall, one of Bath stone or buff bricks, for instance, is
easily dealt with. On this all the red-flowered, leaved, or berried
plants look well — Japan Quince, red and pink Roses, Virginian
Creeper, Crataegus Pyracantha. and the more delicate harmonies of
Honeysuckle, Banksian Roses, and Clematis montana, and Flammula,
while C. Jackmanni and other purple and lilac kinds are suitable as
occasional contrasts. The large purple and white Clematises harmonise
perfectly with the cool gray of Portland stone ; and so do dark-leaved
climbers, such as White Jasmine, Passion Flower, and green Ivy. Red
brickwork, especially when new, is not a happy ground colour ; per-
haps it is best treated with large-leaved climbers — Magnolias, Vines,
Aristolochia — to counteract the fidgety look of the bricks and white
joints. When brickwork is old and overgrown with gray Lichens,
there can be no more beautiful ground for all colours of flowers from
the brightest to the tenderest — none seems to come amiss.
" COLOUR IN BEDDING-OUT.— We must here put out of mind
nearly all the higher sense of the enjoyment of flowers ; the delight in
their beauty individually or in natural masses ; the pleasure derived
from a personal knowledge of their varied characters, appearances, and
ways, which gives them so much of human interest and lovableness ;
and must regard them merely as so much colouring matter, 'to fill such
and such spaces for a few months. We are restricted to a kind of
gardening not far removed from that in which the spaces of the design
are filled in with pounded brick, slate, or shells. The best rule in the
arrangement of a bedded garden is to keep the scheme of colouring as
simple as possible. The truth of this is easily perceived by an ordinary
observer when shown a good example, and is obvious without any
showing to one who has studied colour effects ; and yet the very op-
posite intention is most commonly seen, to wit, a garish display of the
286 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
greatest number of crudely contrasting colours. How often do we see
combinations of scarlet Geranium, Calceolaria, and blue Lobelia —
three subjects that have excellent qualities as bedding plants if used
in separate colour schemes, but which in combination can hardly fail
to look bad? In this kind of gardening, as in any other, let us by all
means have our colours in a brilliant blaze, but never in a discordant
glare. One or two colours, used temperately and with careful judg-
ment, will produce nobler and richer results than many colours
purposely contrasted, or wantonly jumbled. The formal garden that
is an architectural adjunct to an imposing building demands a dignified
unity of colouring instead of the petty and frivolous effects so com-
monly obtained by the misuse of many colours. As practical examples
of simple harmonies, let us take a scheme of red for summer bedding.
It may range from palest pink to nearly black, the flowers being
Pelargoniums in many shades of pink, rose, salmon, and scarlet ; Ver-
benas, red and pink ; and judicious mixtures of Iresine, Alternanthera,
Amaranthus, the dark Ajuga, and red-foliaged Oxalis. Still finer is a
colour scheme of yellow and orange, worked out with some eight
varieties of Marigold, Zinnias, Calceolarias, and Nasturtiums — a long
range of bright rich colour, from the palest buff and primrose to the
deepest mahogany. Such examples of strong warm colouring are ad-
mirably suited for large spaces of bedded garden. Where a small
space has to be dealt with it is better to have arrangements of blue,
with white and the palest yellow, or of purple and lilac, with gray
foliage. A satisfactory example of the latter could be worked out with
beds of purple and lilac Clematis, trained over a carpet of Cineraria
maritima, or one of the white-foliaged Centaureas, and Heliotropes and
purple Verbenas, with silvery foliage of Cerastium, Antennaria, or
Stachys lanata. These are some simple examples easily carried out.
The principle once seen and understood (and the operator having a
perception of colour), modifications will suggest themselves, and a
correct working with two or more colours will be practicable ; but the
simpler ways are the best, and will always give the noblest results.
There is a peculiar form of harmony to be got even in varied colours
by putting together those of nearly the same strength or depth. As
an example in spring bedding, Myosotis dissitiflora, Silene pendula
(not the deepest shade), and double yellow Primrose or yellow Poly-
anthus, though distinctly red, blue, and yellow, yet are of such tender
and equal depth of colouring, that they work together charmingly,
especially if they are further connected with the gray-white foliage of
Cerastium. — G. J."
CHAPTER XXIV.
FRAGRANCE.
A MAN who makes a garden should have a heart for plants that have
the gift of sweetness as well as beauty of form or colour. And what a
mystery as well as charm — wild Roses sweet as the breath of heaven,
and wild Roses of repulsive odour all born of the earth-mother, and it
may be springing from the same spot. Flowers sweet at night and
scentless in the day ; flowers of evil odour at one hour and fragrant
at another ; plants sweet in breath of blossom, but deadly in leaf and
sap ; Lilies sweet as they are fair, and Lilies that must not be let
into the house ; with bushes in which all that is delightful in odour
permeates to every March-daring bud. The Grant Aliens of the day,
who tell us how the Dandelion sprang from the Primrose some
millions of years ago, would no doubt explain all these things to us,
or put long names to them — what Sir Richard Owen used to call
" conjectural biology," — but we need not care where they leave the
question, for to us is given this precious fragrance, happily almost
without effort, and as free as the clouds from man's power to spoil.
Every fertile country has its fragrant flowers and trees ; alpine
meadows with Orchids and mountain Violets ; the Primrose-scented
woods, Honeysuckle-wreathed and May-frosted hedgerows of Britain ;
the Cedars of India and of the mountains of Asia Minor, with Lebanon ;
trees of the same stately order, perhaps still more fragrant in the
warmer Pacific breezes of the Rocky Mountains and Oregon, where
the many great Pines often spring from a carpet of fragrant Ever-
greens, and a thousand flowers which fade away after their early
bloom, and stand withered in the heat, while the tall Pines overhead
distil for ever their grateful odour in the sunny air. Myrtle, Rosemary,
and Lavender, and all the aromatic bushes and herbs clothing the little
capes that jut into the great sea which washes the shores of Greece,
288 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
.
Italy, Sicily, and Corsica ; garden islands scattered through vast
Pacific seas, as stars are scattered in the heavens ; enormous tropical
forests, little entered by man, but from which he gathers on the out-
skirts treasures for stove and greenhouse ; great island gardens like
Java and Ceylon and Borneo, rich in spices and lovely plant life ;
Australian bush, with plants strange as if from another world, but
often most delicate in odour even in the distorted fragments of them
we see in our gardens.
It is not only from the fragile flower-vases these sweet odours
flow ; they breathe through leaf and stem, and the whole being of
many trees and bushes, from the stately Gum trees of Australia to
the sweet Verbena of Chili. Many must have felt the charm of the
strange scent of the Box bush before Oliver Wendell Holmes told us
of its " breathing the fragrance of eternity." The scent of flowers is
often cloying, as of the Tuberose, while that of leaves is often delicate
and refreshing, as in the budding Larch, and in the leaves of Balm and
Rosemary, while fragrance is often stored in the wood, as in the Cedar
of Lebanon and many other trees, and even down through the roots.
It is given to few to see many of these sweet plants in their
native lands, but we who love our gardens may enjoy many of them
about us, not merely in drawings or descriptions, but the living,
breathing things themselves. The Geraniums in the cottage window
bring us the spicy fragrance of the South African hills ; the Lavender
bush of the sunny hills of Provence, where it is at home ; the Roses
in the garden bring near us the breath of the wild Roses on a thou-
sand hills ; the sweet or pot herbs of our gardens are a gift of the
shore-lands of France and Italy and Greece. The Sweet Bay bush
in the farmer's or cottage garden comes with its story from the
streams of Greece, where it seeks moisture in a thirsty land along
with the wild Olive and the Arbutus. And this Sweet Bay is the
Laurel of the poets, of the first and greatest of all poet and artist
nations of the earth — the Laurel sacred to Apollo, and used in many
ways in his worship, as we may see on coins, and in many other
things that remain to us of the great peoples of the past. The
Myrtle, of less fame, but also a sacred plant beloved for its leaves
and blossoms, was, like the Laurel, seen near the temples of the race
who built their temples as the Lily is built, whose song is deathless, and
the fragments of whose art is Despair to the artist of our time. And
thus the fragrant bushes of our gardens may entwine for us, apart
from their gift of beauty, living associations and beautiful thoughts
for ever famous in human story.
It is not only odours of trees and flowers known to all we have
to think of, but also many delicate ones, less known, perhaps, by
reason of the blossoms that give them being without showy colour, as
the wild Vine, the Sweet Vernal, Lemon, and other Grasses. And
FRAGRANCE, 289
among these modest flowers there are none more delicate in odour
than the blossoms of the common white Willow, the yellow-twigged
and the other Willows of Britain and Northern Europe, which are all
the more grateful in air coming to us
O'er the northern moorland, o'er the northern oam.
What is the lesson these sweet flowers have for us ? They tell us
—if there were no other flowers to tell us — that a garden should be a
living thing ; its life not only fair in form and lovely in colour, but in
its breath and essence coming from the Divine. They tell us that the
very common attempt to conform their fair lives into tile or other
patterns, to clip or set them out as so much mere colour of the paper-
stainer or carpet-maker, is to degrade them and make our gardens ugly
and ridiculous, from the point of view of Nature and of true art. Yet
many of these treasures for the open garden have been shut out of our
thoughts owing to the exclusion of almost everything that did not
make showy colour and lend itself to crude ways of setting out flowers.
Of the many things that should be thought of in the making of a
garden to live in, this of fragrance is one of the first. And, happily,
among every class of flowers which may adorn our open-air gardens
there are fragrant things to be found. Apart from the groups of plants
in which all, or nearly all, are fragrant, as in Roses, the annual and
biennial flowers of our gardens are rich in fragrance — Stocks, Mignon-
ette, Sweet Peas, Sweet Sultan, Wallflowers, double Rockets, Sweet
Scabious, and many others. These, among the most easily raised of
plants, may be enjoyed by the poorest cottage gardeners. The garden
borders of hardy flowers bear for us odours as precious as any breath of
tropical Orchid, from the Lily-of-the- Valley to the Carnation, this last
yielding, perhaps, the most grateful fragrance of all the flowering host in
our garden land. In these borders are things sweeter than words may
tell of — Woodruff, Balm, Pinks, Violets, garden Primroses, Poly-
anthuses, Day and other Lilies, early Iris, Narcissus, Evening Prim-
roses, Mezereon, and Pansies delicate in their sweetness.
No one may be richer in fragrance than the wise man who plants
hardy shrubs and flowering trees — Magnolia, May, Daphne, Lilac,
Wild Rose, Azalea, Honeysuckle — names each telling of whole
families of fragrant things. From the same regions whence come the
Laurel and the Myrtle we have the Laurustinus, beautiful in our sea-
•coast and warmer districts, and many other lovely bushes happy
in our climate ; one, the Wintersweet, pouring out delicious frag-
rance in mid-winter ; Sweet Gale, Allspice, and the delightful little
Mayflower that creeps about in the woodland shade in North America.
So, though we cannot boast of Lemon or Orange groves, our climate
is kind to many lovely and fragrant shrubs.
Even our ugly walls may be sweet gardens with Magnolia, Honey-
suckle Clematis, Sweet Verbena, and the delightful old Jasmine, still
u
290
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
clothing many a house in London. Most precious of all, however,
are the noble climbing Tea Roses raised in our own time. Among
the abortions of this century these are a real gain — the loveliest flowers
ever raised by man. Noble in form and colour, and scented as
delicately as a June morn in alpine pastures, with these most precious
of garden Roses we could cover all the ugly walls in England and
Ireland, and Heaven knows many of them are in want of a veil.
Some Fragrant Plants for British Gardens.
Abelia
Abronia
Allspice
Almond
Alyssum
Apples
Auricula
Azalea
Balm
Balm of Gilead
Bee Balm
Belladonna Lily
Blue Bells
Brugmansia
Burning Bush
Carnation
Clematis
Clethra
Columbine
Cowslips
Crinum
Lupins
Pondflower
Sweet Scabious
Cyclamen
Magnolias
Plantain Lily
Sweet Sultan
Datura
Marvel of Peru
Primroses
Sweet Verbena
Day Lily
May-flower
Rhododendrons
Sweet William
Deutzia
Meadow Sweet
Rock Rose
Thyme
Evening Primrose
Mexican Orange
Rockets
Tuberose
Forsythia
Flower
Rose
Tulip Tree
Grape Hyacinth
Mezereon
Rosemary
Tulips
Hawthorns
Mignonette
Scilla
Twinflower
Heartsease
Mock Orange
Stocks
Vine
Heliotrope
Musk
St. Bruno's Lily
Violets
Honeysuckles
Myrtle
Snowflake
Wallflower
Horse Chestnut
Narcissus
Southernwood
Water Lilies
Hyacinths
Iris
Night-scented Stock
Paeony (some)
Styrax
Sweet Bay
Willows
Winter Green
Jasmine
Lavender
Pancratium
Pansy
Sweet Cicely
Sweet Fern Bush
Winter Heliotrope
Winter Sweet
Lilac
Pelargonium
Sweet Flag
Wistaria
Lily
Phlox
Sweet Gale
\Voodruff
Lily-of-the-Valley
Polyanthus
Sweet Pea
Yarrow
Honeysuckle (Baeres, Henley-on-Thames). From a photograph
by Miss Maud Grenfell.
CHAPTER XXV.
SIMPLER FLOWER GARDEN
PLANS AND THE RELA-
TION OF THE FLOWER
GARDEN TO THE HOUSE.
A GREAT waste is owing to
frivolous and thoughtless " de-
sign " as to plan and shapes of
the beds in the flower-garden.
What a vision opens out to any
one who considers the design of
the flower garden when he
thinks of the curiosities and
vexations in the forms of beds
in almost every land where a
flower garden exists ! The
gardener is the heir — to his
great misfortune — of much use-
less complexity and frivolous
design, born of applying con-
ventional designs to the ground.
These designs come to us from
a remote epoch, and the design-
ing of gardens being from very
early times in the hands of the
decorative " artist," the garden
was subjected to their will,
and in our own days we even
see gardens laid without the
slightest relation to garden use,
difficult to plant, and costly to
form and to keep in order. At South Kensington the elaborate
tracery of sand and gravel was attractive to some when first set out,
U 2
Type of complex parterre, copied out of books for all
sorts of situations.
292 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
but it soon turned to dust and ashes. It was, indeed, to a great
extent formed of broken brickdust, in a vain attempt to get rid of
the gardener and his flowers. The colours were supplied from the
building sheds, where boys were seen pounding up bricks and slates,
and beds were made of silver sand, so that no gardener could dis-
figure them. The Box edgings of beds a foot wide or smaller soon
got out of order, and after a few years the whole thing was painful to
see, while good gardeners were wasting precious time trying to plant
paltry beds in almost every frivolous device known to the art of con-
ventional design.
Even where such extravagances were never attempted we see the
evil of the same order of ideas, and in many gardens the idea of
adapting the beds to the ground never occurs to the designer, but a
design has been taken out of some old book. If the ground does not
suit the plan, so much the worse for the ground and all who have to
work on it. The results of this style of forming beds the cottage
gardens escaped from, the space being small and the cottage gardener
content with the paths about his door. To some people this objection
on my part to intricate design is mistaken for an objection to formality
altogether. Now there are bold spirits who do not mind setting
their houses among rocks and heather, but we must cultivate a flower
garden, and simplicity as to form of the beds should be the rule in it.
There are many ways of growing flowers and all sorts of situations fit
for them, but the flower garden itself near the house must be laid
out with formal beds, or else we cannot cultivate the flowers or get
about the ground with ease. It is a question of right and wrong
formality. The beds in my own work are, as will be seen by the
plans here given, as formal as any, but simpler, and are made on
the ground and to the ground. Our object should be to see the
flowers and not the beds, so that while we have all the advantage
of mass and depth of soil, and all the good a bed can give for con-
venience of working or excellence of growth, we should take little
pride in its form, and plant it so that we may see the picturesque
effects of the plants and flowers, and forget the form of the bed in
the picture.
The relation of the beds to each other is often much too complex
and there is little freedom. Designs that were well enough for
furniture or walls or panels when applied to the garden gave us a
new set of difficulties. Carried out in wood or in the carpet they
answer their purpose, if we like them ; but a flower bed is a thing
for much work in cultivating, arranging and keeping it, and it is
best to see that we are not hindered by needless complexities in deal-
ing with the beds. In good plans there is no difficulty of access,
no small points to be cut in Grass or other material, no vexatious
SIMPLER FLOWER GARDEN PLANS, 293
obstruction to work, but beds as airy and simple as possible and
giving us much more room for flowers than beds of the ordinary
type. The plans given are those of wholly different kinds of
gardens.
GOLDER'S HILL. — This at Hampstead, is, perhaps, the best and
most interesting example of a London garden one could find for its
beauty, airiness, repose, and fine distant view, in which one can
scarcely see a house, although near London. This plan is also
instructive in various other ways, as showing that where it is desirable
to keep a lawn open and quiet for view, play, or any other like reason,
it is often easy to do this without interfering with the flower-gardening
or any other charm of the place. The lawn is so open and airy, that
any number of people may assemble on it without inconvenience or
injury to anything. The lawn falls gently from the house, so that
any walled terracing is needless, and, excepting a few steps for the
convenience of level, little has been done in that direction. The
plan also disproves the thoughtless assertion of certain writers that
landscape gardening means twisting the walks about. It is seen here
that nothing of the kind is done in this most picturesque garden.
The flower beds are rather few and bold, and made large for the
sake of ease of cultivation and breadth of effect.
The next plan is that of the gardener's house at Uffington, near
Stamford ; it is an example of the older-fashioned garden not un-
common before nearly all old gardens were altered for the sake of
the Perilla and its few companions. At one end of the little garden
is the gardener's house, and high walls surround the rest of the garden,
so that there is shelter and every comfort for the plants. The garden
is simply laid out to suit the ground, the plants — Roses and hardy
flowers in great variety, a plan which admits of delightful effect in
such walled gardens. Picturesque masses of Wistaria covered one
side of the wall and part of the house — the whole was a picture in
the best sense ; and it would be difficult to find in garden enclosures
anything more delightful during more than half the year.
The main drawback in gardens of this sort in the old days was
the absence of grouping or any attempt to hold " things together "
— a fault which is easily got over. It is easy to avoid scattering
things one likes all over the beds at equal distances, and, without
" squaring " them in any stupid way, to keep them rather more
together in natural groups, in which they are more effective,
and in winter it is much easier to remember where they are.
In this way, too, it is easy to give a somewhat distinct look
to each part of the garden. Box edgings may be used in such a
garden, and where they thrive and are well kept they are very pretty
in effect, but always distinctly inferior to a stone edging because
SIMPLER FLOWER GARDEN PLANS. 295
more troublesome, and also because dwarf plants cannot grow over
them here and there as they can over a rough edging of natural
stone, the best of all edgings.
FLOWER GARDEN OF TUDOR HOUSE. — This shows two flower
gardens close to a Tudor house, with a garden door from the house
into each. One being small (that on the south), it was thought
better to devote it all to flowers and the necessary walks, all being
done with a view to simplicity of culture and good effect of the
plants. In the other garden, there being more space, the lawn is
left open in the centre, while all round and convenient to the walk
are simple, bold beds easy to deal with, and also spaced in a free
and open way for people to get among them or about the lawn.
The little south garden being much frequented in all weathers, and
the paths among the beds rather small, it was thought best to pave
them with old flagstones, and that has proved very satisfactory, because
rolling and much weeding are thereby avoided and the walks are
pleasant to walk or work on at all seasons.
South of the house and of these gardens there is an open, airy
meadow lawn, the Grass of which is studded with many bulbs that
flower in the spring. The vigorous kinds of spring bulbs are grown in
great quantities in this field, and only the choicer and rarer early bulbs
are put among the Roses and other flowers in the flower garden proper,
which is mainly devoted to the finest hardy flowers of summer and to
Tea Roses.
HAWLEY. — This garden shows two essential things in the art of
garden-design : First, the general idea of this book that it is by well
studying the ground itself, rather than bringing in any conven-
tional plans, we arrive at the best results. Gardening is so pleasant
in many ways that almost any plan may pass for pretty and yet
be far from being the most artistic result that could be got among a
given set of conditions, or difficulties it may be of ground. If in such
a case we adopt such plans as are sent out from offices both in
France and England, it is possible that (with considerable cost) we
may adapt them to the situation, but assuredly that way cannot give
us the most artistic result.
The second point is, that where the vegetation of a place has
distinct characters of its own, these should be made the most of. If
this were the case generally we should see much less of the stereo-
typed in garden-design. This garden is in the charming Pine district
of Hampshire — the Pine, beautiful in groups and in distant effects
and this was taken advantage of, and the Pine look of the place
preserved in all ways, and even heightened where it could be done with
good effect. These Pine groups and masses were naturally more of
the framework of the garden — the woods and trees surrounding it.
296
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
The next thing done was to take advantage of the natural vegetation
of the ground apart from the trees, e.g., the heathy vegetation of the
country, and instead of destroying it for turf or any of the usual
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and hardy flowers. The space enclosed in walls.
features of a garden, preserving all its prettiest effects, its groups of Heath,
wild Fern, and some Birch and Broom. Enough mown grass being
left to walk upon outside the garden, it was thought the prettiest
thing instead of a shaven lawn would be to leave the wild Heaths and
SIMPLER FLOWER GARDEN PLANS. 297
bushes and grass of the country, here and there scattering a few bulbs
on the grass, but generally leaving things as nature had left them.
The walks, instead of following the French sections of eggs pattern or
the conventional serpentine walks of some landscape work were made
in the line of easiest grade and where they were most wanted — and
are not more in number or area than were necessary. There was no
attempt made to make the walks conform to any preconceived idea.
The grass walk under the Oaks was suggested by the Oaks them-
selves, and it is very pretty in effect. Originally several terraces
had been run up at all sorts of awkward angles, and the ground
was consequently more difficult to deal with than can well be
imagined ; these were thrown into one simple terrace round the
house planned in due relation to its needs and the taste of the
owner. The flower garden was laid out in simple beds as shown
on the plan, and below these the necessary grass walks lead out
towards the open country. Once free of the flower garden and the
walk leading to it the ground took its natural disposition again. The
kitchen garden had been in its present place originally ; its position
could not be changed, and was therefore accepted and walled round
with Oak. The whole garden is quite distinct from any other, which
in itself is a great point. This garden was, as I think all gardens
ought to be, marked out on the ground itself without the intervention
of any plan. A plan is always a feeble substitute for the ground, and
even if made with the greatest care and cost has still to be adapted
to the ground. The plan shown in the engraving was made after
my work was done.
SHRUBLAND PARK. — The plan here given is that of the new
flower garden at Shrubland Park, which is situated exactly in front
of the house, and tells its own story. It shows the simple form
of beds adopted, planned to suit their places, in lieu of the complex
pattern beds for carpet bedding, sand, coloured brick, and also the
change from such gardening to true flower-gardening. The names of
the plants used are printed in position, but the actual way of grouping
cannot well be shown in such a plan — the plants are not in little dots,
but in easy, bold groups here and there running together. The flower
gardening adopted is permanent, i.e., there is no moving of things
in the usual wholesale way in spring and autumn. The beds are
planted to stay, and that excludes spring gardening of the ordinary
kind. But many early spring flowers are used in the garden, the
mainstay of which is summer and autumn flowers, the period chosen
for beauty being that when the house is occupied and all beautiful
hardy flowers from Roses to Pansies that flower from May to
November are those preferred. There is no formality or repetition
in the flower planting but picturesque groups, here and there running
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SIMPLER FLOWER GARDEN PLANS. 299
together, and sometimes softened by dwarf plants running below
the taller ones. The beds are set in a pleasant lawn, and there
is easy access to them in all directions from the grass. The area
of gravel was much greater in the old plan than in the present
one, in which what is essential only for free access to the garden
is given.
EVERGREEN FLOWER GARDEN IN SURREY VILLA. — Bearing in
mind the conventional bareness and hardness of the common garden
of our own day, there is no improvement greater than results
from breaking into this by permanent planting of things of a bushy
kind. The plan of this garden shows a choice evergreen garden
instead of the usual summer planting and autumnal death. The beds
are simple and planted with choice shrubs, not crowded, but leaving
room for different kinds of hardy flowers so as to get the relief of
flower and shrub, and the charm of beds alive and filled at all times.
Most of the evergreens (like Kalmia, Japanese Andromeda, and Rhodo-
dendrons of beautiful colour) are choice flowering ones, so that we
have bloom in spring and summer ; and after, or with the shrubs, the
flowers between. Such a garden in pure air well begun might be al-
most permanent, because in such soils as these light peaty Surrey soils,
the shrubs would thrive for many years ; and the same may be said
of the Lilies and choice bulbs between, only slight changes and ad-
ditions being required from time to time. Many large gardens, which
in similar soils are bare even in early summer, might thus be made
charming and graceful gardens throughout the year, and, if this way
is not so loud in colour as other ways of flower-gardening, it
suits certain positions well. This way of planting need not exclude
some summer planting of the usual character, in fact would give
zest and relief to it: it is the one evanescent system carried out
everywhere that steals the varied beauty from the garden.
BITTON VICARAGE GARDEN. — This is one of the oldest and most
richly stored with good hardy flowers of all English gardens, and,
unlike many gardens where much variety is sought, it is pretty in
effect and quite by itself as all gardens should be, and an example of a
small garden of the highest interest, and withal of simple and sensible
plan.
The garden is not a large one, being about an acre and a half in
area, and in shape a parallelogram, or double square. As its owner,
Mr. Ellacombe, tells us :
" It lies on the west side of the Cotswolds, which rise, about half a
mile away, to the height of 750 feet, and about 15 miles to the south
are the Mendips. These two ranges of hills do much to shelter us
from the winds, both from the cold north and easterly winds, and from
the ^ south-west winds, which in this part of England are sometimes
Edgings of Saxifrages, Aubrietias and dwarf Veronicas
Sedurn Heuchera Campanula
Hawley flower garden.
JBtM Mixed Shrubi
Bitton : part of the plan of the garden near house for flowers and shrubs.
SIMPLE R'jfLOlVER GARDEN PLANS. 301
very violent. I attach great importance to this kindly shelter from
the great strength of the winds, for plants are like ourselves in many
respects, and certainly in this, that they can bear a very great amount
of frost, if only the air is still, far better than they can bear a less
cold if accompanied by a high wind."
The garden then has the advantage of shelter ; it has also the
advantage of a good aspect, for though the undulations are very slight
the general slope faces south ; and it has the further advantage of a
rich and deep alluvial soil, which, however, is so impregnated with
lime and magnesia that it is hopeless to attempt Rhododendrons,
Azaleas, Kalmias, and many other things, and it has the further dis-
advantage of being only about 70 feet above the sea level, which makes
an insuperable difficulty in the growth of the higher alpines. On the
whole, the garden is favourable for the cultivation of flowers, and especi-
ally for the cultivation of shrubs, except those which dislike the lime.
The garden is in many ways an ideal one, lying deep down in a
happy valley and forming with the fine old church the centre of an
old world village. It is a quiet, peaceful garden of grass and trees
and simple borders, and every nook and corner has its appropriate
flower ; in a word, it is just such a garden as one would expect a
scholar to possess who has sympathy for all that lives or breathes and
who has given us such a book as " The Plant Lore and Garden Craft
of Shakespeare." The garden at Bitton Vicarage is no new garden,
for it was famous more than half a century ago, when Haworth and
Herbert, Anderson, Falconer, Sweet, Baxter and others took such an
interest in bulbs and hardy flowers. By the same token it is by no
means a new-fangled garden ; there is all due and proper keeping, but
it is patent to any plant-lover that its owner thinks more of seeing
his plants happy and healthy than he does of any unnecessary
trimness. — F. W. B.
RESERVE GARDEN. — We have an example in this plan of what
is meant by a reserve garden. An oblong piece of ground having
the walls of the kitchen garden for two of its boundaries, and a Yew
hedge sheltering it from the east winds, while the other is screened
by evergreen trees, with which are intermingled hardy plants of tall
growth. The plants are set in beds without reference to the general
effect, and all the borders, being edged with stone dug on the place,
give no trouble after the stones are properly set ; when old and moss-
grown the stones look better than anything else that could be used—
the dwarfer plants being allowed to run over them and break the
lines. Every year the plan of such a garden may be varied as our
tastes vary and as the flowers want change. A similar garden ought
to be in every place where there are borders to be stocked and
maintained in good condition, and particularly where there is a
•demand for cut flowers.
SIMPLER FLOWER GARDEN PLANS.
303
Such a garden may be made in any shape which is convenient for
cultivation, for access and for cutting ; but some general throwing of
the ground into easily worked beds is desirable. The more free and
less hampered with gravel, permanent edgings, and the like, the better
it will be for future work. The gardener is often hindered by need-
less impedimenta in the flower garden, but in the reserve garden,
where only the cultivation of flowers has to be thought of, he should
be able to get to work at any time with the least possible difficulty,
Terrace Wall with vfgofous tall Tea Roses.
fragrant Hardy FlowersJ^J^- '\-J\Fragrant Hardy Flowers.
Evergreen Border.
Wall of Sweet Verbena and Red Honeysuckle.
Evergreens and Hardy Flowers.
Wall of Winter Sweet and Ceanothus ,
Flower garden of Surrey villa on peaty soil for choice evergreen shrubs with hardy flowers between.
and in dry and good soils it would not be necessary to have much
more than a beaten walk for the foot. It would be possible to do
without edgings ; but where edgings are used they should be of a
kind that might be removed at any time, the best for this end
being of natural stone. The drainage should be good, and if possible
the place should be not too far to the manure heap, while the soil
should in all cases be good, as very often it has to give two crops a
year ; in the case of bulbs that perish early it is easy to get after crops
of annuals or ornamental grasses.
P/EONIES AND DAHLIAS
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Reserve garden for the choicer families of hardy plants, grown in beds without reference to general
effect, and serving also as a garden for cut flowers and a nursery.
CHAPTER XXVI.
WALKS AND EDGINGS.
OUR gardens are often laid out in a complex way : with so many
needless walks, edgings, and impediments of many kinds that work
cannot be done in a simple way, and half the time is lost in taking
care of or avoiding useless or frivolous things. Efforts thus wasted
should be turned tc account in the growth of flowers. In many
large places there is no true flower-gardening ; wretched plants
are stuck out in the parterre every year, and a few stunted things
are scratched in round the choke-muddle shrubbery, but little labour
or love is bestowed on the growth of flowers. In others there are
miles of walks bordered by bare stretches of earth, as cheerful as
Woking Cemetery in its early years. The gardener is impotent to
turn such a waste into a paradise ; his time and his thoughts are
often eaten up by keeping in order needless and often ugly walks.
The gardeners, owing to the trouble of this wasteful system, have
little time for true flower-gardening — forming a real garden of
Roses, or groups of choice shrubs, or beds of Lilies, or of other
noble hardy plants, so that the beds may fairly nourish their tenants
for a dozen years. Instead of the never-ending and wearisome
hen-scratchings of autumn and spring, we ought to prepare one
portion of the flower garden or pleasure ground each year, so that
it will yield beauty for many years. But this cannot be done while
half the gardener's time is taken up with barber's work.
Our own landscape gardeners are a little more sparing of these
hideous walks than the French ; but we very often have twice too
many walks, which torment the poor gardener by needless and stupid
labour. The planning of these walks in various elaborate ways
has been supposed to have some relation to landscape gardening ;
but one needless walk often bars all good effect in its vicinity. Flower-
beds are often best set in Grass, and those who care to see them will
approach them quite as readily on Grass as on hard walks. For the
three or four months of our winter season there is little need of
frequent resort to flower-beds, and for much of the rest of the year the
turf is better than any walk. I do not mean that there should be no
x
306 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
walk to the flower-garden, but that every walk not necessary for use
should be turfed over. Few have any idea how much they would gain,
not merely in labour, but in the beauty and repose of their gardens,
by doing away with needless walks.
GRAVEL WALKS. — For hard work and general use the gravel
walk is the most important of all for garden and pleasure grounds.
The colour of walks is important ; that of the yellow gravels being
by far the best. Of this we have examples in the country around
London, in the gravels of Croydon, Farnham, and also those of
Middlesex. These walks are not only good in colour but also
excellent in texture, consolidating thoroughly. It is a relief to
see these brownish-yellow walks after the purple pebble walks of
the neighbourhoods of Dublin and Edinburgh. After the sound
formation of these walks the main point is to keep them to the essen-
tial needs of the place, and when this is done their effect is usually
right. Even this excellent gravel is sometimes improved about
London by the addition of sea shells, cockle shells mostly gathered
from the coasts of Kent ; and, after the walk is formed and hardened,
this is lightly scattered over the surface and rapidly breaks down
and gives to the walk a clean smooth surface.
In public gardens and parks large areas of gravel are sometimes
necessary, and in some ways of" laying out," such as those round French
chateaux, wide arid areas of gravel are supposed to have a raison
d'etre ; but in English gardens they are better avoided. English
roads, lanes, and pathways are often pictures, because consecrated by
use and often beautiful in line, following as they often do the line of
easiest grade or gentle curves round hills ; but in gardens, roads and
paths are often ugly because overdone, and nothing can be worse
than hot areas of gravel, not only without any relation to the needs
of the place, but wasting precious ground that might be made
grateful to the eye with turf, or of some human interest with plants.
STONE WALKS IN SMALL FLOWER GARDENS. — A walk which
is much liked is the stone walk, suggested by the little stone paths to
cottages. In large open gardens such walks would not be so good, but
in small inclosed spaces and flower gardens, where we have to plant
very closely in beds, stone walks are a gain. In some districts a
pretty rough, flat stone is found, of which there is a good example at
Sedgwick Park. In cities, when renewing the side-walks, it is some-
times easy to get old flagstones, which are excellent for the purpose.
I use such old stones and mostly set them at random, or in any way
they come best. The advantages are that we get rid of the sticky
surface of gravel in wet weather or after frost, avoid rolling and
weeding for the most part, the stones are pleasant to walk on at all
times, and we can work at the beds or borders freely in all weathers
without fear of soiling gravel. The colour of the stones is good and
WALKS AND EDGINGS. 307
in sunny gardens in hot summers they help to keep the ground moist,
while the broken and varied incidents of the surface get rid of
the hard unyielding lines of the gravel walk and help the picture.
They should never be set in mortar or cement of any kind, but
carefully in sand or fine sandy soil, and the work can be done by a
careful man with a little practice. If in newly-formed ground there
is a little sinking of the stone, it can be corrected afterwards. Small
rock plants, like Thyme, the fairy Mint, and little Harebells, may be
grown between the divisions of the stone, and, indeed, they often
come of themselves, and their effect is very pretty in a small garden.
Another point in favour of the stone walk is that it forms its own
edging, and we do not need any living edging ; and if for any purpose,
in a wet country or otherwise, we wish to somewhat raise the flower
beds, we can use the same kind of stone for edging the beds.
GRASS, HEATH, AND Moss WALKS. — Once free of all necessary
walks about the house of gravel or stone, which constant work and use
make essential, it is often easy in country gardens to soon break into
grass walks which are pleasantest of all ways of getting about the
country garden or pleasure ground. Not only can we take them into
the wild garden and rough places, but they lead us to flowering
shrubs and beds of hardy plants and to the rock garden, or through
the pleasure ground anywhere, as easily and more pleasantly than
any regularly set out walks. There is much saving of labour in their
formation because given sound drained ground which is to be found
around most country houses, we have little to do except mark out
and keep the walks regularly mown ; when this work is compared
with the labour of carting, the knowledge and the annual care which
are necessary to form and keep hard walks in order, the gain in favour
of the grass walk is enormous. It is perhaps only in our country that
the climate enables us to have the privilege of these verdant walks,
which are impossible in warmer lands owing to the great heat
destroying the herbage, and, therefore, in Britain we should make
good use of what our climate aids us so much in doing.
We have, of course, to think of the fall of the grass walk for the
sake of ease in mowing and in walking too, as very much of their
comfort will depend, at least in hilly ground, on the careful way
these walks are studied as regards their gradation. There is really
not much difference in the degree of moisture in such walks and
gravel walks, and, besides, so little use is made of walks of any kind
in wet weather, that generally, taking them all the year round, they
serve as well as any other where there is but gentle wear.
Apart from the grass walks which can be formed in so large an
area of Britain we may have walks through heath and the short
vegetation that grows in heathy districts, and these walks will be no
less pleasant than the grass walks. The short turf of the heath, and
x 2
3o8 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
often the mown heather itself forms an excellent springy walk, as
in parts of Surrey. Such walks want little making, only some care
in laying down their lines so as to take them into the prettiest
spots and letting them edge themselves with heather, ferns and
Whortleberry. But no more than any other should such walks be
multiplied beyond what is necessary, and they ought to be broad
enough and airy enough to take us in the pleasantest way to the
most interesting parts of the garden or pleasure ground or woods.
In woody or half shady places we may enjoy the mossy walk as in
very sandy or light soils we may have a turf almost of Thyme.
TAR WALKS. — Among the curious mixture of good and bad,
ugliness and beauty, we see often in country seats are tar walks, and
they are a main " factor " in making many a garden ugly. They have
almost every fault that a walk could have, being hideous in colour, hot
in summer, and sticky, hard and unpleasant to the feet, wearing into
ugly holes and an uneven and unpleasant surface. The only excuse
that could ever be made for them was that they offered an escape
from continual hoeing, a great labour, but now needless, owing to the
weed-killers. If walks are simply made, and not one yard more is
made than is required for use, the labour of cleaning is immensely
reduced, and one dressing a year of an effective weed-killer often
keeps them right. If there were no other objection than the colour
of the tar walk, it should be sufficient to condemn it, and gravel
in the home counties and about London is so good in colour, that one
is surprised that anybody can tolerate a tar walk. In small, close
courtyard gardens, where gravel is objected to, we may have a well-
made stone walk of good colour.
CONCRETE AND ASPHALT WALKS.— Apart from tar walks, which
on hot days may give us the idea that we are stuck in a bog, there
are also well-made walks to be had from concrete and true asphalt.
These walks have distinct advantages for courtyards and small
spaces, or even small gardens in certain places ; they are better in
colour than the tar walk, and more enduring if well made. They are
clean, but they have certain disadvantages as compared with stone
walks. They require a much more expensive and careful setting,
and they are certainly not more enduring. Also, they do not allow
us the privilege of putting plants between the joints, one of the
great charms of the stone walk, which can be easily set to allow
Thyme and dwarf rock-plants to come up between them ; and there-
fore in all districts in which a warm- coloured stone is procurable,
or rough flagstone from quarries, it is very much better to use it,
as we can always have gravel for any roads that have to be traversed
by carriages or carts ; the space for concrete, asphalt, or stone walks
is not considerable, and the natural material should be used wherever
it be possible.
WALKS AND EDGINGS.
309
FLOWER GARDEN EDGINGS, LIVE AND DEAD.
Even small things may mar the effect of a flower garden, however
rich in its plants, and among the things that do so are cast edgings of
tiles or iron, often very ugly, and as costly as ugly, some of the earthen-
ware edgings perishing rapidly in frost. But if they never perished, and
were as cheap as pebbles by the shore, they would be none the less
offensive from the point of view of effect, with their hard patterned
shapes, often bad colour, and the necessity of setting them with pre-
cision in cement or mortar ; whereas the enduring and beautiful
edging wants none of these costly attentions. The seeming advan-
tage of these patterned and beaded tile edgings is that they appear
Stone edging. From a photograph by Mr. A. Emblin, Worksop, Notts.
permanent, and get rid of the labour of clipping and keeping box
edgings in good order ; but these ends are met quite as well by per-
fectly inoffensive edgings. Edgings may, for convenience sake, be
divided into dead and permanent ones and living ones formed of
plants or dwarf bushes, which involve a certain amount of care to
keep in order, and which will some day wear out and require a change
or replanting.
The true way in all gardens of any good and simple design is to
get edgings which, while quite unobtrusive in form or colour, may
remain for many years without attention. In all good gardens there
is so much to be done and thought of every day in the year, that
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Edging of Foam Flower.
it is important to get rid of all mere routine work with edgings of
Box and other things that want frequent trimming or remaking,
in which work much of the labour of gardeners has been wasted in
the past.
NATURAL STONE is the best of all materials for permanent edgings
for the flower garden, or any garden where an edging is required,
and no effort should be spared to get it. In many districts it is
quite easy to do so, as in some of the home counties the refuse of
quarries (in Surrey Bargate stone, and in Oxfordshire and Gloucester-
shire the flaky stone used for the roofs of old time) is excellent for
edgings. Much difference will
occur in stone in various districts,
and some will not be so good in
colour and shape as the stone
just mentioned, but the advan-
tage of natural stone in various
ways is so great that even in-
ferior forms of it should be
chosen before any other material.
In undressed, or very roughly
dressed natural stone, it does
not matter in the least if the
stones vary in size, as we have not to set them rigidly like the
cast tiles ; sunk half-way firmly in the earth, after a little time
they soon assume a good colour ; green mosses stain them in the
winter, and if we wish to grace them with rock flowers they are
very friendly to them, and Rockfoil, or Stonecrop, or Thyme
may creep over them, and make them prettier than any edging
made wholly of plants, like Box or Thrift, or Ivy. Unlike the tile,
stones are none the worse if they fall a little out of line, as they are
easily reset, and also easily removed by handy garden men without
expensive workmen, or any aid from mortar or trowel. In large and
stately gardens dressed stone may be used to frame a grass plot or
handsome straight border, but in most cases this expense would be
thrown away, as we get so good a result with the undressed stone.
But in a flower garden like that at Shrubland Park, the dressed stone
of good and simple form, and properly set as it should be in such a
position quite near the house, is quite rightly used. Near cities and
towns the removal of old or half-worn stone pavements, like the York
stone used in London, often gives us opportunities of securing it for
forming edging ; and being often got in large pieces, it requires rough
dressing to allow of its being firmly and evenly set in the ground. I
have used this largely for edgings, which will last as long as they are
allowed to remain. The beautiful green stone of Cumberland would
WALKS AND EDGINGS. 311
make as good an edging as one could desire, and many kinds of stone
may be used.
In districts where there is no stone to be had, and we have to use
any kind of artificial stone or terra cotta, these should never have any
pattern or beading, but be cast in quite simple forms, never following
the patterns usually adopted by the makers of garden tiles. Certain
inferior forms of dead edgings should be avoided, such as boards, that
soon rot, and are wholly unfit in all ways as edgings. Iron, too,
as used in continental gardens or in any shape, should never be used
as an edging, ordinary bricks half set in the ground being far better
than any of these.
GRASS EDGINGS sometimes are used to flower borders, but are
always full of labour and trouble. And they have various drawbacks,
apart from the mowing and edge-cutting, chief among these being
that the border flowers within cannot ramble over them as they do
over the stone edgings in such pretty ways. These narrow grass
margins are often used as edgings to flower borders in the kitchen
garden in places where very little labour is to spare for the garden,
but, little as itr is, it has to be
given throughout the season to
these grass' edgings, which are
worse than useless as a finish to
a flower border. By these I do
not mean the grass margins to
the garden lawns, or a carpet of
turf, as these are easily attended
to when the lawn is being mown,
but the foot wide grass edgings
0 c Bold evergreen edging to rough border.
which require attention when
time can be badly spared for them, and are often so narrow that it
is not easy to use a machine for mowing them.
Box. — Of all the living things used as edgings in gardens, the first
place belongs to Box, used for ages and deservedly liked from its neat
habit and good colour. When there were many fewer plants to look
after than we have now, to tend some miles of box edging was often
the pride of the gardener, and even now we see it sometimes done,
though the hand often fails with the ceaseless care the edging requires
if it is to be kept in good order, and it gets spotty and in some soils
worn out and diseased. Where cared for it must be clipped with
much care and regularity every May after the danger of hard frosts
is past, as these sometimes touch the young growth. By cutting in
May the young growth soon hides the hard mark of the shears.
Pretty as it is in certain gardens, the drawbacks to Box as a flower-
3 1 2 THE ENGLISH FL O WER GA RDEN.
garden edging are serious ; it requires much labour to keep it in order,
and not every garden workman can clip Box well ; it is a harbour for
slugs and weeds, drying and starving the soil near ; whereas the stone
edging keeps the soil moist and comforts the rock flowers that crawl
over it. We cannot allow dwarf and creeping plants to crawl over
the Box, or they will scald and injure it, but with the stone, we are free
in all ways, and get a pretty effect when Pinks and other dwarf plants,
crossing the stone edging here and there, push out into the walk itself.
I like Box best as a tall, stout edging or low hedge, used in a bold
way as high Rosemary edgings are used in southern gardens, about
1 8 in. high, or even a little higher, to enclose playgrounds or separate
gardens or to mark an interesting site as that of the old house at
Castlewellan. Sometimes old and neglected Box edgings grown into
Ivy edging.
low hedges are pretty in a garden, as in George Washington's old
home at Mount Vernon in Virginia. And low hedges of Box are
now and then a good aid near the flower garden as at Panshanger.
YEW, IVY, HEATH AND VARIOUS EDGINGS.— Among other
edgings made of woody or shrubby things, we have the Yew, which bears
clipping into edgings a foot high, and which might be worth using in
some positions, though much clipping of this sort causes much labour
and to me sorrow. Ivy is more precious for its shoots, which garland
the earth as well as wall or tree. It is more used abroad than in
Britain, the freshness of its green being more valued where good turf
is less common, and Ivy is of the highest value as an edging in
various ways, but better as a garland round a plot or belt of
shrubs than near flower beds, and it enables us to make graceful
edgings near and under trees. Like the Box, it may also be used
WALKS AND EDGINGS. 313
as a bold hedge-like garland to frame a little garden or other spot
which we wish to separate from the surrounding ground. The Tree
Ivy is best for this, but the common Ivy, if planted as an edging in
any open place, will in time assume the shrubby or tree form, and
make a handsome and bold garland. Where, for any reason, we
desire Ivy edgings, it is better not to slavishly follow the French way
of always using the Irish Ivy for edgings. The dark masses of this in
the public gardens of London, Paris, and also in the German cities
are very wearisome, and help to obscure rather than demonstrate the
value of the Ivy as the best of all climbers of the northern world.
The common Ivy, of which the Irish form is a variety, is a plant of
wide distribution throughout Europe, North Africa, and Asia, and
varies very much in form. There being in Britain over fifty cul-
tivated forms of it, it is in England that it is best known. The Irish
variety seems to have taken the fancy of continental European
gardeners, and is much more cultivated than any other but many
of the other varieties less known are more graceful and varied in
form, and even colour, some of them having in winter a bronzy hue,
instead of the dark look of the Irish Ivy. Some, too, are fine in
form, from the great Amoor and Algerian Ivies to the little cut-
leaved Ivy. Even the common Ivy of our woods is prettier than the
one so much used.
Among the bold edgings one sees enclosing the " careless " and
broad borders of Spanish or Algerian or other southern gardens, over-
shaded by orange or other fruit trees, is the Rosemary, clipped into
square topped bushy edges, about 1 5 ins. high. Though tender in
many parts with us, it may be used in the same way on warm soils
and in mild districts, and the Lavender may be used in the same
way, though in its case it is best not to clip it, and there is a dwarf
form, which is best for edgings to bold borders.
DWARF EVERGREEN EDGINGS. — Among various dwarf evergreen
shrubs which may be used as edgings are the dwarf Cotoneasters,
Periwinkles, smaller Vacciniums, Partridge Berry, the alpine forest
Heath and some of the smaller kinds of our native Heaths, varying
them after the nature of the soil and the kind of plants or shrubs we
are arranging ; heaths and shrubs of a like nature being best for
association with peat-loving evergreen shrubs, though they need not
all be confined to these or to such soils. Such evergreen edgings of
low shrubs are often very useful where we plant masses of select ever-
green flowering shrubs, and they may be used in free belts or groups
as well as in hard set lines, the last being in many cases a sure way
to mar the effect of otherwise good planting in pleasure grounds.
Where we are dealing with nursery or cut flower beds, borders
3H THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
in the kitchen garden or elsewhere, no such objection to the con-
tinuous edging holds. And in such cases those who use plants have
a great variety to choose from : Strawberries, wild, Quatre-saison, and
any favourite larger sort ; Rockfoils — of this rich and varied family
the Mossy Rockfoils make soft and excellent green margins to beds
of hardy flowers ; Houseleeks, Stonecrops, Gentianella, which forms
such a fine evergreen edging in cool soils ; Tufted Pansies, Thrift,
purple Rock-Cresses which are among the most precious of rock flowers
for evergreen edgings, and bloom often throughout the spring ; dwarf
Speedwells, Edelweiss in open country gardens where it thrives ;
alpine Phloxes, Sun Roses, Arabis, evergreen Candytuft, excellent as
White Pink edging.
a permanent margin to bold mixed groups of spring flowers and
shrubs ; Pinks, both white and coloured, pretty on warm and free soils,
but useless where they are hurt in winter ; Daisies and Polyanthuses
and garden Primroses : in Scotland and cool places, the rosy and
some of the Indian Primroses make beautiful edgings. Dwarf Hare-
bells, and some of the silvery or striped Grasses and Moneyworts may
also be used. There is, in fact, scarcely a limit to the choice one may
make from the more free and vigorous rock and alpine flowers, the
choice being governed by the nature of the soil, rainfall, and elevation,
or closeness to the sea, which is so often kind to plants slow or tender
in inland situations, like some of the grey Rock Scabious which form
such pretty marginal plants where they thrive.
WALKS AND EDGINGS,
315
PLASTERED MARGINS TO FLOWER BEDS. — Here is an illustration
showing a wretched mud edging. These miniature ramparts, though
less common than formerly, are a blot in
London gardens and parks. They are made
of muddy compounds, and in addition to
the offensive aspect of the little walls when
first plastered up, there are the cracks which
come after — well shown in the cut. In a hot
year, or any year, it is madness to cock the
beds upon a little wall like this. The proper way to make a flower
bed is to let the earth slope gently down to the margin, as was
the practice for ages before this ugly notion came about.
Example of ugly cracked mud
edging (London Park.)
Rocky border with edging of dwarf plants in gioups.
Tufted Pansies.
CHAPTER XXVII.
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN THE HOUSE
ONE of the real gains in any flower garden worthy of the name is
that we have in it lovely forms and delicate colours for the house, from
the dawn of spring, with its noble Lenten Roses on sheltered borders,
until autumn goes into winter in a mantle of Starworts. Many
English and all German and French flower gardens in parterres offer
us only Lobelias, and various plant rubbish of purplish or variegated
hues, very few of them worth cutting, whereas our real flower garden
is a store of Narcissus, Azalea, Rose, Lily, Tulip, and Carnation, and
all the fairest things of earth. All we have to care about is placing
them in simple ways to show their form as well as colour. Apart
from the good plan of having a plot for the culture of any flowers we
wish to cut for the house, a true flower garden will yield many flowers
worthy of a place on an artist's or any other table, and worthy of it
for their forms, colour, or fragrance. Many of these, from the Narcissus
to the Tea Rose, give flowers so freely that we need not be afraid to
cut ; indeed, in many cases, careful cutting prolongs the bloom (as of
Roses). Many shrubs we may improve as we cut their branches for
the house, for example Winter Sweet, Forsythia, and Lilac.
It is not merely the first impression of flowers, good as it may be,
that we have to think of, but the charms which intimacy gives to many
of the nobler flowers — some opening and closing before our eyes, and
showing beauties of form in doing so that we never suspected when
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN THE HOUSE. 317
passing them in the open air. In the changing and varied lights of a
house we have many opportunities of showing flowers in a more
interesting way, particularly to those who do not see them much out
of doors, and now we have in gardens many new flowers of great
beauty of form — Californian, Central Asiatic, Japanese, even the
mountains of China and India giving precious things, as well as the
rich flora of North America, as yet not as much seen in our gardens
as it deserves to be. So that it will be seen how good is the reason
why care should be given to show the flowers in the house when we
have them to spare out of doors.
At first sight there may not seem much against our doing justice to
flowers in the house, but our flower vases have shared the fate of most
Rose in a Japanese bronze tasin.
manufactured things within the past generation, i.e.t they suffer from
the mania for overdoing with designs, called " decorative," which
at the South Kensington schools is supposed to have some con-
nection with " art." Every article in many houses, being overcharged
with these wearisome patterns, it was not to be expected that the
opportunity of " adorning " our flower pots would be lost, and so we
may have ugly forms and glaring patterns, where all should be simple
in form, and modest and good in colour. The coalscuttle, with its
" decoration," does not stand in our way so much as the flower vase,
as in this we have to put living things in their delicate natural colours
and shapes, and to look at these, stuck in vases with hard colours and
designs, is impossible to the artistic mind.
3i8
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
And when we have seen the ugliness of much of this work, what is
to be done in the way of remedy as the shops are so much against
us ? The first need is a great variety of pots, basins, and jars or
vases ; so that no flower that garden, wood, or hedgerow can give us,
need be without a fitting vessel the moment it is brought into the
house. What are known as the Munstead glasses are a great help,
because their shapes are carefully made to suit various flowers, and
they are very useful and good in form — made, too, of plain glass.
But, however good this series is, it is well to use a variety of other
things in any simple ware that comes in our way, very often things on
the way to the rubbish heap, such as Devonshire cream jars in brown
ware. Nassau seltzer bottles, in the brown ware too, may well take a
single flower or branch, while old ginger pots, quite simple shallow
basins in yellow ware,
and other articles
made for use in trade,
come in very well.
There is no need
to exclude finer or
more costly things
than these if good in
shape and not out-
rageous in colour, but
various reasons lead
us to prefer the simpler
wares, in which the
flowers look often
quite as well as in
any others, though a
mass of Edith GifTord
Rose looks very well
china, silver, or bronze vases
or occasions, though
Paeonies in Munstead glass.
in a good old silver bowl, and good
or basins may be used for choice positions
it will generally be best not to submit fine or fragile vessels of
this kind to the risks of constant use. Among the finest things ever
made in the shape of vases for cut flowers is the old Japanese work,
which is often as lovely in form and as beautiful with true ornament
as anything made by the old Greeks ; but the Japanese, like others,
have taken to " potboiling " in bronze, and many of the things now
seen at sales in London are coarse in workmanship. It might be
worth while to have good and avowed reproductions of some of the
more useful old forms — the slender, uprising ones are so good for
many tall flowers ; Italian bronze bowls are often useful too ; and the
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN THE HOUSE.
319
darkness within the bronze vessels tends to keep the flowers longer
than when they are in glass vessels exposed to the light.
Japanese ways of arranging flowers are extremely interesting, and
may sometimes be practised with advantage ; but, with a great variety
and good shape of vessels, the Japanese way is not so necessary as
a system, for the reason that, given a variety of good shapes and
different materials, we can place any single flower, branch, or bunch
in a way that it will look well with very slight effort and in very little
time. Any way involving much labour over the arrangement of
flowers is not the best for us or for the result — far from it.
Lenten Roses, February.
Having got a good and constant supply of flowers, and variety
of vessels, the question of arrangement is the only serious one
that remains to be thought of, and it is not nearly so difficult if
we seek unity, harmony, and simplicity of effect, rather than the
complexities which we have all seen at flower shows and in " table
decorations," many of them involving much wearisome labour,
while a shoot of a wild rose growing out of a hedge or a wreath
of honeysuckle would put the whole thing to shame from the
point of view of beauty. In all such matters laying down
rules leads to monotony, and yet there is much to be said for
ways distinctly apart from the old nosegay masses and the
320
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
modern jumble, and generally it is best to show one flower
at a time, especially if a noble one like the Carnation, which
varies finely in colour. The baskets and basins of Carnations
arranged by the late Lady Henry Grosvenor, at Bui wick, were
lovely to see, and the best of them were of one Carnation of good
colour. These were the flowers from her fine collection of outdoor
Carnations, so useful for cutting in summer and autumn, when
people are enjoying their gardens. But the improved culture of
the Carnation as a plant for winter and spring bloom under glass
gives us quantities of this precious flower for six months more,
Mexican Orange-flower.
when the outdoor supply is over. These are among the best
flowers for the dinner table as well as the house generally, and on
the dinner table the effect, by artificial or by natural light, of one or
two flowers of the season, is often better than that given by a
variety of flowers. What is just said of the Carnation applies to
various noble groups of hardy flowers, such as the Tulip, Narcissus
and Lily.
It is not only in vases we see the good of showing one flower or
group at a time ; a good result will often come through a single
spray or branch of a shrub. The Japanese have taught us to see
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN THE HOUSE.
321
the beauty of form and line in a single twig or branch, with its
natural habit shown, apart from any beauty and form or colour
its flowers may have. This is important, in view of the many
shrubs that flower in our climate in spring, and of which, if flower-
ing shoots are cut when in bud, the flowers open slowly and
well in the house. They are best placed in Japanese bronze or
other opaque jars. The taller Japanese bronze jars with narrow
Foliage of Evergreen hardy plant (Epimedium.)
necks are very useful for these, and it is an excellent practice to
cut the bud-laden shoots of Sloe, Plum, Apple, Crab, and like plants,
and put them in jars to bloom in the house. By this means we ad-
vance their blooming time ; and, in the case of severe weather
the beauty of early shrubs may be lost to us unless we adopt this
plan. We see how well the French practice of growing Lilac in
the dwelling house prolongs the beauty of this shrub, and it is not
difficult to do something of the kind for the hardy shrubs and early
Y
322 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
trees that come with the Daffodils, but are not so well able to brave
the climate. These shoots of early shrubs are also usually best
arranged each by itself, though some go well together, and graceful
leaves of evergreens may be used with them. One advantage of
dealing with one flower at a time is that we show and do not
conceal the variety of beauty we have. For, all thrown together,
that variety will be much less evident than if we make clear the
colour and form of each kind. Some proof of this may be seen
in the work of the best flower painters. In the work of M. Fantin-
Latour, for example, his nosegays of many flowers, evidently bought
at some country market stand, are painted as well as his simple
subjects but these last are far the best pictures. However, there
is such a wide range of plants, shrubs, and woodland and hedgerow
flowers, that we must not hesitate to depart from any general idea
if it tends to keep us from making the best of things in simple and
ready ways.
WATER LILIES AND WATER-SIDE PLANTS FOR THE HOUSE.—
Often the water and the water-side will give us fine things for house
decoration, and the new Water Lilies of rare distinction help very much,
as cut in the freshly expanded state they keep very well for some
days and give us quite a new order of beauty. For this purpose we
want bold and simple basins, as if we can put some of their handsome
leaves in with them the effect is all the better. Although very fine in
the open water, where they do admirably, the effect of the flower
near at hand in the house is quite different and very beautiful, and
as these plants increase their value as cut flowers for the house will
be found to be great. There are also plants of the water-side which
may help with foliage or flower ; one of the best being the Forget-me-
not, which flowers so well in the house, and the great Buttercup.
LEAVES. — Many as are the flowers of the open air excellent for
house, the leaves of the open air tree or shrub or plant are hardly of
less use for the same end : notably the foliage of evergreen shrubs
in warm and sea coast districts, from evergreen Magnolia, Poet's
Laurel, Cypress, Juniper and Thuja, Cherry Laurel, and Bamboo ; even
in the coldest districts we have the evergreen Barberry, and more than
fifty forms of the best of all evergreen climbers, the Ivy, and the Holly
with its scarlet, yellow or orange berries. The trees in autumn give
us leaves rich in colour — Maple, Medlar, Mespilus, Parrottia, Tulip-tree
and many others. The shrubs and climbers, too, help — Bramble, Wild
Roses, Water Elder (Viburnum), Common Barberry, with its graceful
rain of red berries ; Vines in many forms ; hardy flowers, too, help with
Acanthus, Alexandrian Laurel, Solomon's Seal, Iris, Plantain Lily,
Rock plants are rich in good leaves : Cyclamen, Heuchera, Christmas
and Lenten Roses, the large Indian Rockfoils and the Barremvorts; and
THE FLOWER GARDEN IN THE HOUSE.
323
then there are the hardy ferns of our own country and Europe, and
also those of North America as hardy as our own.
A great help in a house is ready access to a handy water supply
in a little room, near the flower garden or usual entrance for flowers,
where vessels may be stored and flowers quickly arranged, used
water and flowers got rid of and so planned that the mistress of
the house, or whoever arranges the flowers, may use it at all times
without other aid. This greatly helps in every way, and makes
the arrangement of flowers for the house more than ever a pleasure.
The Chimney Campanula, Staunton Court.
CHAPTER XXVIII
EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS.
" Oh the oak and the ash and the bonny ivy tree,
They flourish at home in my own country." — Old Ballad.
THE above lines might be worth thinking of by those bent on
planting evergreens for any of these uses, as if it were borne in
mind that the evergreens we plant have to face winters in an Oak
and Ash land, we should have less of the frightful waste owing to
the planting of rampant but not hardy evergreens which perish in
numbers after hard winters.
There are no background hues prettier than afforded by some
evergreens like the Yew, Box, and Ilex ; but their use requires
care ; we may have too many of them, and they should not take
the place of flowering shrubs and flowers of many kinds. It
is outside the flower garden that evergreens are most useful gene-
rally, and in a cold country like ours, especially on the eastern
coasts and in wind-swept districts, Holly banks and hedges of other
hardy evergreens are often a necessity. In our country we have the
privilege of growing more evergreen shrubs and trees than continental
countries, species resisting winter here which have not the slightest
chance of doing so in Central Europe.
NOBLE NATIVE EVERGREENS. — Into our brown and frozen
northern woods come a few adventurers from southern lands that do
not lose their green in winter, but take then a deeper verdure — Ivy,
Holly, and Yew enduring all but the very hardest frosts that visit
our isles, some bright with berries as well as verdure ; giving welcome
shelter to northern and wind-swept gardens, and in our own time
each varying into many noble varieties. These native evergreens
and their varieties are, and for ever must be, the most precious of all
for the British Isles.
When after a very hard winter we see the evergreen trees of
the garden in mourning, and many of them dead, as happens to
Laurels, Laurustinuses, and often even the Bay, it is a good time to
EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS.
325
consider the hardiness and other good qualities of our British ever-
greens and the many forms raised from them. If we are fortunate
enough to have old Yew trees near us, we do not find that a hard
winter makes much difference to them, even winters that brown the
326 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
evergreen Oak. We have collected within the past 200 years ever-
green trees from all parts of the northern world, but it is doubtful if
any of them are better than the common Yew, which when old is
often picturesque, and which lives for over a thousand years. Of this
great tree we have many varieties, but none of them quite so good as
the wild kind when old. In the garden little thought is given to it
and it is crowded among shrubs, or in graveyards, where the roots are
cut by digging, so that one seldom sees it in its true character when old,
which is very beautiful. The Golden Yew is a variety of it, and there
are other forms one of which, the Irish form, is well known, and too
much used.
After the Yew, the best of our evergreen shrubs is the Holly,
which in no country attains the beauty it does in our own ; certainly
no evergreen brought over the sea is so valuable not only in its
native form, often attaining 40 ft. even on the hills, but in the
varieties raised from it, many of them being the best of all
variegated shrubs in their silver and gold variegation ; in fruit, too,
it is the most beautiful of evergreens. Not merely as a garden tree is
it precious, but as a most delightful shelter around fields for stock in
paddocks and places which want shelter. A big wreath of old Holly
undipped on the cold sides of fields is the best protection, and a
grove of Holly north of any garden ground we want to shelter is the
best evergreen we can plant ; the only thing we have to fear being
rabbits, which when numerous make Holly difficult to establish by
barking the newly-planted trees, and in hard winters even barking
and killing many old trees. As to the garden, we may make
beautiful evergreen gardens of the forms of Holly alone.
Notwithstanding the many conifers brought from other countries
within the past few generations, as regards beauty it is very doubtful
if more than one or two equal our native Fir. In any case few things
in our country are more picturesque than old groups and groves of the
Scotch Fir ; few indeed of the conifers we treasure from other
countries will ever give us anything so good as its ruddy stems and
frost-proof crests.
Again, the best of evergreen climbers is our native Ivy, and the
many beautiful forms that have arisen from it. This in our woods
arranges its own beautiful effects, but in gardens it might be made
more use of, and no other evergreen climber comes near it in value.
The form most commonly planted in gardens — the Irish Ivy — is
not so graceful as some others, and there are many forms varying
even in colour. These for edgings, banks, screens, covering old trees,
and summer-houses, might be made far more use of. In many
northern countries our Ivy will not live in the open air, and we rarely
take enough advantage in such a possession in making both shelters,
EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS.
327
wreaths, and screens of it It requires care to keep it close on our
houses and on cottage roofs or it will damage them ; but there are
Evergreen trees in natural forms (Cedars : Gunnersbury).
many pretty things to make of it away from buildings, and among
them Ivy clad and Ivy-covered wigwams, summer-houses, and covered
ways, the Ivy supported on a strong open frame-work.
328 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Box, which is a true native in certain dry hills in the south of
England, is so crowded in gardens, that one seldom sees its beauty as
one may on the hills full in the sun, where the branches take a charm-
ing plumy toss. To wander among natural groves of Box is
pleasant, and we should plant it in colonies by itself full in the
sun, so that it might show the same grace of form that it shows wild
on the chalk hills. It is, I think, the best of our native evergreens
for garden use, making pretty low hedges as at Panshanger, for
that purpose for dividing lines near the flower-garden it is better
than Yew or Holly.
Also among our native evergreens is the common Juniper, a
scrubby thing in some places, but on heaths in Surrey, and favoured
heaths elsewhere, often growing over twenty feet high and very
picturesque, especially where mingled with Holly. The upright form,
called the Irish Juniper, in gardens is not nearly so good as the wild
Juniper though more often grown.
The Arbutus, which borders nearly all the streams in Greece,
ventures into Ireland, and is abundant there in certain parts in the
south. This beautiful shrub, though tender in midland counties,
is very precious for the seashore and mild districts not only as an
evergreen, but for the beauty of its flowers and fruit. Still, it is the
one British evergreen which must not be planted where the winters
are severe in inland districts, and usually perishes on the London
clay.
It is the best of our native evergreens that deserve the prefer-
ence instead of the heavy Laurels, and various evergreens not even
hardy, so that after a hard frost we often see the suburbs of country
towns black with their dead.
UGLY EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS.— One of the most
baneful things ip our gardens has been the introduction of distorted
and ugly conifers which often disfigure the fore-grounds of beautiful
houses. These are often sports and variations raised in modern
days, as is the case with the too common Irish Yew. It is not only
that we have to deplore the tender trees of California, which in
their own country are beautiful, though, unhappily, not so in ours, but
it is the mass of distorted, unnatural, and .ugly forms — the names
of which disfigure even the best catalogues — that is most confusing
and dangerous. In one foreign catalogue there are no less than
twenty-eight varieties of the Norway Spruce, in all sorts of dwarf and
monstrous shapes — some of them, indeed, dignified with the name
monstrosa — not one of which should ever be seen in a garden.
The true beauty of the pine comes from its form and dignity, as we
see it in old Firs that clothe the hills of Scotland, California, or Swit-
zerland. It is not in distortion or in little green pincushions we
EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS. 329
must look for the charm of the Pine, but rather in storm-tossed head
and often naked stems ; and hence all these ridiculous forms should
be excluded from gardens of any pretence to beauty.
Another most unfortunate tree in this way, as helping to fill out
gardens with graceless things, is the western Arbor vitae (Thuja
occidentalis). This, which is a very hardy tree but never a dignified
one, even where it grows in the north about Lake Superior and
through the Canadas, is, unhappily, also hardy in our gardens, and
we may see in one catalogue no less than twenty-three forms of
this tree all dignified with Latin names. There are plenty of beautiful
things, new and old, worthy of the name, without filling our gardens
with such monstrosities, many of which are variegated. Of all ugly
things, nothing is worse than the variegated Conifer, which usually
perishes as soon as its variegated parts die, the half dead tree often
seeming a bush full of wisps of hay.
EVERGREEN WEEDS. — In many once well-planted pleasure
grounds the Pontic Rhododendron almost runs over and destroys
every other shrub, and hides out the most beautiful tree effects, growing
often a little above the line of sight. Even where people have taken
the greatest trouble to plant a good collection of trees, the monotony
of it is depressing ; always the same in colour, winter or summer,
except when dashed by its ill-coloured flowers. The walk from the
ruins at Cowdray to the new house is an example that might be
mentioned amongst a thousand others of a noble bank of trees, varied
and full of beauty, but, in consequence of this shrub spreading
beneath them all along the walk, showing nothing but a dank wall of
evergreen. How this ugliness and monotony come about is through
the use of the Pontic kind as a covert plant, and also owing to its
facility of growth, the beautiful sorts of Rhododendron are usually
grafted on it. In a garden where there are men to look after plants
so grafted and pull away the suckers, this plan may do, but when
planting is done in a bold way about woods, or even pleasure grounds,
this is not attended to, nor can it always be, so that the suckers come
up and in time destroy the valuable sorts ! The final result is never
half so pretty as in the most ill-kept natural wood, with Bracken and
Brier in fine colour and some little variety of form below the trees ;
therefore everybody who cares for the beauty of undergrowth
should cease this covering of the ground with this poor shrub, not so
hardy as the splendid kinds of American origin often grafted on it to
die. With the Cherry Laurel and the Portugal Laurel it is the main
cause of the monotony and cheerless air of so many pleasure
grounds.
The nurseryman who grows rare trees or shrubs very often finds
them left on his hands, so that many nurseries only grow a few
330 . THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
stereotyped things, mainly those that grow freely, and, owing
to the over-use of weed-evergreens like Privet, which are without
beauty, and offensive in odour when in flower. The presence
of such things is one of the causes of the miserable aspect of the
shrubberies in many gardens, which might be very beautiful and
interesting with a varied life. Many shrubs of little or no beauty
in themselves very often destroy by their vigour the rare and
beautiful garden vegetation, so that we have not only the ugliness
of a brake of Laurel, or half-evergreen Privet, or Pontic Rhododen-
dron to survey, but often the fact that these shrubs have overrun and
killed far more precious things. And this nursery rubbish having
killed every good thing begins to eat up itself, and hence we see so
many shrubberies worn out.
THE NOBLER EVERGREEN FLOWERING SHRUBS.— It is not only
the ill-effect of these all-devouring evergreens we have to consider,
but what they shut out : — the evergreen flowering shrubs and
trees of the highest beauty of colour as well as of foliage, and
the many hardy Rhododendrons of finest colour. If we would only
cease to graft them, and instead get them from layers on their own
roots, we should not be overcrowded with the R. ponticum of the
present system. They are not only hardy in the sense that many of
our popular evergreens are hardy, i.e. in favoured districts or by the
sea, so kind as it is to evergreens, but everywhere in England. I
mean the many broad-leaved Rhododendrons which have mostly
come to us from the wild American species, and are hardy in North
and Eastern America. Apart from the use of such things, by care-
fully selecting their colours we may have not merely an evergreen
background of fine and varied green, but also the most precious
flowering shrubs ever raised by man and in their natural forms, often
varying in fine colour and form too, if we will only cease to compel
them to live on one mean and too vigorous shrub.
As to the kinds of Rhododendron that are raised from the Pontic
kind or even from the Indian Rhododendrons, so far as tried they are
not in any way so good as the varieties raised from the North
American kinds, and which have the fine constitution of R. Catawbiense
in them, and of which many are hardy not merely in Old England
but in the much more severe winters of New England. Apart from
plants of these kinds from layers we may also have them as seed-
lings, though the named kinds from layers give us the means of group-
ing a finely coloured kind which may often be desirable. It is also
very probable that we shall, as various regions of the northern world
are opened up, introduce to cultivation other fine wild species, and get
precious races from them, so for many reasons the sooner we get out
of the common routine of the nurseries in grafting every fine kind we
EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS. 331
already have on, R. ponticum, the better. And if this plan be wrong
with the varieties, what are we to say to grafting any of the fine wild
species that come to us on the same Pontic kind kept in every nursery
for the purpose ? For however vigorous the growth at first, the stock
is sure to get its head in the end, and then good-bye to the precious
natural species it has borne — for no sound reason.
THE NOBLER EVERGREEN TREES. — Apart from trees of poor forms,
there are others which are stately in their own country but a doubtful
gain to ours, like the Wellingtonia and other Californian trees, and the
Chili Pine. Sometimes the foregrounds of even fine old houses are
marred by such trees, and unfortunately people use them in the
idea that they are by their use doing something old-fashioned and
" Elizabethan," whereas they are marring the beauty of the landscape
and of our native trees, often so fine beyond the bounds of the garden.
We ought not to spoil the beauty of our home landscapes by using such
things, which are so abundant in many places that the Nobler Exotic
Evergreen Trees like the evergreen Oak are forgotten. This European
tree from Holkham in Norfolk to the west of England and in many
gardens round the coasts of our islands, is a noble evergreen tree and
a fine background and shelter.
Then there is the Cedar of Lebanon, which is perhaps the finest
evergreen tree ever brought to our country and as hardy
as our own trees. If we use evergreen trees they ought to be the
noblest and hardiest. The loss of this tree by storms could not
happen to anything like the same extent if people went on
planting young trees. The many catalogues issued, help towards
the neglect of the really precious trees by " bringing out " novelties
from all parts of the world — absolutely unproved trees ; whilst the
planting of such grand trees as the Cedar of Lebanon and the Ilex
of Europe are often forgotten. A mistake in Cedar planting is the
fashion of only planting isolated trees with great branches on all
sides on enormous surface exposed to strong wind. In their own
country, where Cedars are naturally massed together, although the
gales are severe, the trees are not destroyed by wind in anything
like the same degree. The Cedar of Lebanon is beautiful in the
" specimen " way, but it is at least equally beautiful massed in groups.
In their own countries, in addition to being massed and grouped
together, the soil is often stony and rocky, the growth is slower,
and the trees take a firmer hold, whereas in our river valleys, where
the Lebanon Cedar is often planted in an isolated way, the growth
is softer and the resistance to wind less, and a more artistic and
natural way of planting would lessen the accidents to which this
noblest of evergreen trees is exposed.
332 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEX.
SHELTER AND WIND SCREENS IN AND NEAR THE FLOWER
GARDEN. — Few countries are so rich in the means of shelter as our own,
owing to the evergreens that grow freely with us and thrive in seashore
and wind-swept districts. Shelter may be near flower beds and distant
or wind-breaks, across the line of prevailing winds, and the north and
east winds, and may be of Yew, Holly, Cedar of Lebanon (never
Deodar) native Fir, and a few other hardy Firs, and the Ilex.
In old times shelter was often obtained from clipped hedges of
Yews and Limes, but the fine evergreen shrubs we now possess make
it more easy and effective, as naturally grown shrubs soften the wind
better than clipped lines, while often themselves beautiful in leaf and
bloom. There is, indeed, in gardens the danger of planting too densely
at first, so that after some years the place becomes dank and the very
house itself is made cheerless. The pretty young conifers planted are
not thought of as forest trees, and parts which should be in the sun are
gradually overshadowed — a great mistake in a climate like ours.
Among the kinds of shelter, walls, thickly clad with climbers,
evergreens and others, are often the best for close garden work,
because they do not rob the ground, as almost any evergreen tree
will ; and in doing their work, they themselves may bear many of
our most beautiful flowers. Half-hardy evergreens, like the common
Cherry, Laurel and Portugal Laurel, should never be planted to shelter
the garden, because they may get cut down in hard winters. But happily,
even in the most exposed places, a good many hardy flowers may be
grown with success, such as Carnations, Pinks, and many rock plants
which lie close to the ground, and are therefore little exposed to wind,
and thrive in exposed places where soil and cultivation are not against
them. English gardens are often well sheltered by the house itself
and by old walls and enclosures, so that in old gardens it is easy
to secure shelter for plants.
PLANTING NEAR THE SEA. — Some are doubtful of planting near
the sea, considering the bleak look of things and the cutting winds.
Yet even in places where the few trees that are planted are cut sharp
off by the sea wind above the walls, as in Anglesea, we may see how
soon good planting will get over difficulties that seem insurmountable.
By the use near the sea of small-leaved trees like the Tamarisks,
Sea Buckthorn, and small Willows, we very soon get a bit of shelter;
and by backing these with the close-growing conifers like our common
Juniper and some of the sea-loving Pines like Pinaster, and in mild
southern and western districts the Californian Cypress and the
Monterey Pine, we soon get shelter and companionship, so to say, for
our trees, and fifty yards away we may soon walk in woods as stately
as in any part of the country. Having got our shelter in this way
EVERGREEN TREES AND SHRUBS. 333
the growth of the harcly Pines of the northern world seems as easy by
the sea as anywhere ; indeed, more so, because if there is any one
place where the rather tender Pines are grown well it is near the sea
in places around our coast, where if the soil is good, one has not to be
so careful about the hardiness of trees we select as we have to be in
inland places.
THE ILEX. — The evergreen Oak takes a lead among the trees near
the sea, and it ought to be largely used ; but as it is not very easily
transplanted from nursery-bought plants, it is just as well to raise it
on the place and plant it young. Seed may be scattered with some
advantage in places we wish it to grow in, as it grows freely from seed.
This evergreen oak withstood the great gales of 1897 in the
south and west of England better than any other. At Killerton and
Knightshayes, and many other places where the destruction was
greatest I was glad to see that the evergreen oak was not among the
many victims. It is a precious tree for the south and west, and all
sea shore districts, and should never be forgotten among the crowd of
novelties among trees ; not one out of fifty is worth naming beside it.
Like many other trees, it suffers from indiscriminate planting with
other and sometimes coarser things, and is rarely grouped in any
effective way, although here and there, as at Ham House, Killerton,
and St. Anns we may see the effect of holding this tree together
in groups or masses.
In addition to the common evergreen trees of Europe, the Scotch,
Spruce and Silver Firs, we have the noble Corsican Pine, which, from
its habitat in Calabria and in Corsica, can have no objection to the
sea. The Pines of the Pacific coast, too, are well used to its influences,
and hence we see in our country good results from planting them near
the sea, as, for example, Menzies' Spruce at Hunstanton, the Monterey
Pine at Bicton, the Redwood in many places near the sea. One good
result of planting in such places is that we may use so many evergreen
trees, from the Holly to the Cedar, and so get a certain amount of
warmth as well as shelter.
Though our country generally is not perhaps fitted for the growth
of the Cork Oak, a fine evergreen tree, it is here and there seen in
southern and sheltered parts on warm soils, as in certain parts of
Devonshire and on the warm side of the Sussex Downs, even in good
condition. Of this fact we have an example in the Cork Oaks at
Goodwood, all that could be desired in health and beauty. This Oak
naturally inhabits the southern parts of Europe and the northern parts
of Africa, and it is interesting to see that it can attain the size of a
stately tree in our own country in some favoured places, but the
evergreen oak for our islands is the Ilex and its various forms.
334
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Some Genera of Evergreen Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles)
Abies
Aralia
Araucaria
*Arbutus
Arundinaria
Aucuba
Azara
Ba?nbusa
*Benthamia
Berberis
Buxus
Camellia
Cedrus
Cryptomeria
Chamcerops
Choisya
*Cistus
Cotoneaster
Cratoegus
Cupressus
Daphne
Daphniphyllum
*Desfontainea
Diplopappus
Elceagnus
*Embothrium
Ephedra
Erica
*Escallonia
Euonymus
*Fabiana
Garrya
Gaultheria
Hedera
Ilex
Juniperus
Kalmia
Laurus
Ledum
Leiophyllum
Leucothce
Libocedrus
Ligustrum
Magnolia
Myrica
Olearia
Osmanthus
Pernettya
Phillyrea
Phlomis
Phyllostachys
Pieris
Pinus
Quercus
Rhamnus
Raphiolepis
Retinospora
Rhododendron
Rosmarinus
Ruscus
Sequoia
Skimmta
Smilax
Taxus
Thuja
Thujopsis
Ulex
Veronica
Viburnum
Vinca .
Yucca
1 Some of those marked * are hardy only in seashore districts or warm soils, and in some genera named
few species are evergreen.
Juniper showing natural growth.
CHAPTER XXIX.
" Vous travaillez pour ainsi dire a cote de Dieu, vous rietes que les
collaborateurs de la lot divine de la vegetation. Dieu, dans ses ccuvres
inimitable, ne se prete pas a nos cJiimeres ; la nature ria pas de com-
plaisance pour nos faux systemes. Elle est souveraine, absolue comme
son Auteur. Elle resistea nos tentatives folles ; elle dejoue, et quelquefois
rudement, nos illusions. Elle nous seconde, elle nous aide, elle nous
recompense, si nous toucJions juste et si nous travaillons dans son sens
vrai ; mais si nous nous trompons, si nous voulons la violent er^ la con-
traindre, la fausser, elle nous donne a r instant meme des dementis
eclalants en faits par la sterilite, par le deperissement, pat la mort de
tout ce que nous avons voulu creer en depit d'elle et a f inverse de ses
lois" — LAMARTINE, DISCOURS AUX JARDINIERS.
CLIPPING EVERGREEN AND OTHER TREES.
THE Yew in its natural form is
the most beautiful evergreen of our
western world — finer than the Cedar
in its feathery branching, and more
beautiful than any Cedar in the colour
of its stem. In our own day we see
trees of the same great order as the Yew gathered
from a thousand hills — from British Columbia,
through North America and Europe to the Atlas
Mountains, and not one of them has yet proved
to be so beautiful as our native Yew when un-
dipped root or branch. But in gardens the quest
for the exotic is so active that few give a fair
chance to the Yew as a tree, while in grave-
yards, where it is so often seen in a very old state, the cutting
of the roots hurts the growth, though there are Yews in our
churchyards that have seen a thousand winters. It is not my own
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
idea only that I urge here, but that of all who have ever thought
of the beauty of trees, foremost among whom we must place
artists who have the happiness of always drawing natural forms.
Let any one stand near the Cedar-like Yews by the Pilgrim's Way
on the North Downs, and, comparing them with trees cut into
fantastic shapes, consider what the difference means to the artist who
seeks beauty of tree form !
What right have we to deform things so lovely in form? No
cramming of Chinese feet into impossible shoes is half so foolish
as the wilful and brutal distortion of the beautiful forms of trees.
The cost of this mutilation alone is one reason against it, as we
see where miles of trees cut into walls have to be clipped, as at
Versailles and Schonbrunn, and this shearing is a mere " survival "
of the day when we had very few trees, and they were clipped to fit
the crude notion of " garden design " of the day. The fact that men
when they had few trees made them into walls to make them serve
their ways of " design " is no reason why we, rich in the trees of all
the hills of the north, should go on mutilating them too.
Thus, while it may be right to clip a tree to form a dividing-line or
hedge, it is never so to clip trees grown for their own sakes, as by
clipping such we only get ugly, unnatural forms. Men who trim with
shears or knife so fine a tree as the Holly are dead to beauty of form
and cannot surely have seen how fine in form old Holly trees are. To
give us such ugly forms in gardens is to show one's self callous to
beauty of tree form, and to prove that one cannot even see ugliness.
For consider, too, the clipped Laurels by which many gardens are
disfigured. Laurel in its natural shape in the woods is often fine in
form ; but it is planted everywhere in gardens without thought of its
fitness for each place, and as it grows apace, the shears are called in,
and its fine leaves and shoots are cut into ugly banks and formless
masses, spoiling many gardens. There is no place in which Laurel
is clipped for which we could not get shrubs of the desired size that
would not need the shears.
In the old gardens, where from other motives trees were clipped
when people had very few evergreens, or where they wanted an
object of a certain height, they had to clip. It is well to preserve such
gardens, but never to imitate them. If we want shelter, we can get it
in various pleasant ways without clipping, and, while getting it, we can
enjoy the natural forms of the evergreens. Hedges and wall-like lines
of green living things are useful, and even may be artistically used.
Occasionally we find clipped arches and bowers pretty, and these,
when very old, are worth keeping. Besides, there is much difference
between evergreen archways or bowers, hedges, and shelters, and the
fantastic clipping of living trees into the shapes of bird or beast or
CLIMBING EVERGREEN AND OTHER TREES. 337
coffee-pot, and while it may be well to keep any old specimens of the
sort when we find them, clipping is better not carried out with our
lovely evergreens on a large scale.
Now and then we see attempts on the part of those having more
knowledge of some half-mechanical grade of decorative " design "
to galvanise the corpse of the topiary art. Such an idea would not
occur to any one knowing the many beautiful things now within our
reach, or by any one like a landscape painter who studies beautiful
forms of earth or trees or flowers, or by any lover of Nature in tree
or flower. Sometimes these puerilities are set into book form. For
one author there is no art in gardening, but cutting a tree into the
shape of a cocked hat is " art," and he says :—
I have no more scruple in using the scissors upon tree or shrub, where trim-
ness is desirable, than I have in mowing the turf of the lawn that once represented
a virgin world . . . and in the formal part of the garden my Yews should take the
shape of pyramids, or peacocks, or cocked hats, or ramping lions in Lincoln green,
or any other conceit I had a mind to, which vegetable sculpture can take.
After reading this I thought of some of the true "vegetable
sculpture " that I had seen ; Reed and Lily, models in stem and leaf ;
the Grey Willows of Britain as lovely against our British skies as Olives
are in the south ; many-columned Oak groves set in seas of Primroses,
Cuckoo flowers and Violets ; Silver Birch woods of Northern Europe
beyond all grace possible in stone ; the eternal Garland of beauty that
one kind of Palm waves for hundreds of miles throughout the land
of Egypt — a vein of summer in a lifeless world ; the noble Pine
woods of California and Oregon, like fleets of colossal masts on
mountain waves — thought of these and many other lovely forms in
garden and wood, and then wondered that any one could be so blind
to the beauty of the natural forms of plants and trees as to write as
this author does.
From the days of the Greeks to our own time, the delight of all
great artists has been to get as near this divine beauty as what they
work in permits. But this deplorable vegetable sculptor's delight is in
distorting beautiful forms ; and this in the one art in which we have
the happiness of possessing the living things themselves, and not
merely representations of them. The old people from whom he
takes his ideas were not so foolish, as when the Yew was used as a
hedge or was put at a garden gate it was necessary to clip it to keep
it in bounds. Apart from the ugliness of the cocked-hat tree or other
pantomimic trees, the want of life and change in a garden made up
of such trees, one would think, should open the eyes of any one to
its drawbacks, as in it there is none of the joy of spring's life, or
summer's crown of flowers, or winter's rest.
The plea that such work gives variety does not hold, because
z
CLIMBING EVERGREEN AND OTHER TREES. 339
wherever labour and time are wasted upon such things the true work
of the garden does not, and very often cannot, get the attention it
needs. In few of the places where such work is done, is seen much of
beauty in the garden — that is, beauty of flower and form and fine
colour such as an artist would put in a picture, and which is a picture
in itself to begin with.
THE ABUSE OF YEW HEDGES IN FLOWER GARDENS. — In old
days, whether in a manor house or castle garden, the use of Yew
hedges had some clear motive of shelter or division, or clothing
against massive walls as at Berkeley ; or at a cottage door, as a living
shelter. But when we use Yew hedges from the mere desire for theml
and without much thought of the ground or other reasons, we may find
ourselves in trouble. At a place where Roses were earnestly sought, the
Rose borders were backed up close by Yew hedges ; the Yews were not
very troublesome the first year or two, but, as they grew, they became
merciless robbers. There are many ways of growing Roses, but it would
be difficult to invent any worse way than this, which leaves the
gardener always " between the devil and the deep sea," trying to keep
back the hungry Yew roots all the while, it being quite easy to secure
a background which, instead of eating up the Roses, would support and
shelter them beautifully ; such as walls of solid or of open work, Oak
palings, Bamboo and other trellises, or espaliers of bushy climbers, like
Honeysuckle and Clematis. It is surely easy to enjoy the Yew without
letting it eat up the very things we wish to cherish.
Another bad way is to place lines of Yew hedges so close together
that the sun can hardly sweeten the ground between them, this being
generally the result of carrying out some book plan, without thought
of the ground or its use. More stupid still is cutting up level lawns
with Yew hedges across them, or sometimes projected into them a little
way, with flower beds in between, within a couple of feet of the all-
devouring Yew : — and all this very costly Yew planting working for
ugliness, and against the health, and even life, of all the flowers near.
For ugliness distinctly, as while such broad and impressive Yew hedges
as we see at Holme Lacy and in the older gardens are good in effect,
it is quite different with small, hard Yew hedges, set one against the
other and repeated ad nauseam.
It is not only the needs of our own greatly increased garden flora
—new races of plants never known to the old people, such as our tea
Roses and the rich collections of shrubs from Japan and other
countries, that will not bear mutilation or robbing at the root — that
should make us pause, as, even in such evidence that remains to us of
old flower gardens on ancient tapestries and pictures, we may see
some evidence that the lady had room in her flower garden to
look around and work among her flowers, unencumbered by a maze
z 2
340 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
of robbing hedges. Some, perhaps, of these close lines of yews, set
with such little thought, owe their origin to the maze idea ; but the
maze was for a wholly different end, and in it we have only to grow
its trees and the paths are free for the roots ; while in the rose and
flower garden our costs and cares to get an artistic and beautiful
result are too heavy to have them eaten up before our eyes by the
hungriest of tree roots. If there were no other way to enjoy these
evergreen trees, clipped or otherwise, one would not, perhaps, have so
much to say against them ; but we have only to step out of the flower
garden to indulge in the love of many evergreens to our heart's
content.
CLIPPED EVERGREEN SHRUBS IN THE BEDS OF THE FLOWER
GARDEN. — A gardener with shears in his hand is generally doing fool's
work, but there is much difference between his clipping old or sheltering
Example of old topiary work.
lines of Yews, or even the Peacock in box, and the clipping which goes
on in some gardens where beds are filled with small evergreen bushes
instead of flowers. We may see it practised in gardens laid out by
Paxton and his followers, their object being no doubt to get rid
of the trouble of real flower-gardening, and also to have evergreen
beds in winter. This effect may be obtained in a way, but the bushes
usually get far too thick, and then the shears are used to keep them in
bounds, and what ought to be graceful groups of flowers or shrubs
of good form becomes flat, hard, and ugly. The clipping may
be designed at first, but oftener it is done to repress overgrowth.
A more stupid way of filling the beds of a flower garden could
hardly be imagined, because we lose all the grace and form of the
shrubs, and also the chance of seeing flowers growing among them,
which is one of the prettiest phases of flower gardening when Lilies,
Gladioli, and other graceful plants spring from groups of choice
CLIMBING EVERGREEN AND OTHER TREES. 341
evergreens. The end of all this laborious mutilation is to cause
disease and overcrowding, and the best thing is to clear the deformed
things away and plant in more natural ways. If we want flower
beds, .et us have them ; by doing so we can have varied life for more
than half the year. If we want beds of choice evergreens we can
have them without destroying their forms by the shears. There is a
wide choice of beautiful things like Rhododendrons and Azaleas,
and if we set these in open ways we can have flowers among them,
thus doubling the variety of bloom obtainable from the surface,
getting light and shade and the true forms of shrub or flower.
THE DISFIGUREMENT OF FOREST TREES BY CLIPPING.—
Recently magazines and illustrated journals, in the great chase
after subjects have dealt with the clipped gardens of England,
and some of the most ridiculous work ever perpetrated in this way
has been chosen for illustration. Of English counties, Derbyshire is
the most notorious for examples of disfigured trees. The Dutch, who
painted like nature, and built like sane men, left their plantations to
the shears, but they always cut to lines or had some kind of plan,
judging from their old engraved books. British clipping, however,
has one phase which has no relation to any plan, and so far it exceeds
in extravagance the methods of the Dutch, Austrian, and French, and
that is the clipping single, and often forest, trees into the shape of
green bolsters. The late Mr. McNab, of the Edinburgh garden,
excellent planter though he was, had an idea that he kept his conifers
in shape by clipping. A false idea runs through all growers of trees
of the pine tribe, the most frequent victims of the practice, that these4
trees should be kept in a conical shape, the truth being that all the
pine trees in the world in their state of highest beauty lose their lower
branches, and show the beauty of their stem and form when growing
in their natural way. With a few exceptions, it is the way of these
trees to shed their lower branches as other trees shed their leaves.
Even in countries where pines often stand alone, as on the foothills
of California, I have often seen them with 100 feet or more of clean
stem.
Articles on this subject are usually of the see-saw sort, the writer
praising and blaming alternately, and wabbling about like a blind
man in a fair. We are told that Elvaston, in Derbyshire, is not
remarkable for natural beauty, and that the grounds there are so flat
that landscape gardeners, in despair of any other planting, are com-
pelled to have recourse to topiary work ; that " even that man of
fame, ' Capability ' Brown, seems to have shrunk from the work of
laying out the grounds. Whereupon the earl demanded his reason,
and Brown replied, ' Because the place is so flat,' &c."
Instead of there being any truth in the assertion that we cannot
342 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
make level ground beautiful by planting in natural ways, level ground
has a great deal in it that is favourable to artistic ways of planting.
That is to say, with such ground we may more easily secure breadth,
simplicity, and dignity, get dividing lines in the easiest way, richer
soil and finer and more stately growth and nobler shelter. Many of
the most beautiful gardens of Europe are on perfectly level ground,
as Laxenberg in Vienna, the English garden in Munich, not to speak
of many in our own river valleys and in counties like Lincolnshire.
What would be said of planting in all the flat countries of Northern
Europe if this assertion were true, to say nothing of the absurdity of
assuming that the only way out of the difficulty is in the stupid
disfigurement of trees ? I shall not imitate the example of these
writers in leaving the matter in doubt, but give some reasons against
the wasting of precious labour in order to rob trees of their natural
charm. The old poets and satirists, who laughed at it, did not go
into the reasons against clipping big trees, which are serious never-
theless.
LOSS OF FORM. — First of all is the loss of tree form — a wonderful
and beautiful gift, so wonderful and beautiful, indeed, that the marvel
is that we should have to allude to it at all, as in nearly every parish
in England one has only to walk one hundred yards or so to come
/ace to face with fine examples of good tree form. There is more
strength and beauty of line in many an ash tree by a farmhouse yard
than in all the clipped forest trees in Britain. Some protest against
the cropping and docking of animals' ears and tails, but, when the
worst is done in that way, the dog or the horse remains in full beauty
of form in all essential parts, but if we clip a noble tree, which in
natural conditions is a lesson in lovely form in all its parts, we reduce
it at once to a shapeless absurdity.
LIGHT AND SHADE. — The second great loss is that of light and
shade, which are very important elements of beauty. These are
entirely neutralised by shaving trees to a level surface, whether the
trees take the form of a line, or we clip them singly, as in the British
phase of tree clipping. If we see old examples of the natural yew,
a forest tree, and the commonest victim of -the shears among evergreen
forest trees, and if we look at them in almost any light, we may soon
see how much we lose by destroying light and shade, as the play of
these enhances the force and beauty of all the rest.
COLOUR. — The third objection is the loss of refined colour. In
gardens we are so much concerned with garish colour that we often
fail to consider the more delicate colours of nature, and such fine tone
as we see in a grove of old Yews, bronzed by the winter, or in Ilex
with the beautiful silver of the leaf, or a grove of coral-bearing Hollies.
Even the smallest things clipped, such as juniper, have in a natural
CLIMBING EVERGREEN AND OTHER TREES. 343
way much beauty of colour if left alone. All the favourite trees for
clipping are far more beautiful in colour in a natural state ; the loss
of the stem colour alone is a great one, as we may see wherever
old Yews show their finely-coloured stems.
MOTION. — In the movement of these trees stirred by the wind, and
the gentle sighing of their branches, we have some most welcome
aspects of tree life. In groves of Ilex, as at Ham House, and masses
of the same tree, as at St. Ann's, the effect of the motion of the
branches is to many a beautiful one. This movement is also of great
beauty in groves of old Yew trees, and is seen in every cedar and
Pine that pillars the hills. The voice of the wind in these trees is
one of the most grateful sounds in nature, and has often inspired the
poet.
" I see the branches downward bent,
Like keys of some great instrument."
And even when the storm is past we hear delicate music in the
free pine tips.
" What voice is this ? what low and solemn tone,
Which, though all wings of all the winds seem furled,
Nor even the zephyr's fairy flute is blown,
Makes thus for ever its mysterious moan
From out the whispering Pine-tops' shadowy world ?
Ah, can it be the antique tales are true ?
Doth some lone Dryad haunt the breezeless air,
Fronting yon bright immitigable blue,
And wildly breathing all her wild soul through
That strange unearthly music of despair ?
Or, can it be that ages since, storm-tossed,
And driven far inland from the roaring lea,
Some baffled ocean-spirit, worn and lost,
Here, through dry summer's dearth and winter's frost,
Yearns for the sharp sweet kisses of the sea ? "
DEATH AND DISEASE OF THE TREES.— The fifth objection is that
the constant mutilation of trees leads to death and disease not unfre-
quently, as may be seen constantly at Versailles. In the Derbyshire
examples, recently so much illustrated, the stems of dead Pines are
shown in the pictures ! It is simply an end one might expect from
the annual mutilation of a forest tree, which the Yew certainly is, as
we see it among the cedars on the mountains of North Africa, as well
as in our own country and in Western Europe. Other trees of the
same great Pine order are yet more impatient of the shears, and some
of them, like the cedar, escape solely because of their dignity. How-
ever, we distort the Yew, which is in nature sometimes as fine as a
Cedar.
ANNUAL COST.— The sixth objection is that of cost. Few
344
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
begrudge it if it gives a good result, but merely to use the labour of
scores of men with shears is to miserably waste both time and money
where there is so much of the country to be planted with beautiful
trees. Where, as often in the French towns, there is much clipping,
the waste of labour is as appalling as the result is hideous.
THE MAZE is an inheritance from a past time, but not a precious
one, being one of the notions about gardening which arose when
people had very little idea of the dignity and infinite beauty of the
garden flora as we now know it. Some people may be wealthy
enough to show us all the beauty of a garden and at the same time
such ugly frivolities as this, but they must be few. The maze is not
pretty as part of a home landscape or garden, and should be left
for the most part to places of the public tea-garden kind. One of its
drawbacks is the death and distortion of the evergreens that go to
form its close lines, owing to the frequent clipping ; if clipping be
neglected the end is still worse, and the whole thing is soon ready
for the fire.
Plan of Ma/e
CHAPTER XXX.
AIR AND SHADE.
THE glorious sun of heaven, giver of life and joy to the earth,
gives, too, the green fountains of life we call trees to shade her, and
this beautiful provision might often be borne in mind in thinking of
our often hard and bare gardens ! Air and shade, as we cannot,
near houses in hot weather, enjoy the shade without free air, and shade
may be often misused to cultivate mouldiness and keep the breeze
away from a house, though it is very easy to have air and shade in a
healthy way. To overshade the house itself with trees is always a
mistake, and sometimes a danger, though even against a house, by the
use of climbers, like Vines, pretty creeper-clad pergola, and by the
wise use of rooms open to the air, creeper-shaded, flat spots on roofs,
so often seen in Italy and France, it is easy to have welcome shade
even forming part, as it were, of the house. We have the gain,
too, of the grace and bloom of the climbers, from climbing Tea
Roses to Wistaria, and we get rid of the bald effect of such houses
as Syon and the excruciating effect of the newer French chateaux,
often on the warm side without gardens or shade of any kind, and
hard as a new bandbox.
A little away from the house, shade of a bolder kind is always
worth planning for. In planting for shade it is well to select with
some care and avoid things that have a bad odour when in flower,
like the Ailantus and the Manna Ash and ill-smelling undergrowth
like Privet. In many places there is a fine field for cutting groups
of pleasant shade trees out of the crammed shrubbery, neglected as
that so often is, with dark barriers of Laurel, Privet, and Portugal
Laurel. Nothing is easier than sweeping off and burning much of
this evergreen rubbish, and getting instead shade over cool walks, or
over paths leading through Ferns and Foxgloves ; such woodland
plants allow us to get light and shade and do not weaken the trees.
Vain attempts are often made in our gardens, public and private,
to get grass to grow under certain trees which it would be much
better to frankly accept as they are and gravel the spaces beneath
346
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
them for use as playground or for seats. In dealing with such trees we
must be unsparing in cutting off the lower boughs, which are rarely
of much use to the tree and often impede the air and movement
underneath ; they should be cut carefully to an airy but not hard
line.
Wych Elm on Lawn at Oak Lodge, Kensington.
Where the flower garden is small we may rightly object to much
shade in it, and must get as much as we can outside it. In many
cases in open lawn gardens, where we may pass easily from the flower
beds into grassy, open ground near, we may have delightful groups of
shade trees not far from the flowers, and this sort of garden, of which
AIR AND S&ADE. 347
there are so many in the level country, is that which is perhaps the
most easy of all to keep cool, airy and sunny too.
But in large open flower gardens, which are often bare and hard,
it is better to have some light shade. Great areas of gravel and flat
beds everywhere are most tiresome to the eye, and in many large
flower gardens, it would be an improvement to have covered ways
of Rose and Jasmine or wreaths of Clematis and alleys of graceful
trees such as the Mimosa-leaved Acacia, or other light and graceful
trees. In that way we should get some of the light and shade
which are so much wanted in these large chessboard gardens, and in
getting the shade we might also get trees beautiful in themselves, or
carrying wreaths of Wistaria or other climbers.
Among the most beautiful shade-giving trees are the weeping
ones, which in our own day are many and beautiful, among them, the
Weeping Ash, of which we see many trees even in the London
squares. We are all so busy with exotics from many parts of the
world, that the native tree does not always get a fair chance, and
yet no deciduous tree ever brought to our country is for form and
dignity finer than the mountain or Wych Elm. Trees over twenty
feet round are not rare, and, being a native of the mountains of
Northern England, its hardiness need never be in doubt. This tree
is the parent of the large-leaved Weeping Elm (of which there are so
many good trees to be seen), and the wild tree itself in its old
age has also a weeping habit. But the weeping garden form is quite
distinct and a tree of remarkable character and value, and like other
weeping trees, it increases in beauty with age, like the grand old
Weeping Beeches at Knaphill. The various Weeping Willows afford
a welcome shade, and the White Willow and any of its forms give a
pleasant light shade.
A fine kind of shade is that given by a group of Yews on a lawn
near the house on a hot day — a living tent without cost, and this is
almost true of any spreading tree giving noble shade, as the great Oak
in the pleasure ground at Shrubland. There are many noble Horse
Chestnuts which give great shade, as at Busbridge, and the Plane tree
in Southern England gives noble shade.
There is no more beautiful lawn tree than the Tulip tree, and
nothing happier in our country on an English lawn, in which its
delightful shade and dignity are very welcome in hot weather,
as at Esher Place and Woolbeding. Petworth also has a fine tree,
but rather closed in by others. Owing partly to the attractive
catalogues of conifers and other trees not of half the value of this
from any point of view, young trees of these fine deciduous things are
not so often planted as they used to be ; and why should not a tree
like this be grouped now and then, instead of being left in solitary state ?
348 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Trees with light shade might be welcome in certain districts, among
the last being various Acacias, of which the common old American is
good, while several beautiful varieties have been raised in France,
light, elegant trees, especially the Mimosa-leaved one. In warm
soils this would grow well and give very light shade. There are so
many rapid-growing trees that in places devoid of shade trees it
would not be difficult to establish some soon.
Those who have small gardens, and cannot have them robbed
by the roots of trees, may get shade from climbers and often great
beauty of flower from the climbers that give the shade. It is curious
how little use is made of the Vine, with its beauty of leaf and form,
for covered ways, loggias, and garden houses, not only in the
country, but in town also. It is one of the best of plants for covering
the fronts of houses, and good Vines spring out of London areas far
below the level of the street, where it would be difficult to imagine
worse conditions for the aeration of the soil or its fertility. These
remarks apply not only to the common Vine, valuable though it is
with all its innumerable varieties, but to the wild Vines of America
and Japan, some of which are fine in foliage and colour.
The last few years we have seen so many hot seasons that one
turns to the Continental idea of shade in the garden with more
interest ; and why should we not have outdoor loggia and Vine-
covered garden rooms ? We do not only neglect the outdoor shaded
structures, but the even more essential loggia forming part of the
house. A garden room entered from the house, and part of it, is a
great comfort, and may be made in a variety of pretty ways, though
never without provision for a few light graceful climbers.
After all is said about shade, the most essential thing about it
in British gardens is not to have too much of it. Most of us plant
too thickly to begin with ; the trees get too close and we neglect to
thin them, the result being mouldy, close avenues, dripping, sunless
groves, and dismal shrubberies, more depressing than usual in a wet
season. It is only when we get the change from sun to shade with
plenty of movement for air that we enjoy shade. We cannot feel the
air move in an over-planted place, and there are in such no broad
breadths of sunlight to give the airy look that is so welcome. Over-
planting is the rule ; the regular shrubbery is a mixture fatal to the
play of light and shade and air, and not only the sun is shut out, but
often many beautiful views also.
Very harmful in its effect on the home landscape is the common
objection to cutting down, or ill-placed trees crowded to the detriment
of the landscape and often to the air and light about a house. The
majority of the trees that are planted in and near gardens are planted
in ignorance of their mature effects, the landscape beauty of half the
Air and shade : Type of weeping native lawn tree
35° THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
country seats in England being marred by unmeaning trees and trees
out of place. I have known people who wanted to remove a solid
Georgian house rather than take down a tree of moderate dimensions
which made the house dark and mouldy and obscured the view of far
finer trees beyond it, and it is not long since a man wrote to the Times
after a storm to say that one of his Elm trees had fallen through the
dining-room ceiling when he was at luncheon, and that Elms were not
good trees to put over the house !
Where without the limits of the garden there are drives through
old mixed or evergreen woods, like the Long Cover at Shrubland
or the drive at Eastnor, it is important not to let the undergrowth
close in on each side, as trees are very apt to do. It is difficult to give
an idea of the difference in the effect of such a drive when " light and
shade " are let into it, and when, as is commonly the case, the Yew,
Box, and other things are clipped back to hard walls, good views,
fine trees, and groups being all shut out by this neglect It is better
never to clip in such cases, but always to work back to a good tree
or group, cutting encroachers clean out of the way, and so getting
room for the air to move, the shade of the trees above being sufficient
in each case. The pleasure of driving or walking is much greater
when the air is moving, and when one can see here and there into
the wood on each side, with perhaps groups of wild flowers and
beautiful views into the country beyond.
The old fashion of having plashed alleys near the garden, of
which there are good examples at Hatfield, Drayton, and other old
gardens, was a pretty one, but as done with vigorous Lime trees it was
troublesome and laborious work to keep down the vigour of such
forest trees which, in point of looks, were not in any way the best to
use for the purpose. However charming those old covered walks
are it is well to remember that we have much nobler things for
forming them now, that do not want cutting back, and that are
beautiful in foliage and bloom. It is also well in planting such
things to see that the shaded alley is sufficiently high and airy.
There is no reason why it should not be made reasonably big, especi-
ally as we have noble climbers to cover it that do not keep rushing
up in the air like the Lime and other forest trees which were used for
this purpose in old times, when there were few trees to select from,
and when probably the quick growth of the Lime was the cause of
its selection. Its shade in this cut-down form is not so pleasant as
the nobler climbers, which will cause no trouble in springing above
the surfaces we wish them to cover.
PLANTING IN LIGHT AND SHADE.— This helps to get us out of
the hard ways in which flowers are set in gardens. There is
too sharp a line between the open parterre and the shady grove.
AIR AND SHADE.
351
There are no gardens surrounded by more pleasant groves than
English gardens generally, even small gardens having their belt of
Air and shade : Shaded walk, Belvoir.
trees, with opportunities for flower grouping in light and shade, but
now for the most part occupied bye heavy vergreens, massed together
352 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
and preventing all chance of light and shade, and even shutting out
air and beauty.
We cannot do much good, in such cases, unless we first destroy
the Privet and facile evergreens, like Laurels, which overrun every-
thing, and then comes the question of the plants which will grow best
in such places, as shade in gardens varies whether it comes from
light-leaved or heavy-leaved trees, and there are so many different
degrees of shade. We should think of the plants that grow in woody
places naturally, as in our woods we may see handsome tall Grasses,.
Foxgloves, large Ferns, herbaceous plants like the French Willow
and the Ragwort, tall Harebells, and many ground plants like
Primroses and Bluebells. There is not any hard and fast line
between plants that grow in shady places and other herbaceous plants,
although some difference exists, and there are so many varieties of
climate, elevation, and conditions of soil that the plants often vary in
their ways. Foxgloves and Bracken, which are seen happy in the
woods of the south, thrive on sunny rocky places in the north, so that
there is an interplay among these things which helps us in making
our gardens more varied. Not only we have to consider wood plants,
but the fact that a great many plants of the northern world grow in
partial shade, and we could arrange our borders, if we get out of stiff
ways, so as to let the plants often run from the light into the shade.
In making borders through groves or shrubberies, it would be easy
to have no hard line at the back of the border, but simply let
the plants run in and enjoy the shade here and there. Where there
might be some doubt of choice herbaceous plants thriving in shade
there need be no doubt as to the larger woodland ferns and such
plants as Solomon's Seal.
Among the interesting plants that thrive in shade are alpine and
mountain plants. Many of these, being shrouded in clouds and
enduring much rain in cool gorges, very often rejoice in shady places,,
as the varieties of the Irish Rockfoil (Saxifraga Geum), which carpet
the ground in places that the sun never touches. Other Rockfoils
have the same habit, including the large Indian kinds and their
varieties. The Irises are often very beautiful in half-shady places,.
German Irises especially. By planting, too, in various aspects, shade
and open, we get a succession of favourite flowers, that under a hot
sun last but a short time. In the cooler light their colours have a
greater charm — the blues more tender, the deeper colours still richer.
Paeonies are never handsomer than in subdued light, their colours
richer and longer lasting than when bleached by the sun. This is
true especially of the frailer single forms, which open out quickly
under a hot sun and are gone all too soon. Many beautiful plants are
happiest in the shade — not too dense — but where the sun's rays filter
AIR AND SHADE.
353
through the tree-leaves. Gardens of great beauty may be made in
the shade— gardens of greater charm than those who know not the
store of plants for this purpose little dream of, and not confined to the
hardy plant alone, but including also shrubs as well— as the hardy
Azaleas. These are never so fine as when seen in shady or half shady
places in a wood, as at Dropmore and Coolhurst, their colours more
intense from the subdued light, and the flowers more lasting in the shade.
Air, shade, and light are a trinity essential about a country house, and
we cannot enjoy any one of them unless some thought is given to all.
Sun and Shade. (The Hoo, Wehvyn).
A A
CHAPTER XXXI
LAWNS AND PLAYGROUNDS.
THE lawn is the heart of the true British garden, and of all forms
of garden the freest and, may be, the most varied and charming, adapted
as it is to all sorts of areas from that around the smallest house. It is
above all things the English form of garden made best in the rich level
valley land, and, with the least amount of trouble and labour to make or
keep it, certainly gives the best result in effect. The terrace garden
we have seen, in its origin and best meaning, arises from wholly different
sort of ground from that on which we make a lawn. If the Italians
and others who built on hills to avoid malaria had had healthy and
level ground they would have been very glad of it, and thought it
beautiful. With the lawn there is little or no trouble in securing fine
background effects, variety, pretty dividing lines, recesses for any
favourites we may have in the way of flowers, freedom, relief, air and
breadth. There is room on the lawn for every flower and tree, from
the cedar, and the group of fruit trees planted for the beauty of their
flowers and fruit, down to rich beds of lilies or smaller flowers.
One of the most foolish dogmas ever laid down about a garden is
that made in a recent book by an architect, in which we are told emphat-
ically that there is no such thing as a garden to be made except
within four walls. Many of the most beautiful gardens in the British
Isles are without any aid but a background of trees and evergreens,
and no trace of walls, which are absolutely needless in many situa-
tions to get the most artistic results in a garden. And lovely gardens
may be made around lawns without marring the breadth and airiness
which is the charm of a lawn, or in the least interfering with the use of
its open parts as a playground.
CLIMBER-COVERED ALLEYS AROUND PLAY LAWNS.— Where
there is space enough there are reasons in country places for
LAWNS AND PLAYGROUNDS.
355
cutting off by a hedge a playground from the garden or pleasure
ground, as is done at Madresfield and Campsey Ash and many of the
older gardens ; and what is used generally is the yew or holly, but
clipped hedges give little shade and no flowers. Now, in the like
position, if we adopt the pergola, we get shade, and many graceful
flowers. Clematis, tall roses, wistaria, and almost every beautiful
climber could be grown thereon, some better than on walls, because we
can allow more abandon than on walls, and it is not at all so easy to
crucify vine or climber on a pergola. We can have evergreens too if
we wish, with garlands of handsome ivies among them, and players
Chambers Court, Tewkesbury. From a photograph sent by Mrs. Ward, Tewkesbury.
might rest in the shade and lookers on sit there to see the play.
Various bold openings should be made on the play lawn side, and the
whole so arranged as to be a sort of living cloister. Well done,
the structure might be, apart from its shade and coolness and use as
a dividing line, a garden of a very graceful kind, while the recent
hot seasons lead one to think that the Italian way of putting a roof of
vine leaves between one's self and the sun is worth carrying out in our
own country.
Pergolas have various uses in covering paths which are too much
exposed to the sun, and are a great aid in the garden, and there is no
better way of growing beautiful climbing plants than a green covered
A A 2
356 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
way, whether supported by oak posts, or brick or stone pillars as in
Italy.
The ordinary covered ways made in England of plants are often
too narrow and " pokey." In forming all such things a certain
amount of freedom is essential ; and we cannot enjoy the air
in the usual narrow covered way, which, apart from its own error
as to size, is also soon narrowed by growth. It should always
be made at least wide enough for two people to be able to walk
abreast. Where oak is not distinctly preferred, 14 in. brick pillars
are best, and the plants take to them very soon. Common brown or
rough stock bricks are far better for this use than showy red bricks :
the last being often too the most costly. In stone districts stone
would do as well or better, and it needs no fine dressing or
designing after any pattern. It is better in fact done in the free way
the Italians do it ; but then in Italy every man is a mason, or knows
what to do with stone, and also the stone there comes out in long
posts or flakes, which serve as posts. This is also the case in the
north of England, where beautiful posts of the green stone may be
seen in use on the farms. In Cornwall, too, it would be easy to have
stone pillars. We are in the iron age and many resort to iron, ugliest
of all materials ; but if simply done and not disfigured with galvanised
wire, even iron may help our purpose if painted carnation green or
some other quiet colour. If we use iron, we may take from its
hardness by tying wooden trellis work over it, which is better for
tying the climbers to than iron or wire, using the most enduring
wood we have for this purpose. For this an excellent aid will be found
in the bamboo stakes which now come in quantities to our ports as
underpacking for sugar cargoes. These are sold in quantity at a
reasonable rate, and are an excellent aid in making the iron pergola
wired across and along the iron supports. Thus we get an enduring
material, good in colour and excellent to tie the shoots of rose, clematis,
or vine to.
The beautiful climbing shrubs and other plants that would find a
good congenial home on such a pergola are a good reason for its use.
Among them various graceful forms of our grape vine, as well as
the Japanese and American wild vines, a group which now includes
the Virginian creepers of our gardens, which are also useful, but not
so good as the true vines ; the lovely Wistaria, and not only the old
Chinese kind, the best of all, but the beautiful Japanese long-racemed
kind ( W. multijuga) ; and various others too, though we think none
come near to these in beauty ; the brilliant flame Nasturtium in cool
districts, and where light shade is desired ; the green briar (Smilax)
of America, and also the South of Europe, for warm soils ; handsome
LA WNS AND PL A YGRO UNDS. 357
double and white-stemmed brambles ; wild and single roses ; box
thorn, with its brilliant showers of berries ; European, American and
Japanese honeysuckles ; jasmines ; over fifty kinds of ivy, the noblest
of northern and evergreen climbers ; evergreen thorn, with its bright
berries ; cotoneasters of graceful habit ; clematises, especially the
graceful wild kinds of America, Europe, and North Africa. In mild
districts particularly, the winter blooming clematis of North Africa
and the Mediterranean Islands, which flowers in winter or early spring,
would be very pretty and give light shade. The showy trumpet
flowers (Bignonia}, quite hardy in southern and midland counties ; and
the Dutchman's pipe (Aristolochia), with its large leaves, would also
be useful. The fine-leaved Lardizabala of Chili, the brilliant coral
barberry of the same country (Berberidopsis) ; the graceful, if not
showy silk vine (Periploca) of Southern Europe ; the Chinese Akebia,
the use of the rarer climbers depending much on the climate, elevation,
soil, and nearness to the sea.
THE PLASHED ALLEY is an alternative to the yew hedge and the
covered way, but in some Elizabethan gardens it was often planted
with trees of too vigorous growth, such as the lime, which led to
excessive mutilation and eventual distortion of the tree. Now, with
our present great variety of trees — some of them very graceful and light
in foliage — it is by no means necessary to resort to such ugly muti-
lation ; and it would be easy, as an alternative to the pergola, the
clipped hedge or the plashed alley, to have a shaded walk of medium-
sized or low trees only. These might even be fruit trees ; but the
best would be such elegant-leaved trees as the acacias, which
preserve their leaves for a long time in summer. One drawback
of the lime, in addition to its excessive vigour, is the fact that it
sheds its leaves very early in the autumn, and, indeed, we have
often seen the leaves tumble off in St. James's Park at the end
of July, and in Paris also. It is most unpleasant to have in an alley
a tree which is liable to such an early loss of its leaves. The common
lime is a tree of the mountains and cool hills of Europe, and it cannot
endure great heats and hot autumns ; whereas some of the trees of
North America and other countries are quite fresh in the hottest days.
Among these none is better than the acacia, of which, in France
especially, a number of elegant varieties have been raised, as hardy
as the parent species which charmed William Cobett, but more
graceful in foliage. Among the best of these is the mimosa-leaved
acacia, an elegant tree, which gives us a pleasantly shaded walk,
and yet is not likely ever to become too coarse in habit.
FINE TURF IN AND NEAR THE FLOWER GARDEN.— Fine turf is
essential in and near the house and garden — turf wholly apart from
358 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
the open park or playground. Flower beds are often set in turf, or
there are small grassy spaces near the house or the garden, on the good
effect of which depends very much the beauty of the home landscape, as
coming so much into the foreground of what should be pictures. One
reason why we should take care to get the best turf which the conditions
of soil or climate allow is that no other country but ours can have such
-good turf. In many countries, even in Europe, they cannot have it at
all, but grass seed has to be sown every year to get some semblance of
turf. Where, however, our natural advantages are so great, our care
should be to get the full benefit of them ; and though in many places
the turf, through the goodness of the soil, is all that could be desired
even in Britain, in others a very poor turf is often seen, and much effort
is often given in vain attempts to get a turf worthy of a flower garden.
Many people think that any rough preparation will secure them a
good sward, and merely trench and turf the ground ; even experienced
ground workmen fail to get a fine turf for the flower garden, though
they may lay turf well enough for a cricket ground. Others think
that turf will come of itself, but are often rudely disappointed ;
and therefore some instructions as to the best way of laying down
turf, where the work has to be done from the beginning, and also for
repairing it when out of order, may be useful to some readers. The
following is written by Mr. James Burnham, who has made for me
some of the most beautiful garden lawns I have seen, some of them
laid in hot spring weather.
"FORMATION OF GOOD TURF. — Should the spot chosen be on
heavy soil, such as clay, take the levels and fix them 16 feet apart
around the outside of the piece intended for a lawn Take some
levels across the piece, then take 12 inches of earth out below the levels.
Should any of these 12 inches contain good soil, wheel that on to the
outside of the piece, removing all the clay to a place near and burning it
into ballast, using slack coal. Find the natural fall of the ground, and
place pegs 16 feet apart in lines from top to bottom the way it falls,
then dig out the soil in line of pegs with a draining tool, 12 inches deep
at top end, bottom end 18 inches deep. This will give a fall of 6 inches.
Then lay in 2-inch drain pipes, with a 3-inch pipe at the bottom end for
a main to take the water that drains from the sub-soil. See that this
main is taken to some outlet. Cover the pipes with 3 inches of burnt
ballast, and spread 3 inches of burnt ballast all over the piece of ground.
Dig the ground over 12 inches deep, at the same time mixing the 3
inches of burnt ballast with the clay, taking care not to disturb the
pipes or dig below them. After treading all over firmly, place on the
surface 2 inches of burnt ballast, filling to the level with loam mixed with
LAWNS AND PLAYGROUNDS. 359
the good soil you have laid on one side from the surface. If you have
no good soil, fill up with loam mixed with coarse gravel, brick rubbish,
and burnt ballast. Tread all over again as before, making it level with
a spade, pressing in any lump or stone that appears level with the
ground. No rake should be used. You have now 2 feet of trenched
earth. Do not dig down deeper in one place than another. A stick
cut 2 feet long by the worker's side is the best. He can, with the stick,
test his depth from time to time.
In laying the turf keep the joints of each piece half-an-inch apart.
When it is all laid down pat it gently all over with a turf-beater. It
is better to take up the turf that is a little higher than the rest and
take out a little of the soil than to beat it down to the level. Then
spread some burnt ballast, ashes from the burnt refuse of the garden,
and the top 2 inches of soil from the wood, sifted through a half-
inch mesh sieve, mixed well together, all over the grass. Move it about
until all the joints in the turf are level. Wait for rain, then go over
the lawn and take out all weeds. Give another dressing of the soil as
before, adding to this a little road grit and old mortar. If no old
mortar is available, slaked lime will answer. Move this about until
all is level again. In the month of March or the first week in April,
if the weather is fine, sow all over the lawn some of the best lawn
grass seed. Get some fine Thorn bushes and lace them together in the
shape of a fan heavy enough for two men to drag about the lawn in
various ways. Roll with a light roller, and keep off the lawn until
the grass has grown 3 inches, then cut it with a scythe. Roll
with a light roller the first season, and when mowing with the machine
is commenced, see that the knives are not set too close to the ground.
Should the ground selected for turf not contain clay, so much the
better. Dig holes here and there 2 feet deep in the winter months.
If no water lies at the bottom of the holes, this shows it will not want
artificial draining ; if there is water drain as on heavy soil. In
trenching the ground, if the subsoil be bad, take 3 inches of this
away, filling up to the level with good soil, to which have been added
half-inch crushed bones in the proportion of four tons to the acre,
fine brick rubbish and burnt ballast in the same proportions as for
the heavy soil. Turf and treat as on heavy soil. If you have a good
grass field, take the turf for your lawn, also top spit away, replace
with rough soil, and place 3 inches of the loam that has been dug
out upon the rough soil you have put in, then sow, bush harrow, and
lightly roll.
TREATMENT OF OLD LAWNS. — Weeds, moss, and bare places on
lawns show that they are worn out. To remedy this, take off the turf
in rolls 3 feet long, i foot wide, and I inch thick. If the turf cannot
360 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
be rolled, take 6 inches of the surface away, then trench 2 feet deep,
keeping the good soil on the top as you proceed. Tread firmly all over
and fill up to the level with good soil ; mix with the loam, burnt
ballast, old brick rubbish, half-inch crushed bones, and road
sidings or sweepings. Then turf and treat as in the case of new lawns.
On old lawns there are very often handsome deciduous trees too
close to which it would be dangerous to trench. To get grass to
grow under these, take away 2 inches of the exhausted soil, replace
with good, and sow thereon grass seed thickly. Rake the seed in
gently, roll it lightly, and water when necessary. This may be re-
peated in the same way as often as the soil under the trees becomes
bare.
In some cases where turf is scarce, a roll of turf 3 feet long
and i foot wide may be taken and cut in half lengthways. With
this form the outlines of the beds, which have been staked out pre-
viously, beat down to the level required, and bring up the interven-
ing spaces to the level of the turf with good soil. Make this firm, rake
it level, and on this sow some good grass seed. Bush harrow it over,
roll lightly, and protect from birds where these are troublesome. Cut
the grass when 6 inches high with a scythe, and keep it well watered
during the summer if the weather is dry. In this way a beautiful lawn
may be had at little expense as compared with turfing it completely
over.
LAWNS ON PEATY AND SANDY SOILS. — In some parts of Hamp-
shire and Surrey, where peat and sand abound, seeds are by far the
best to use to form a good turf. Remove all peat from the site you
wish for a lawn, pile it on the outside of the work and cast plenty of
water upon it. Then take out 2 or 3 inches of the dark sand
that lies under the peat, and cast this also over the pile of peat.
Take out 12 inches of the sand, dig all over 12 inches deep and
tread it firmly. Get all the road scrapings and road trimmings to
be had with a little clay and stiff loam, and cast upon the peat pile.
Having got together the quantity you think will fill up to your
level, cut up small the peat you have in the pile and mix all well
together with this, fill up to the level, tread firmly all over, then give
everywhere a good coating of cow manure, turned 3 inches under
the surface, and tread firmly all over. In the month of March sow
thickly. Do not let the surface get dry the first summer, and cut the
grass when 6 inches high with a scythe.
Attention should be paid to keeping all lawns free from weeds.
Dress lawns once a year with one bushel of salt mixed with fourteen
bushels of wood ashes not too much burnt, using for this purpose
LAWNS AND PLAYGROUNDS.
refuse, underwood, waste faggots, old laurels or other condemned
shrubs. When you see the wood is consumed spread the ashes
abroad and cover them with good soil. Break the charred wood small,
mix all well together, do not sift, spread upon the lawn, and roll
it in."
Lawn Garden, Herts. Engraved from a photograph by Mr. Newman, Berkhampstead.
Stone bench (Dropmore).
CHAPTER XXXII.
FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND HOUSES, BRIDGES,
SEATS AND FENCES.
THE first thing to be thought of in all building, apart from the house
itself, is the absolute need of the structure, as there has been much effort
lost in useless garden buildings, and no way of garden over-doing is
so full of waste and ugliness. Recently we have seen attempts to
revive the old garden houses, but the result has not often been
happy. In old houses like Hatfield and Montacute, the little
houses near the gate often had a true use at the entrance side,
but now we see such things revived for the mere sake of carrying
out a drawing, and as soon as built we see the aimlessness of the
work, and then comes the difficult question of " planting it out " from
different points of view. Isolated building in a garden is difficult
to do with any good result, though at one period the building
of temples was very common in pleasure gardens, and many of
them are still to be seen. It is best, when these are of good
form and structure, to keep them with care and make some simple
use of them, by removing at once all suggestion of the grotto and
having simple oak benches or other good seats. The interior also
should be made simple in colour and free from covert for woodlice
FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND HOUSES, ETC. 363
or earwigs. It is in connection with the house, or part of its lower
storeys, that garden shelters, loggias and the like may be most
effectively made ; of this we see examples at North Mymms and
Bramshill, and where they give shade or a " garden room ' as part of
the house they are a real gain.
BRIDGES. — Few things about country houses and gardens are worse
in effect and construction than the so-called "rustic work." It is
complex and ugly as a rule, its only merit being that it rots away in
a few years. It is probably at its worst in garden chairs, "summer"
houses, and rustic bridges. An important rule for bridges is never to
make them where they are not really needed, though the opposite course
is followed almost in every place of any size where there is water.
On rustic bridges over streams, natural or otherwise, there is much
wasted labour. A really pretty bridge of a wholly different sort I
saw once with the late James Backhouse near Cader Idris on a
Tree bridge over streamlet. From a photograph by M. Philippe de Vilmorin.
farm which had a swift stream running through it, to cross which
some one had cut down a tree that grew near, and had chopped the
upper side flat and put a handrail along it. Time had helped it
with Fern, Lichen, and Moss, and the result was far more beautiful
than is ever seen in more pretentiously " designed " rustic bridges.
It is not, however, the far prettier effects we have to note, but the
advantage which comes from strength and endurance. It looked very
old and Moss-grown, and no doubt it is there now, as the heart-wood
of stout trees does not perish like the sap-wood of the " rustic "-
work maker. The sound oak tree bridge was the earliest footway
across a stream, and it will always be one of the best if the sap
wood is carefully adzed off. It would not please those, perhaps,
for whom there is nothing good unless it has a pattern upon
it, but it is a strong and beautiful way. Foot-bridges these
should be called, as they are, of course, too narrow for any other
364
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
purpose, but with a good oak rail at one side the tree bridge is
distinctly better than a bridge of planks. Where stones are plenti-
ful, stone put up in a strong, simple way is the best to make a
lasting bridge, and a simple structure in brick or stone is better
in effect than any rustic bridge. Where stream beds are rocky
and shallow, stepping stones are often better than a bridge, though
they cannot be used where the streams cut through alluvial soils
and the banks are high.
Some of the worst work ever done in gardens has been in the
construction of needless bridges, often over wretched duck-ponds
A garden room, by Harold Peto, Bridge House, Weybridge.
of small extent. Even people who have some knowledge of
country life, and who ought to possess taste, come to grief over
bridge building, and pretty sheets of water are disfigured by bridges
ugly in form and material. For the most frivolous reasons these
ugly things are constructed, though often by going ten yards further
one could have crept round the head of the pond by a pretty path,
aided, perhaps, by a few stepping stones.
EARTH-BANK BRIDGES. — But there are many cases where some
kind of bridge is necessary in pleasure grounds or woodlands where
there might be more excuse for the rustic worker's bridge. The difficulty
of the light woodwork bridge is that it begins to rot as soon as it is put
FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND HOUSES, ETC. 365
up, and we find that, even when done in the best way, with larch or oak,
and by old-fashioned workmen, who get as much simplicity of form
and endurance out of it as they can, the years pass so rapidly and
British rain is so constant, that rot and decay are all we get out of it,
and very often such bridges fall into such a dangerous state before we
have time to repair them, that animals often get into danger from them.
A much better way is the earth bank, with a drain pipe through,
and this suffices where there is a slight, steady, or an occasional flow
of water, and also to cross gorges or depressions. We can find the
earth to make it on the spot, and by punning, and in the case of
larger work of this kind, carting over it, we can get it to settle down
in one winter to the level we want it, and soon have an excellent and
permanent way across. Such banks will support any weight, and are
as free from decay as the best stone bridge. One of their best points
Oak-pale fencing, Surrey.
is that the sides and approaches and slope of the earth bank can be
made pretty at once by planting with Honeysuckle, Broom, Sweetbrier,
or any other hardy things. Another advantage of the bank is, that
the simplest willing workman can form it. The materials being
on the spot, it is foolish to cart things a long way. Even when we
have stone or brick at hand the labour has to be considered. By making
a culvert of bricks and cement, the earth-bank is equally good to cross
constantly running streamlets.
THE SUMMER-HOUSE is generally a failure and often a heap of
decay. To make such a structure of wood that soon decays is labour
wasted. It may be possible, by using the best woods and good oak
slabs, to make a summer-house which will be picturesque and endur-
ing, but it is better to build it of stone or some lasting material and
cover it with vines and quick-growing climbers.
366 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
One can make an enduring and charming summer-house out of liv-
ing trees. An old Yew or a group of old Yews, or a low-spreading Oak
(there is a fine example of this kind of living summer-house at Shrub-
land), an old Beech or a group of evergreen Oaks will make a pleasant
summer-house, and with a little care for effect, and by pruning away
old and worn-out branches, so as to get air and room without injuring
the beauty of the trees, it is easy to form cool tents for hot days.
FENCES AND DIVIDING LINES.— The iron fence destroys the
beauty of half the country seats in England, and the evil is growing
every day. • There are various serious objections to iron fencing,
but we will only deal here with its effect on the landscape. Any
picture is out of the question with an iron fence in the foreground.
Where an open fence is wanted, nothing is so fine in form and colour
as a split Oak fence and rails made of heart of Oak with stout posts.
A sawn wood fence is not so good. As Oak is so plentiful on many
estates, good examples of split Oak post and rail fences should be
KO9
Simple form of garden seat, Warley Place.
more often seen. Oak palings are often used, and sometimes where a
good live fence of Holly, Quick and wild Rose on a good bank would
be far better ; but Oak paling is often a precious aid in a garden as a
dividing line where the colour of brick or other walls would be against
their use, or where for various reasons walls would not be desirable or
a live fence suitable.
SUNK FENCES AND RETAINING WALLS. — Sunk fences of stone
or brick are often of the highest value in the pleasure ground, and
sometimes near the flower garden, as they help us to avoid the
hideous mechanical fences of our day, and they are often the best
way of keeping open views, especially if planted with a gar-
land of creeping plants or wild roses above. They should be strongly
if roughly built, without mortar, and they may be a home for beauti-
ful plants. They should be made on a " batter " or slightly sloping
back, the stones packed close together, i.e. without much earth and
layers of alpine plants should be put between them. Retain-
FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND HOUSES, ETC. 367
ing walls or sunk fences could be made admirably in this way, and
where they permit of it may be made into beautiful alpine gardens.
Apart from the sunk fence, there is often need for low retaining walls,
especially in places of diversified surface. These walls also may
be made the home of delightful plant beauty in the simplest way.
Particulars of these things will be found in fuller detail in the chapter
on Rock Gardens.
SEATS. — It is rare to see a garden seat that is not an eyesore.
Few make them well and simply in wood, and there is always decay
to be considered. Of our own woods, Oak is the best. Stout heart of
Oak laths screwed into a simple iron frame without ornament make a
good seat. They are best without paint and in the natural colour of the
Log seat, Tresserve.
Oak wood. No seat is so good as one of good stone simply designed
and strongly made, and in our country one objection to stone is met
by the use of a mat or a light trellis of Bamboo or split laths of Oak
held together by cross pieces and placed on top of the stone. In Italy
and France one often sees good stone seats, and there they are not
expensive. I have made good stone seats out of steps and other
stones which had been displaced in buildings. Stone seats should
always be set on stone supports bedded in concrete. A good oak seat
is one with strong stone supports, the top being a slab of Oak
laid with two bars across its lower side to keep it in place. The
top in this form being so easily removed, may be stored away for the
winter, as wooden seats should always be. Tree stems of some size
and little value may also be cut into the form of seats, and make very
good ones for a time, but they soon decay. The common iron seats
368 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
with cast patterns on them are ugly, but iron seats need not be so,
and some old iron seats quite simply made of lath or rod iron were
fairly good, and it is not difficult to cover the seat with bamboo
trellis-work or matting for the summer season. Some of the French
wooden seats are simple and good in form, and, painted a nice carna-
tion-leaf green, they look very well. Bamboos, which come in such
quantities now in the sugar ships, might be more used for making
pretty garden seats. Sometimes old tree stumps help to make useful
seats, and the bole of the tree, if cut, makes a very good rustic seat.
Where stone is plentiful, as in many hill and other parts, it is often
easy to make useful seats out of blocks of stone in rocky places. Of
this sort I saw some pretty examples at Castlewellan and the rocky
district around.
THE COVERED WAY may be a charming thing in a garden and
make a home for climbers, as well as a shady way, and also form a
Marble slab seat with Oak lattice cover.
valuable screen. Shade is more essential in other countries than in
ours, and the Italian covered way is often a very picturesque object.
The best material to make the supports of is rough stone or brick.
On an enduring support like this the woodwork is more easily con-
structed afterwards. Simple rough stone posts may be had in certain
quarries in the north of England, in the lake country, but in the
absence of these it will be better to build columns of brick or stone
than to trust to any wood. In all open-air work the enduring way is
true economy, and though we cannot all readily get the hard green
stone gate posts stained with yellow Lichen of the farms about
Keswick, or the everlasting granite fence posts that one sees in Italy,
we should make a stand against work which has to be done over
and over again. Of woods, Oak free of sapwood makes the best
supports ; Larch is good, but best of all, perhaps, is the common
Locust tree, which, however, is seldom plentiful in a mature state.
For all the other parts of covered ways nothing is better than old
FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND HOUSES, ETC. 369
Oak branches or the stems of stunted Oaks, or of old stub Oaks
that are often found about a country place, and are of very little value
as timber. Larch lasts well in the absence of Oak, but is not nearly
so good in effect. By using Oak with stone or brick supports, a
covered way may be made which will last for years without falling
into decay, as is the case with this kind of work when done with more
perishable woods and without lasting supports. It would be far better
to employ strong iron wire than wood of this sort. An advantage
which woodwork has over iron lies in its good effect. Carefully done, a
covered way made as above described may be picturesque even before
there is a plant on it.
LIVING SUPPORTS. — A pretty way of supporting plants and
forming covered ways is to use certain trees of a light and graceful
Bower with stone table at end of garden. From a photo sent by the Marquis de Fontreira.
character for supporting climbers, just as the Italians often support
their Vines on living trees kept within bounds. Such trees as the
weeping Aspen, weeping Birch, and fruit trees of graceful, drooping
forms, like some Apples, would do well, and would be worth having
for their own sakes, while through the trees hardy climbers could
freely run.
BOATHOUSES. — Among the things which are least beautiful in
many gardens and pleasure grounds is the boathouse. Our builders
are not simple in their ways, and are seldom satisfied with any one good
colour or material to make a house with, or even a boathouse, but
every kind of ugly variegation is tried, so that harshness in effect is
the usual result, where all should be simple and quiet in colour, as it is
in boathouses on the Norfolk Broads made of reeds and rough posts.
The simpler the better in all such work, using local material like Oak,
B B
370
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
which comes in so well for the posts, and reeds for the roof ; but the
simplest brickwork and brown tiles would be far better than the con-
trast of ugly colours which the modern builder both in France and
England delights in. The place, too, should be carefully chosen and
the building not conspicuous. It is well to avoid the cost of railway
carriage in the making of simple structures like boat-houses, and also
carting, which is such a costly matter in many districts. It is best to
use materials of the estate or country. Ivy and living creepers may
help to protect the sides of airy sheds. Larch comes in well where Oak
is not to be spared, and Larch shingling for the roof might be used,
A thatched su
as is commonly done in farm-houses in Northern Europe and America.
Little shelters for mowing machines, tools and the like can be made
with wood covered with Larch bark, as at Coolhurst, and a very
pretty effect they have, besides being less troublesome to make
than the heather or thatched roofs, especially in districts where
the good thatcher is getting rare. The chip roof, also, of the wooded
country around London is an excellent one, lasting for half a century
or so if well made, but the men who made it so well are now less and
less easy to meet with. And on the whole the best roof for any
structure that has to last is of tiles of good colour : tiles made and
tested in the locality being often the best.
FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND HOUSES, ETC. 371
FOUNTAINS IN GARDENS. — In this moist climate of ours water
needs to be used with great discretion. Above all things it must flow
and not stagnate. Bacon, who said so many things about gardens well,
summed up the case with his usual felicity: — "For fountains, they are a
great beauty and refreshment ; but pools mar all." No doubt we can
all of us recall some pool of great beauty, some moat with little broken
reflections that made almost all the charm of the garden wherein it
lay, but as a general rule Bacon is right.
As nothing is drearier than a dry fountain except the exasperat-
ing trickle of one that refuses to be drowned out by the continuous
drip of the eaves, it is better to place your fountain in a part of the
garden which you are only likely to
visit on a fine day, and if possible
it should be set where its tossing
spray will catch the sunbeams while
you repose in the cool shade ; then
the supply of water may be as it
should — unfailing. Fountains on
such an extensive scale as those
of Versailles or Chatsworth are only
to be excused, when, as at Caserta,
they run day and night from one
year's end to the other. It is only
in such great places too that large
and monumental fountains, basin
above basin, adorned with sculpture
and connected by cascades, have any
fitness, and even where they are fit
they are apt, here in England, to
cease very soon to be fine. Lead
is the best material for such foun-
tain sculpture in our damp-laden atmosphere, as it discolours more
becomingly than stone or marble. This tendency to discolour in
blotches and afford a foothold for mosses and lichens, though a
blemish on statues, is an added charm to the necessary basins and
copings which should confine the waters of our fountain. A fountain
is a work of art and as such should always be placed in the more
formal portions of the grounds. The feathery spray of a jet is always
a beautiful thing but can be ill-placed — as for instance, in the centre
of a large and informal " piece of ornamental water."
The fountain in the Temple is one of the most charming examples
of the single jet, rising from the centre of a circular basin and falling
oack with a melodious splash. It has lost some of its charm since
B B 2
Entrance to Bishop's Garden (Chichester).
372
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
it was surrounded by a clinker-built rockery in which nothing will
grow. This sort of fountain should be set in a grass plot, and a few
moisture-loving plants allowed to break the severity of its outline. I
remember one such, only about 5 feet in diameter, in a lawn near
London ; a simple brick and concrete basin with a jet in the centre,
which threw its spray up to the overhanging boughs of a stately
elm, and nourished one of the most splendid clumps of Osmunda
regalis I ever saw ; Flowering Rush too throve in its friendly
neighbourhood. There is a very attractive little fountain against the
wall of the fruit garden at Penshurst. If the fountain be on a larger
Vine-shaded bower.
scale than these the basin may be made lovely in the summer with
many varieties of aquatic plants, which being planted in boxes or
pots can be removed to the greenhouse before the frosts set in.
One of the great merits of a fountain in a garden to the true lover
of nature is the attraction it forms for the birds ; they will haunt its
neighbourhood with delightful persistency, bathing and drinking at all
hours of the day.
A fountain for the exclusive benefit of the birds was made in a
garden in New England by sinking a saucer-shaped hollow, about
6 inches deep, in the lawn, which was allowed to become grass-grown
FLOWER GARDEN AND PLEASURE GROUND HOUSES, ETC. 373
like the rest of the turf; in the centre stood up a jet which threw up
a very fine spray. For an hour or two every morning and evening
this was turned on, soon filling the hollow to the brim; the effect was
very pretty with the grass at the bottom of the water, and the birds
soon learned to know the hours of the bath and came in flocks to
enjoy it. — G. H. B.
Loggia Dropmore.
Engraved from a photograph by Mr. J. James.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE ORCHARD BEAUTIFUL.
THE spirit of beauty must have been at the birth of the trees that
give us the hardy fruits of the northern world — Crab, wild Plum,
Pear and Cherry — yielding back for us in their bloom the delicate
colours of the clouds, and lovelier far in their flowers than Fig or
Vine of the south. The old way of having an orchard near the house
was a good one. Planted for use, it was precious for its beauty, and
not only when the spring winds bore the breath of the blossoms of
Cherry, Plum, Apple, and Pear, as there were the fruit odours, too,
and the early Daffodils and Snowdrops, and overhead the lovely trees
that bear our orchard fruits — Apples, Pears, Cherries, Plums, Medlars,
Damsons, Bullaces, and Quinces. To make pictures to last round the
year, I should ask for many of these orchard trees on a few acres of
fair ground, none the worse if too hilly for the plough ; a belt of
Hollies, Yew, and Scotch Fir on the cold sides to comfort trees and
men ; with careless garlands of Honeysuckle, Rose, and fragrant
Clematis among them here and there, and in the fence bank plenty
of Sweet Brier and Hawthorn. If we see fine effects where orchards
are poorly planted with one kind of tree, as the Apple (in many
country places in our islands there are no orchards worthy the name),
what might not be looked for of an orchard in which the beauty of all
our hardy fruit trees would be visible? If we consider the number of
distinct species of fruit trees and the many varieties of each, we may
get some idea of the pictures one might have in an orchard, beginning
with the bloom of the Sloe and Bullace in the fence. The various
Plums and Damsons are beautiful in bloom, as in the Thames valley
and about Evesham. The Apple varies much in bloom, as may be
seen in Kentish and Normandy orchards, where the flowers of some
are of extraordinary beauty. The Pear, less showy in colour, the
Medlar, so beautiful in flower and in foliage, and the Quince, so pretty
in bloom in Tulip time, must not be forgotten. The Cherry is often
a beautiful tree in its cultivated as well as wild forms, and the Cherry
376 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
orchards in parts of Kent, as near Sittingbourne, are pictures when in
bloom. There is no better work in a country place than choosing a
piece of good ground to form an orchard ; and, considering the
number of trees that are worth a place for their beauty as well as
their fruit, a dozen acres are not too much in a country place where
there is land to spare.
POOR SOIL SHOULD NOT HINDER.— In planting some may be
deterred by the fear that their soil is too poor, and no doubt it is a
much simpler matter on the good fruit tree soils of Devon, Hereford,
and Kent than in other districts ; but the difference in soils is no
reason why some counties and districts should be bare of orchards, and
in many the soil is as good as need be. Indeed, in the country south
of London, as in Kent, where much of the land is taken up with
orchards, we may notice the trees suffering much more from drought
in dry years than they do in the good sandstone soil of Cheshire or in
Ireland and Scotland, where there is a heavier rainfall. Few of our
orchard trees require a very special soil, and where chalky or very
warm soil occurs, the best way is to keep to the kinds of fruit it
favours most. But though the orchard beautiful must be of trees in
all their natural vigour, and of forms lovely in winter as in spring and
summer, the trees must not be neglected, allowed to perish from
drought, or become decayed from bug, scale or other pests, and it
should be the care of those who enjoy their beauty to protect them
from all such dangers. The idea that certain counties only are suited
for fruit growing is erroneous, and even if it were true, the fact need
not deter us from planting orchards of the hardier trees and of good
local kinds. Much of Ireland is as bare of orchards as the back of a
stranded whale, but who could say this was the fault of the country ?
THE TREES TO TAKE THEIR NATURAL FORMS. — Where we plant
for beauty we can have no choice for any but the natural form of the
tree. Owing to the use of what are called dwarfing stocks and like
contrivances, fruit gardens and orchards are now beginning to show
shapes of trees that are not beautiful compared with the grand old
orchard tree. However much these dwarf and pinched shapes may
appeal to the gardener in his own domain, in the orchard beautiful
they have no place. For the form of all our fruit trees is very good
indeed, winter or summer, and that is a great point if we seek beauty.
We know what the effect in flower-time is in the orchard pictures of
such painters as Mark Fisher and Alfred Parsons, if we have not taken
the trouble to see the finer pictures of the orchards themselves, seen
best, perhaps, on dark and wet days in flower-time. Lastly, the effect
of finely-coloured fruit on high trees is one of the best in our gardens.
Therefore, in every case, whatever pruning we do, let the tree take its
natural form, not only for its own sake or the greater beauty of natural
THE ORCHARD BEAUTIFUL. 377
form generally, but also for the variety of form we get even among
the varieties sprung from the same species.
Clearly if we prune to any one ideal type of tree we can never see
the interesting variety of form shown by the varieties of one species,
as the Apple and Pear. Keeping to the natural form of each tree,
moreover does not in the least prevent thinning of the branches where
overcrowded — the best way of pruning.
ROOT PRUNING IN THE ORCHARD. — We have not only to avoid
ugly and constrained forms of training and pruning, but never in the
orchard where the true way is to let the tree take its natural free and
mature form, should the practice of root pruning be allowed.
Our orchard trees — especially the trees native of Britain like the
Apple and the Pear — are almost forest trees in nature and take some
years first of all to make their growth and then mature it, which in
gardens for various reasons make men try to get in artificial ways the
fruit that nature gives best at the time of maturity : so root pruning
was invented in our own day, and it may have some use in certain soils
and in limited gardens, but we may well doubt its value taken all in
all, and we have to pay too dearly for it. One would hardly think it
would enter into people's heads to practice root pruning in the orchard ;
but the word is a catching one and leads people astray. I have several
times had the question seriously put to me as to how to root prune
forest trees — a case where all pruning is absurd in any proper
sense save in the way effected by the forest itself. The trees in the
orchard should be allowed to come freely to maturity, and in the way
the years fly this is not a long wait. By planting a few well chosen
young trees every year the whole gradually comes into noble bearing,
and the difference between the naturally grown and laden tree and
one of the pinched root-pruned ones is great in beauty.
CIDER ORCHARDS are often picturesque in the west of England
and in Normandy, and so long as men think any kind of fermented
stuff good enough for their blood, cider has on northern men the first
claim from the beauty of the trees in flower and fruit, and indeed
throughout the year. The cider orchard also will allow us to grow
naturally-grown trees and those raised from seed. These cider
orchards are extremely beautiful, and the trees in them often take fine
natural forms. They have a charm, too, in the brightness of the fruit,
and also a peculiar one in the lateness of the blooms of some, many of
the cider Apples flowering later than the orchard Apples. In some
cider orchards near Rouen (Lyons-la-Foret) I saw the finest, tallest,
and cleanest trees were raised from seed. The owner, a far-famed
cider grower, told me they were his best trees, and raised from seed
of good cider Apples. If he found on their fruiting that they were
what he wanted as cider Apples he kept them and was glad of them ;
378 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
if not, he cut their heads off and regrafted them with sorts he wanted.
These were free and handsome trees with good grass below them,
just like the Cherry orchards in the best parts of Kent, where the
lambs pick the early grass. But however beautiful such an orchard,
clearly it will not give us the variety of form and beauty found in the
mixed orchard, in which Cherry, Apple, Plum, Pear, Medlar, Quince,
Walnut, and Mulberry take a place ; there also the various interesting
trees allied to our fruit trees might come in, such as the true and
common Service tree, Almond, Cornelian Cherry, Hickory, and Crab.
GRAFTING. — Where we make use of grafted trees — and generally
there is no choice in the matter — we should always in the orchard use
the most natural stock that can be obtained. It is much better, for
instance, to graft Pear trees on the wild Pear than on the Quince, a
union harmful to the Pear on many soils. If we could get the trees
on their own roots without any grafting it would often be much better,
but we are slaves to the routine of the trade, and in our day he who asks
for a fruit tree on its natural roots is regarded as a wandering lunatic.
The history of grafting is as old as the oldest civilisations — its best
reason, the rapid increase of a given variety. In every country one
or two fruit trees predominate, and are usually natives of the country,
like the Apple in Northern Europe and the Olive in the South.
When men found a good variety of a native fruit they sought to
increase it in the quickest way, and so having learned the art of
grafting, they put the best varieties on wild stems in hedgerows, or
dug up young trees and grafted them in their gardens. The practice
eventually became stereotyped into the production of the nursery
practice of grafting many varieties of fruit trees on the same stock,
often without the least regard to the lasting health and duration of the
trees so grafted. In some cases when we use the wild form of the tree
as a stock for the orchard tree we succeed ; but grafting is the cause
of a great deal of the disease and barrenness of our orchards. It is
now possible to get some Apple trees on their own roots, and in
France, and here and there in England also, some kinds of Plums in
that way. Where we graft, it is well to graft low ; that is to say, in
the case of Cider Apples^ for example, it is much safer and better to
take a tree grafted close to the ground than grafted standard high, as
the high graft is more liable to accident and does not make so fine a
tree. In the orchard the good old practice of sowing the stone or pip
of a fine fruit now and then may also be followed with interest.
STARVED ORCHARDS. — Even in the good fruit counties like Kent
one may see in dry years orchards starved from want of water, and
the turf beneath almost brown as the desert. Where manure is plentiful
it is well to use it as a mulch for such trees, but where it is not, we may
employ various other materials for keeping the roots safe from the
THE ORCHARD BEAUTIFUL. 379
effects of drought. Not only the tree roots want the water, but the
roots of the competing grass suck the moisture out of the soil. The
competition of the grass could be put an end to at once, and the trees
very much nourished, by the use of any easily found mulching from
materials which are often abundant in a country place. Among the
best of these, where plentiful, is the common Furze, if cut down in
spring and placed over the ground round the base of young or poor
orchard trees. It prevents the grass from robbing the trees and lets
the water fall through to the ground, helping to keep it there, too, by pre-
venting direct evaporation ; moreover, the small leaves falling off nourish
the ground. So again the sweepings of drives and of farm or garden
yards are useful, and also any small faggots — often allowed to rot in
the woods after the underwood is cleared. They fetch such a low
price that they are not worth selling, but if placed round the roots of
fruit trees they often do good. Then also there are the weeds and
refuse of gardens of all kinds which form detestable rubbish heaps
that would be much better abolished, and all cleanings from the garden
placed directly over the roots of young poor orchard trees.
Even rank weeds, which swarm about yards and shrubberies, would
help, and one of the best ways to weaken them and help towards
their destruction is by mowing them down in the pride of their
growth in the middle of summer — nettles and docks, as the case may
be — and instead of burning them or taking them to the rubbish heap,
use them over the tree roots. Even the weeds and long grass grow-
ing round the base of the trees, if mown and left on the ground, will
make a difference in the growth and health of fruit trees. Such care
is all the more needed if our orchard is upon poor or shaly soils in the
southern or home counties, where the rainfall is less than in the western
counties or in Ireland or Scotland : in naturally rich and deep soil we
do not need it.
FENCING THE ORCHARD BEAUTIFUL.— All fences should be of
living things at once the most enduring, effective, and in the end the
best. We see the hideous result of the ironmonger's fence in marring
the foregrounds of many landscape pictures. Holly, Quick, or Cock-
spur Thorn, with a sprinkling of Sloe or Bullace here and there, give
us the best orchard fence ; once well made, far easier to keep up than
the iron fence. Yew is a danger, and a Yew hedge should never be
planted where animals come near as they usually do, the orchard, and
if the Yew comes by itself, as it often will, 't should be cut clean out
and burnt as soon as cut down. Holly is the best evergreen orchard
fence for our country, and we should be careful about getting the
plants direct from a good nursery — clean seedling plants not much
over a yard high. The best time to plant Hollies is in May if growing
in the place, but on light soil plant in autumn ; all the more need to
38o THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
do this if we bring the plants by rail. ? Unless the soil is very light I
should make the fence on a bank, because a turf bank is itself such a
good fence to begin with, and a free Holly hedge on a good bank,
with, perhaps, a Sloe here and there through it, is one of the prettiest
sights of the land, and forms the best of shelters for an orchard in our
country. Where shelter is much sought the hedge should not be
clipped, and is much handsomer free grown. The orchard fence should
not be cut in every year to a hard line, but Sloe, and May, and Sweet
Brier, and wild Rose left to bloom and berry, the hedge to be a shelter
as well as a fence, and not trimmed oftener than every ten years or so.
Then it should be cut down and woven together in the strong way
seen in parts of Kent on the hills.
KINDS TO PLANT. — The English fruit garden is often a museum
of varieties, many of them worthless and not even known to its owner.
This is wrong in the garden, and doubly so in the orchard, where the
fruit trees should be trees in stature and none of poor quality. Too
many varieties is partly the result of the seeking after new kinds in
the nurseries. In orchard culture we should be chary of planting any
new kind, and with the immense number of Apples grown in our own
country already, it is always possible to select kinds of enduring fame,
and it is the more necessary to do this now when good Apples are
coming from various countries, where people do not plant a collection
when they want a crop of a few first-rate kinds which they know will
be precious in the market. So we should in our orchards never plant
single trees, but always, if possible, having chosen a good kind, plant
enough to make it worth gathering. It would be better here not to
mention any particular kinds, because local kinds and local circum-
stances often deserve the first attention, and some local kinds of fruit
are among the best. When in doubt always end it by choosing
kinds of proved quality like Blenheim, Wellington, and Kentish
Filbasket to any novelties that may be offered. Any fruit requiring
the protection of walls or in the least tender should never be put in
the orchard. It is probable that some of the fruit trees of Northern
and Central Europe, and particularly Russia, would be well suited for
our climate, but as yet little is known of these except that they are
interesting and many of them distinct. The vigour of the tree should
be considered and its fertility. Kinds rarely fertile are not worth
having, always bearing in mind, however, that a good kind is often
spoiled by a bad stock or by conditions unsuited to it.
The beauty of flower of certain varieties may well influence in
their choice. Once when talking with Mr. Ruskin of the beauty of
the fruit as compared with the flower of our northern fruit trees, he
said in reply to my praise of the fruit : " Give me the flower and spare
me the stomach-ache ! "
THE ORCHARD BEAUTIFUL. 381
In view of the confusion brought about by fat catalogues, new
varieties of doubtful value, the number of early kinds worthless for
winter and spring use, and the planting of untried kinds, a good rule
would be to put any kind we propose to plant under separate study
as to its merits in all ways, and only plant one kind a year. The
kind chosen for orchard culture should be of undoubted merit and
distinction, and of high quality when cooked, without which apples to
keep are worthless, so many which quickly fall into a mawkish state
being without table or market value if there be any crisp-fleshed
apples to be had. In fixing but one kind a year, the first consideration
should be its quality, and the second its constancy in bearing, as to
which there is a great difference in apples. Perfect hardiness and
vigour are essential, and the judgment as regards orchard planting
should never be based on the produce of bush trees or trees grafted
on the paradise or other stocks which limit the natural growth of
the tree.
Apples known for many years, such as the Blenheim, Kentish
Filbasket, Wellington, French Crab, Keswick and Alfriston should
never be left out of our consideration n this respect, as, however they
may be affected by local situation or soil, their character and value has
been long proved, and that is a great point, as in the case of new
varieties chosen for some one minor -quality, such as colour, it is only
after they have been grown for years we begin to find out their bad
qualities.
STAKING ORCHARD TREES. — Fruit trees grown in any way are
fair to see in the time of flower and fruit, but our beautiful orchard
must be in turf if we are to have the best expression of its beauty.
In fruit gardens where the whole surface is cultivated with small fruits
below and taller trees overhead we may get as good, or, it may be,
better fruit, but we miss the finer light and shade and verdure of
the orchard in turf, the pretty incidents of the ground, and the
animal life among the trees in spring, as sheep in Kent, and the
interest of the wild gardening in the grass. Also the orchard turf,
by its shade or shelter, or in some way, becomes most welcome nib-
bling for lambs and calves in the spring. A gain of the orchard in
turf is that we can plant it on any ground, however broken or steep,
and in many parts of the country there is much ground of this sort to
be planted. Now, while we may in the garden or the fruit garden
plant trees without stakes, we cannot do so in the grass orchard,
because of the incursions of animals ; therefore staking is needed, not
only to support the tall and strong young trees which we ought to
plant, but also to guard against various injuries. The best way is to
use very strong stakes and make them protect and support the trees,
and also carry the wire netting which is essential wherever rabbits,
382 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
hares, goats, or other browsing animals exist. The best way to do
this is to have a very stout stake — Larch or old Oak. Sometimes
in the debris of old sheds a number of rafters are turned out which
are of no use for building, and are excellent for staking strong young
trees in orchards, first digging the hole and putting the stake firmly in
to a depth of 3 feet below the surface. Cradles of Oak and iron are
much in use ; the first is very well in an Oak country where labour is
plentiful ; iron is costly and ugly, and not so good as the single stout
stake, which is easy to get of Larch or stub Oak in many country
places. The common way of tying a faggot of Quicks or any thorny
shrub is often good when done by a good fencer. The trees should
be tied with care with soft ropes of straw or other material, and when
planted be loosely but carefully wired with netting well out of the
reach of browsing animals. This wiring is supported well by the
strong stake, and, well done, it keeps rabbits and hares, as well as
cattle, at bay, and, worse than all for trees, young horses. A usual
way in Kent is to drive in three stout stakes, 6 feet or more in height,
round the tree, and fasten cross-bars to them. This can be done at a
total cost of about lod. a tree, and should last twelve to fifteen years.
THE ORCHARD WILD GARDEN. — One of the reasons for a good
orchard, from the point of view of all who care for beauty, is its value
for wild gardening. It is so well fitted for this, that many times
Narcissi and other bulbs from the garden have even established them-
selves in its turf, so that long years after the culture of flowers has
been given up in the garden, owing to changes of fashion, people have
been able in old orchards to find naturalised some of the most
beautiful kinds of Narcissi. Where the soil is cool and deep, these
flowers are easily grown, and in warm soils many of our hardiest and
most beautiful spring flowers might easily be naturalised. Those who
care for beauty as much as fruit may throw careless garlands of the
hardier Clematis over the trees here and there. They do not rob the
ground much and add a careless grace which is always welcome. On
the cool side of the orchard bank, Primrose and Oxlip would bloom
long and well, and on all sides of it Daffodils, Snowflakes, Snowdrops,
wild Tulips, or any like bulbs to spare from the garden ; and from the
garden trimmings, too, tufts of Balm and Myrrh to live for ever among
the grass of the bank. The robin would build in the moss of the bank,
the goldfinch in the silvery lichen of the trees, and the thrush, near the
winter's end, herald the buds with noble song.
CHAPTER XXXIV.
LABOURS FOR GOOD OR EVIL : SOILS : WATER : DRAINING : EVAPORA-
TION : ROTATION : WEEDS AND RUBBISH HEAPS : MONOTONY :
STAKING : GLASS : WASTED LABOUR IN MOVING EARTH :
WOODEN TRELLISING BEST.
THE cost of the making and keeping of the gardens and pleasure
grounds of the British Isles is too vast to realise ; no other people in
the world spending so generously on their gardens and plantations —
not a selfish end either, as all noble planting and gardening add to the
beauty of the land. In every case it is therefore worth asking, does
the labour so freely given work for good ends : — for ugliness or beauty ;
waste in stereotyped monotony ; or days well spent in adding to the
treasures of our gardens and plantings, both in enduring variety and in
picturesque effects ; pictures, in fact, all round the year? In any case
there is immense and hideous waste in misapplied labour and bad art,
and therefore some of these enemies of good work deserve a little
thought.
SOILS GOOD AND BAD. — Most garden lovers strive for an ideal soil,
but this does not always lead to happy results, and, even if we could have
it, would only lead to monotony in vegetation. No doubt many will seek
at all costs for the soil called the best, but the wisest way is rather to
rejoice in and improve the soil fate has planted us on. A good deep
and free loam is best for many things, and from the view of high
cultivation or market work, deep valley soils are almost essential, but
we often see poor peats giving excellent results, from a flower
gardening point of view, in enabling us to grow with ease many
more kinds of plants than could be grown on heavy soil. How fertile
sand may become with good cultivation is shown by the fact that
some of the very best soils for hardy plants are those that have been
poor sea sand, but improved by cultivation, and sometimes such soils
are drought-resisting, as on reclaimed seashore lands. Yet now and
then we see certain sandy soils absolutely refuse to grow Roses and
Carnations, and in such cases it is often better to give up the struggle.
Chalky hills are wretched for trees and some shrubs, but there are few
soils more congenial to garden vegetation than some chalky soils, and
chalk tumbling into a valley soil is often excellent. In limestone
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
soils people often take much trouble to get peat, in the vain hope
of growing a few Rhododendrons, labour which would be better
bestowed on improving the staple of the natural soil of the place.
The most hopeless soils are the true clays, but the word " clay " is
used in a loose way by many who have never seen a real clay. In
the east of England and in Ireland, for example, the term is often
used for dark free soil. The true clay which occurs in the northern
suburbs of London and near Horsham, Sussex, is not a soil on which
a man could get a living, or if he does so he will get one anywhere !
With such a soil our only hope is to cart good earth on to the ground.
Whatever the nature of the soil in a given garden, it should to a large
extent govern what we grow. If happy enough to have a sandy peat,
how easy it is to grow all the lovely evergreens of the northern moun-
tains, which rejoice in such soil — things which, if they live on loamy
and heavy soils, are never really happy thereon. On such soil, too,
all the most beautiful kinds of hardy shrubs may be grown without
trouble, and planted among these shrubs the Lilies and hardy bulbous
flowers of Japan and America. If a deep and at the same time poor
sea sand comes in our way, we can make perfect bulb gardens on it,
and also grow trees and flowering shrubs very well after a time.
LOCAL AND NATURAL SOILS. — Soil must not always be blamed
for failure with certain plants, because rainfall, elevation, and, very
often, nearness to the sea will affect plants very much. Thus shrubs
that do well near the sea will, on the same kind of soil, perish far
inland. It is essential to study the secret of the soil and find out
the plants that thrive best on it. Once free from the limits and needs
of the flower garden proper, the best way will often be to use any
local peculiarities of soil instead of doing away with them : A bog ?
Instead of draining it keep it and adorn it with some of the often
beautiful things that grow in bogs ; A sandy knoll ? Plant with Rose-
mary or Rock Roses ; A peaty, sheltered hollow ? Make it into a
beautiful Rhododendron glade, and so get variety of plant life in
various conditions.
Then, as regards the soil and the natural habitats of plants, there
is no doubt that it is useful to know where they come from, whether
plains, valleys, or rocks, and what soil they grow on ; but it is a know-
ledge that may sometimes mislead, because rainfall and elevation and
other causes may lead us to suppose results due to soil which are
really owing to accident of position. Many of the beautiful plants of
the mountains of the East, such as Aubrietia, and a number of rock
plants which grow in any soil, would do no better if we tried to imitate
their actual conditions of life in their native habitats, which are often
absolutely different from the soils of our lowland gardens in which
many rock plants thrive and endure for years.
SOILS AND CULTIVATION IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 385
CULTIVATION AND WATER. — Many think that heavy watering is
necessary in seasons of drought, and it may be worth while showing
how such heavy labour may be avoided. There are soils which are
so thirsty, like the hot sandy soils of Surrey, that watering
is essential, and some chalky soils, too, are almost hopeless with-
out heavy watering, while water is often extremely difficult to get
enough of on dry hills. But under general conditions there is not
much trouble in getting rid of this labour and its attendant ugliness.
The essential thing is to make the beds deep enough. Even with the
best intentions, many people fail to do this, and workmen in forming
gardens are sometimes misled as to the depth of soil in beds, made
when gardens are being laid out, the soil when it settles being really
much less than it seems in the making. The best way for those who
care for their flowers is to dig the beds right out to a depth of 30
inches below the surface before any of the good soil is put in. Then,
if for general garden use such beds are rilled in with good, rich, loamy
soil and are gently raised, as all beds should be in wet countries, 4
inches or 6 inches above the surface, they will rarely be found to
fail in any drought. Much depends on the size of the bed ; the little,
angular, frivolous beds which have too often been the rule in gardens
cannot resist drought so long as broad simple beds. With these pre-
cautions, and also autumn and winter planting, we ought, in the British
Isles, to free ourselves from much of the heavy labour and cost of
watering, and it would be better to have half the space we give to
flowers well prepared, than always be at work with the water barrel.
To be busy planting in autumn and early winter is a great gain
too, because the plants get rooted before the hot time comes, and the
kind of plants we grow is important as regards the water question.
If it is merely the mass of bedding plants with which many places
are adorned in summer, these being all put out in early June, in the
event of a hot summer there is nothing else to do but water all the
time, or we lose them, as of course the roots are all at the surface
in June. But where we have deep beds of Roses, Lilies, Carnations,
Irises, Delphiniums, and all the noble flowers that can be planted in
autumn or winter, we may save ourselves the labour of watering often.
Well prepared beds of choice evergreen or other flowering shrubs, with
Lilies and the choicest hardy flowers among them, also resist drought
well. Thus it will be seen how much we gain in this way alone by the
use of right open-air gardening.
What is here said, although true of the south of England and dry
soils generally, is not so as to soil on cool hills, and in the west country
where the rainfall is heavier. In such cases it is not nearly so import-
ant to have the soil so deep, and a good fertile soil half the depth,
with copious rain, may do. But, taking the country generally, there
C C
386 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
is no doubt that such deep culture well repays the doing. The
farmer is often unable to alter the staple of his ground owing
to its extent, but the flower gardener, dealing with a much smaller
area, should never rest until he has got a deep as well as a good soil.
This is given to many by Nature in rich valley lands, and on such
happy soil the flower gardener's main work as regards the labours of
the soil is changing the crop now and then, with some modification
of the soil to suit certain plants.
SOFT WATER BEST. — Where, however, owing to the dryness of
the soil or subsoil or to shortness of the rainfall, we have to resort to
much artificial watering, it is a great point to save the rain water as
the best of all water not only for household uses, but for plants.
Next to it comes river water, but to the gardens that want most
water, rivers, unfortunately, do not come, so that for garden use it
would often be very wise to do what people do more in other countries
than ours, and that is, save all the rain water we can instead of letting
it run to waste, as it does so often.
DRAINAGE. — In our country too much thought and labour are
given to drainage in the flower garden, to the neglect of change of
plants and deep cultivation, and during our hot summers some way
to keep water in the beds is more important than getting rid of it.
Some soils, too, are in little need of artificial drainage, such as free
sands, sandy loams, chalky and limestone soils, and much ground
lying high, and much alluvial land. Houses are not usually built
on bogs or marshy land, and in the course of years the ground
round most houses has been made dry enough for use, and hence
elaborate work in drains, bottoming with brick-rubbish or concrete,
is often wasted labour. In some years even in the west country we
may see plants lying half-dead on the ground for want of water, and
the same plants in deep soil, and where no thought was given to
drainage, in perfect health at the same time. There are places where,
owing to excessive rainfall and the wet nature of the soil, we may
have to drain, but it is often overdone.
Apart from the over-draining for ordinary garden things, it may
be well to remember that flower garden plants in our country are
often half starved through drainage, like Phlox and scarlet Lobelia,
which in their own country are marsh plants, or inhabit the edges of
pools. In the southern country they simply refuse to show their true
character where the ground is drained in the usual way. The men
who began the crusade about draining land in this century found its
effects so good on sour, peaty clay and saturated land, and talked so
well and so much about it, that some harm has been done — draining
where it does more harm than good not being uncommon.
Gardeners' land and farmers' land are usually wholly different.
SOILS AND CULTIVATION IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 387
Drainage is often the simplest and best way for the farmer to alter
the tilth and texture of saturated and cold or sour land, whereas the
flower gardener, dealing with a small space for his beds, has the power
of altering the tilth and texture of his land in a thorough way, and so
making it open to the influence of rain and air. The position of the
flower garden also is usually wholly different from that of agricultural
land. The flower garden itself is frequently raised, and in a terraced
or at all events often dry position, where the main drainage is long
settled, and gently raising the surfaces of flower beds, to a height
say of 4 inches to 6 inches, enables us to get rid in our flower beds
of the surface water, which very often troubles the farmer, and
which he can best get rid of by drainage. By raising our beds
slightly — not in the ugly way practised in the London parks — we free
the surface of any water lying on it, and this is a good plan to follow,
except in hot and shallow soils, where it would be better not to raise
the surface above the level.
ROTATION IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. — Flower gardeners do not
think enough of change of crop, or what in farming is called rotation.
A farmer soon comes to grief if he does not change his crops, but in
gardens one may see the same plants grown in the same beds for
many years. A cause of the poor growth of hardy flowers is want of
change of soil, and in addition the soils in which they grow are often
robbed by a network of hungry tree roots. There are botanic gardens
in Europe where the same wretched plants have been starving in the
same soil for fifty years, and little ever done to help them. So, again,
there are favourite borders in gardens which are almost as much in
want of a change, but, owing to their position sometimes being a
favourite one, people hesitate to give it to them. In such cases we
should prepare a new border for the plants and remove them, and
trench, renew and improve the soil of the old beds or borders, after-
wards taking a crop as different as possible for a year or two. If we
take a crop of annual flowers, the annuals rejoice in the fresh ground,
and they might be followed by a year of Carnations, after which a re-
turn might be made to a good mixed border. When, however, we
do change a border or bed, the staple of the soil ought to be made
deep enough — changed if need be. In dealing with a soil which is.
too rich in humus, an addition of lime will improve it, but generally
the soils are too poor, and require renewing and deepening. Bedding
plants have the advantage of fresh soil and often a total change every
year, and hence the bright vigour they often show when the seasons
are fair. A little of the same generous change would help Roses,
Lilies, and all the finer things in an equal degree, though many of
these will be quite happy in the same soil for years if it be well pre-
pared at first.
C C 2
388 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
WEEDS AND RUBBISH HEAPS. — Upon suggesting once in a
beautiful garden in Essex that an opening should be made from a
pleasure ground into a picturesque grove of old Oak trees, we were
met with the objection that the rubbish heap was there ; and, on
making our way in, this was found to cover half an acre almost
picturesque in its wild up and down heaps of rubbish, earth, leaves,
branches and broken crockery, &c. A fire was kept alight for six
months in the year to get rid of some of this rubbish, and this being
very near the house, was a frequent nuisance in certain states of
wind and air. This is a common state of things, but as wrong in
practice as it is unnecessary. We gain nothing by destroying organic
matter by fire, but lose a good deal and get only the ash. The garden
weeds, the good soil scraped up with them, and the many other things
that go to make up these rubbish heaps would be of far more use put
directly over young trees to protect and nourish them. Refuse of
hard materials, such as iron or delf, should be buried separately ; and
if any roots of bad weeds occur, they may be burned at once where
they are. Yet there is no practice more firmly established than the
ancient one of the garden rubbish heap, often disfiguring spots which
might be pretty with ferns or shrubs, encouraging vermin, filth, and
vile odours, all things that we do not want in or near the flower garden
or pleasure ground. We may see these heaps made even where labour
is scarce and the gardener is over-weighted with work, he adding to
his toil by barrowing or carting away weeds and earth. This means
moving the costly product two or more times : ( I ) to the rubbish
heap ; (2) turning over and burning ; and (3), finally, again removing
the result in ash ; whereas we may easily, as in the above and many
other cases in a garden or pleasure ground, get rid of it at once by
one move, and find it acts in a more useful way, even as a fertiliser,
than when we go through the ugly labours, pains, and penalties of
forming the regulation rubbish heap. Nor does this plan in the least
prevent us burning where burning is a prompt aid in getting rid of the
roots and bad weeds or any worn-out branches or roots that incommode
us ; but in such a case we burn on the spot and scatter the refuse there
or thereabouts. Here are a few instances of other ways of getting rid
of what usually is carried or carted to a rubbish heap, that were carried
out during one summer in my own garden.
Protecting Hollies. — A very fine group of Hollies was planted
on a slope facing south. Seedling trees of the largest size
that could be planted with safety were brought from a distance by
rail. These were planted in May, and afterwards any grass mowings,
prunings, weeds, clearings, reeds, dead roots of shrubs, &c., that
happened to be near, were placed at the base of each Holly for about
3 feet all round ; also, where any ground near was cleared of summer
SOILS AND CULTIVATION IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 389
weeds, these were also put over the roots, even branchlets of evergreens
being used, as preventing the direct action of the sun. Not one of
these Hollies was lost in spite of the drought, though the turf near, on
the same slope, was like dust, but the covering of waste material given
kept the earth about the trees moist during the drought.
A Bamboo Plantation. — A plantation of hardy bamboos was
made in quite a different situation in mid June — a hollow slightly
shaded with trees, and therefore not nearly so much exposed to danger
as the southern slope above mentioned. It is known, however, that
bamboos are the better for mulching in any situation, and as there
was no manure at hand, and even if there had been it would have
needed a good deal of carting, the waste and weeds near were placed
over the surface of the ground. In this case, mowings, dead flower-
stems, scum of a pond (which was very bad this year, coming off in
masses of most indestructible stuff), were laid over the surface of the
bamboo plantation, in which the plants did remarkably well, and never
turned a leaf. On taking up some plants of the Japan bamboo, which
had been put in too thickly and were wanted for another place, we
found the roots and suckers growing finely after only five months'
growth.
Protecting Young Orchards. — An orchard of fine young
standard trees was planted in 1897 on a rather steep slope to the
south, where the soil was not good. Faggots of little value, the
sweepings of roads, and any vegetable refuse about the yards were
put over these 4 feet all round. It would be impossible to see trees
healthier or less affected by the starving drought of the hot year.
Such aid would not be so precious in good valley land, but in many
soils it is of the greatest help.
Using Weeds Where They Grow. — Very often weeds are
removed from the surface of garden ground which would be much
more useful if left where they grew — buried, if there be room, or
allowed to dry up if cut off very small, as they always, if possible,
should be. The upper surface of garden ground is the best of it,
owing to mulching and manuring, and to take away the best of the
ground is bad gardening. What would become of the farmer who
systematically removed an inch of the surface of his best fields ? It
would be folly ; and it is no less so in the garden. The winter
being a very mild one, encouraged the growth of weeds very much,
and, where there was other work going on, they got too big. A planta-
tion of barberries, evergreen and others, was in this state in early
summer, the weeds nearly as high as the bushes. They were cut down
with much labour, and I just came upon the scene when the carter
was beginning to take away the surface of rich weeds and soil, and I
left the weeds and soil where they were, spreading them equally
390 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
over the surface. As it happened, this was followed by many dry
weeks, and the dead weeds formed a protection for the bed itself,
which did not suffer in the least during the heats. To remove this
mass of stuff would have been a costly labour, the surface would have
been exposed to direct evaporation, and the plants starved by the
drought.
Fallen Leaves. — Sometimes leaves are massed in these rubbish
yards, and the leaf question is bound up with it. Many people fidget
at the sight of beautiful leaves in autumn, instead of enjoying them,
as Shelley did, and gardeners are often sweeping them up when they
would be much better employed planting good plants or shrubs.
What are we to do with the garden leaves ? We cannot, it is true, have
them in drifts in the flower garden, but it is better to let them all fall
before we take much trouble in removing them. In gathering them
up, we may best add them to a place set apart for leaf mould. But
in every case where they may be let alone, it is much better to let
them stay on the surface of wood, grove, shrubbery, or group of
shrubs, for protection and nourishment for the ground. If any one
during the hot years that we have recently had — such as 1893—
stood on a height in a woody country, he would see that, while the
fields were brown and bare, and cattle and crops distressed for want of
water, the wood retained its verdure, and the growth of the year was as
good as usual. Why is this ? It is explained by the beautiful func-
tion of the leaf, which not only does the vital work of the tree, but
also shields the ground from the direct action of the sun, and when the
leaf has fallen its work is not half done, as it protects and nourishes
the roots throughout the year, so that in the hottest years the fibres of
the trees find nourishment in decaying leaves. This surely is a reason
that leaves should not be scraped out from beneath every shrub or tree,
and there is no reason whatever why they should form part of the
rubbish heap.
And let it be noted that it is not only the better use of the waste
as a fertiliser that is a gain, it is the saving of very troublesome labour,
often occurring in the warmest part of the year, when every hour is
precious over the really important work of the garden — getting in crops
of all kinds at the right time and in the best way. Also we save the
disfigurement of the rubbish yard itself, and get rid of the smoke of the
fires kept going to consume it — another nuisance about a country house
or garden. The ash, the one result of all the waste of labour and filth
of the rubbish heap is certainly of some use, but not one-sixth the
good of the stuff used in the direct way. And it is not only the sum-
mer aid we gain, but all we put on in this way settles down in winter
to a nice little coat of humus, which nourishes the roots and protects
them from frost as well as heat.
SOILS AND CULTIVATION IN THE FLO WE R GARDEN. 391
WEEDS AND THEIR SEEDS. — The destruction of the seeds of
weeds is the only shadow of reason for the rubbish heap, but it is
bad gardening to let weeds go to seed. And though certain areas of
town gardens have no neighbours from which seeds can be blown, this
is not so in the country, where weed seeds from woods and fields and
young plantations abound in the air. There is no good remedy for
weeds except early and regular hoeing and cleaning. Moreover, there
are many conditions in which even if we do allow weeds to go to seed,
they can be used as a mulch ; as, for example, in young orchard and
turf and other planting in or near turf where weed seeds can do no
harm. Burning therefore should be kept to a few essential uses.
The source of success in flower gardening is to be always busy
sowing or planting ; there is scarcely a day or a week when some
things have not to be planted or attended to if we want a succession
of beauty ; but when the men are from morn to night busy hoeing
and watering and with other routine work, it is difficult to get time
for securing the successions of plants of various kinds on which the
lasting beauty of a garden at all seasons, depends.
The old labour of grubbing up walks, which was so constant and
dreadful in the very heat of summer, is got rid of by weed-killers, of
which one dressing a year will sometimes suffice to keep the walks
clean, and, better still, prevent us from having to rip up the surfaces
of the walks, which was common in every garden until quite recently,
and is carried on still in many places. The great gain of abolishing
ignoble routine work, in this and all ways we can, is that we have
time for the real work of the garden, in adding to its beauty with new
or beautiful things and improved ways of growing and arranging them.
FIRE AS A CLEANSER. — A fire on the spot is a great aid in the
garden when active changes have to be made, and foul borders or
shrubberies renovated or replanted. Where, in stiff soils, Twitch and
other bad weeds take possession, with perhaps a number of worn-out
shrubs, the simplest way is often to burn all, not trying to disentangle
weeds from the soil in the usual way, but simply skinning the surface
2 inches, or more if need be, and burning it and the vital parts of the
weeds, first removing any plants that are worth saving. In light
soils the labour of cleaning foul ground is less than in heavy, ad-
hesive soils, but fire is a great aid in all such cases. If we are remov-
ing ugly and heavy masses of Laurels or other evergreens, which have
never given grace or flower to the scene, we should burn them root
and branch at the same time, the result being that we get rid of our
worst weeds, and turn enemies like Goutweed into ashes. This weedy
surface of garden ground is often some of the best of the soil, and it is
much better to keep it where it is, but purified. Regular cleaning
will keep down all young weeds, but it is a struggle to get the old and
392 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
bad weeds out of the soil, owing to the broken roots of Bindweed,
Twitch, and Goutweed which escape the closest forking and sharpest
eyes. Next there is barrowing or carting to take the weeds to some
rotting heap, while, on the other hand, the friendly fire eats up and
kills at once the whole of the weeds, and converts them and the burnt
surface they infested into good earth, and all this is gained at once
without barrow or horse labour. So that, whatever we may think of
cremation for ourselves, it is a good friend in fighting weeds and in
helping us to thoroughly cleanse foul garden ground. We have not
even the trouble that they had with Don Quixote's books — to carry
them into the yard to burn them — as we can so often burn the weeds
on the spot, insects and grubs included.
EVAPORATION. — Mulching or covering the surface with various
kinds of light materials, such as leaf mould, cocoa fibre, manure, and
sand, or anything, in fact, which gives an inch or two of loose surface
to the earth, and prevents evaporation, is a great aid on many soils,
but not so important where the beds have been thoroughly prepared,
at least not for Roses, Carnations, and many of the best flowers, be-
cause, if the roots can go down and find good soil as far as they go,
they really do not want mulching, save on very hot soils. Mulching of
various kinds or loosening the surface of the ground is, moreover, much
easier to carry out in the kitchen and fruit gardens or orchard than in
the flower garden, all the surface of which should be covered with living
things during the fine season. This is the prettiest way and is not diffi-
cult to carry out, as we often see it in cottage gardens and in Nature
itself, where the health of the forest and other fertile lands depends to a
certain extent on the ground being covered with vegetation, which of
itself prevents direct evaporation. Taking a hint from this, I am very
fond of covering the surface with dwarf living plants of fragile nature,
which do not much exhaust the soil, and which in very hot weather may
help to keep it moist. This is done in the case of Roses and other plants
which, being rather small and bare at first, want some help to cover
the ground, and a number of very pretty plants may be used for this
purpose, which will give us bloom in spring and good colour on the
ground. This, of course, prevents the use of manure, hitherto common
on the surface of flower beds, Roses especially. It is much better
that the aid of manure should be given at the root instead of the surface,
and if we have plenty of manure and rich soil, there is no need for surface
mulching it. Covering the surface with living plants is worth doing,
for the sake of the effect alone, even if we have to pay for it in other ways.
One result of it is that we may have a beautiful spring garden in ad-
dition to the summer garden — that is to say, if our garden is planted
for summer and autumn with Roses and the like, by the use of Tufted
Pansies and other dwarf plants in the beds we get pretty effects early in
SOILS AND CULTIVATION IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 393
the year, and through this living carpet may come up many pretty
bulbs. Thus we may have in the same beds, with a little care and
thought, two or three different types of flower life.
The plants that may be used in this way are numerous, and mostly
rock and mountain plants of Europe and cold countries, evergreen,
often bearing pretty flowers and good in colour at all seasons, spread-
ing into pretty carpets easily, and quite hardy, taking often a deeper
green in winter, so that used over permanent beds they help to adorn
the flower beds in winter ; and through them in the dawn of spring
the early Crocus, Scilla and Windflower come up to find themselves
in green turf of Thyme; Rockfoil ; Stonecrop ; or varying these
according to soil, altitude or position ; the cooler north favouring
many mountain plants, though some face the ardours of the warmer
sun.
THE WASTE OF MONOTONY. — A grievous source of wasted effort
in gardens is monotony arising from everybody growing what his
neighbour grows. Thus it comes that the poor nurseryman who
attempts to grow new or rare trees or shrubs very often finds them
left on his hands, so that many country nurseries only grow a few
stereotyped things, and we see public gardens and squares in London
given over to the common Privet, the common Lilac let to run as a
weed, and the common Elder, as in Lincoln's Inn Fields.
Every lover of the garden could do something to check this fatal
monotony by taking up some plant, or family of plants, for himself,
which perhaps he is unable to find in the nursery gardens near at
hand. There are not only many beautiful species of plant which
are excluded from the ordinary nurseries, but even special nurseries,
as for Roses, often exclude good kinds from their collections. It is
not only the introduction of new plants or species we have to think of,
but the raising of new forms (hybrids or varieties), the fine cultivation
of neglected groups, as the beautiful forms of our native Primrose by
Miss Jekyll ; the making more artistic use of old and well-known
plants ; the skilful adaptation of plants and trees to the soil so as to get
the highest beauty of which it is capable withou.4- excessive care, and
without the deaths visible in many places after hard winters. Those
who seek to vary the monotony of gardens must be prepared to face
some trouble, and they must not take the least notice of what is
thought right in the neighbourhood, or of what can be obtained from
the nearest nursery garden. The further afield they look, probably
the better in the end it will be for them if they would escape from the
trammels of monotony.
ATTACHING CLIMBERS AND FRUIT TREES TO WALLS. — Per-
haps the most miserable of all garden-work is that of nailing the
shoots of trees to walls, on cold days, and the value of climbing
plants now in our gardens is so great, that the best mode of
394 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
attaching them to walls is a question which, though it may
seem a small one from some points of view, is important, and by no
means settled for the best. In our self-styled scientific age — the age
also of the galvanised iron church and the ironmonger's fence, which
is no fence — our gardens have been invaded by galvanised wire, which
is put up at great expense on garden and house walls, and is thought
to be an essential improvement in all new work. The question does not
merely concern walls for climbers round the house, but also the fruit
garden. In our cold country we cannot ripen the Peach or the
choicer fruits without the aid of walls ; galvanised wire is used in
many gardens, but many growers discover that its effect on the trees
is not good. There is a foundation of fact in these complaints, and
they are common to French and English gardeners. In France,
where the cultivation of wall fruit to supply the market with Peaches
and fine winter Pears is carried out well, the best growers are against
the use of galvanised wire, and think it much better to have the
wooden lattice only against the wall ; so they keep to the older and
prettier way of trellising the wall. For those who care about effect
this is well, for whatever harm the wire may do to the tree, of its ugli-
ness there can be no doubt. The old French and English way of
fixing branches to walls — having trellis-work made of Oak in about
i inch strips — was a very good one. Chestnut, too, was used, and was
thought to be the best, and is often used now in France. One
advantage of such woodwork is that it looks well on the walls even
before we get our plants up, and there is the great facility of being
able to tie where we wish, thus avoiding the use of nails and the other
miseries of training against walls.
I use Bamboos in forming trellises, with very good results. Trellis-
work made of Oak or Chestnut lasted for many years, and was
efficient, and a well-made trellis of this sort saves us all the trouble
and injury to the wall of pock-marking it with nail holes, forming
nests for destructive vermin.
There remains the question of fixing our lattice-work of Oak,
Chestnut, Pine or Bamboo. In old walls, holdfasts must be driven ; in
new ones, pieces of iron with strong eyes should be laid along here and
there in the courses of brick or stone as the work goes on.
It is a great thing to be relieved from the ugliness and injury of
the galvanised wire. We would like to go a little further and keep
to old ways of tying things on walls. Those who look through their
bills may perhaps come upon items, and not small ones, for tarred
twine and other bought means of tying. In old times people would
have used the shoots of the yellow Willow, which did the work of
tying fruit trees to walls better than any tarred twine as far as the
main branches were concerned. To say that it is impracticable now
is nonsense, as in some great nurseries where millions of plants are
SOILS AND CULTIVATION IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 395
sent out every year, every lot is tied with Willow. Also, the French
way of using a Rush for tying, instead of twine or matting, is an
excellent one. It is a Rush which is harvested and dried carefully,
and it is the simplest thing in the world to tie with so as to allow for
the free growth of the branch, and yet keep the shoot quite secure.
THE STAKING OF TREES AND SHRUBS.— Whether staking trees
and shrubs or wind-waving is the wrorst evil is doubtful, but much
harm is done by staking, and it is costly and troublesome, especially
so -for those large trees that are seen in pleasure grounds, surrounded
by a kind of crinoline of galvanised wire. The evil of staking arises
largely from planting trees too big as " specimens." To plant these is
tempting to many, but generally we get a much better result from
small trees that want no staking ; but planting ornamental trees of
considerable size is so common that staking is frequently done, and
very often the trees are injured by the stakes, not only at the root,
but also much in the stem, which sometimes leads to canker. It is
known that canker (as in the Larch) enters the trees more readily
where the wounds are ready to receive the spores, and we often see
fruit-trees badly cankered through staking.
The wire-roping business for trees is a nuisance, as the ropes
cut in if neglected in the least, and the tree often snaps there,
and when the ropes are finally removed the trees often go down in
gales. The best cure for the waste and dangers of staking is to plant
small trees, but often where this is not done for any reason (and some-
times there may be good ones, as in planting vigorous-growing Poplars
to shut out things we do not care to see) we may do good by cutting
in the side shoots close to the stem. This leaves the tree with little
for the wind to act upon, and we escape the need of staking without
injury to the tree. Transplanting trees involves so much injury to
the roots that somewhat reducing the tops does good in all ways.
At Kew, when a large tree is transplanted, it is guyed up with
three lengths of soft cord (commonly called " gaskin ") if it appears
likely to become loose. This is better than a stake, cheaper, and less
likely to injure the stem by abrasion. A tree with branches low
enough can be stayed by driving into the ground three stout stakes
at equal distances round the tree, nearly at the circumference of the
branches, and tying a branch to each of the stakes.
The picturesque grouping of trees and shrubs is a gain in the
avoidance of the trouble and danger of staking. For example, the
pinetum, as seen in many country seats, is a scheme in which trees are
isolated and dotted so as to encourage them as " specimens," which
is the wrong way and the ugly way. In Nature these trees are
almost always massed and grouped in close ways, so that they shelter
each other, and if in planting them we plant as a wood, closely, thin-
396 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ning them very carefully, we find them make trees and give better
effects than in the common way they are generally placed, as the trees
protect and comfort each other, and shade the ground. I have planted
true pinetums in this way, the trees in which have stood violent gales
without giving way, and which were never staked, any more than they
are on their wild mountain homes. But in this case, as with sailors,
we must begin young.
WASTED LABOUR IN GLASS-HOUSES.— Among the evils of the
" bedding " and " carpet system " is the need of costly glass-houses
in which to keep the plants all the winter, not one in ten of these plants
being as pretty as flowers that are as hardy as the Grass in the field, —
like Roses, Carnations, and Delphiniums. It is absurd to grow Alternan-
theras in costly hothouses, and not to give a place to flowers that
endure cold as well as Lilies-of-the-Valley. Glass-houses are useful
helps for many purposes, but we may have noble flower gardens with-
out them. To bloom the Rose and Carnation in mid-winter, to ripen
fruits that will not mature in our climate, to enable us to see many fair
flowers of the tropics — for these purposes glass-houses are a precious
gain ; but for a beautiful flower garden they are almost needless, and
the numerous glass-houses in our gardens may be turned to better
use. It would not be true to say that good hardy flower-gardening is
cheaper than growing the half-hardy plants that often disgrace
our gardens, as the splendid variety of beautiful hardy plants tempts
one to buy, and it is therefore all the more necessary not to waste
money in stupid ways, apart from the heavy initial cost and ceaseless
costly labour of the glass-house system of flower garden decoration.
For those who think of beauty in our gardens and home land-
scapes, the placing of a glass-house in the flower garden or pleasure
ground is a serious matter, and some of the most interesting places
in the country are defaced in that way. In the various dividing
lines about a country house there can be no difficulty in finding a site
for glass-houses where they cannot injure the views. There is no
reason for placing the glass-house in front of a beautiful old house,
where its colour mars the prospect, though often, in looking across
the land towards an old house, we see first the glare of an ugly glass
shed. If this were the case only in the gardens of people lately
emerged from the towns to the suburbs of our great cities, it would
not be so notable ; but many large country places are disfigured in this
way. And, apart from fine old houses and the landscape being defaced
by the hard lines and colour of the glass-house, there is the result on
the flower garden itself ; efforts to get plants into harmonious and
beautiful relations are much increased if we have a horror in the
way of glass sheds staring at us. Apart from the heavy cost of coal
or coke, the smoke-defilement of many a pretty garden by the ugly
vomit of these needless chimneys ; the effect on young gardeners in
SOILS AND CULTIVATION IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 397
leading them to despise the far more healthy and profitable labours of
the open garden ; all these have to be considered in relation to the
cost, care and ugliness of the glass nursery as an annual preparation
for plants for the flower garden, these plants being with few exceptions
far less precious in every way for flower garden or for room than those
that are quite hardy.
A few years ago, before the true flower garden began to get a place
in men's minds, many of the young gardeners refused to work in
places where there was no glass. A horrid race this pot and kettle
idea of a garden would have led to : men to get chills if their gloves
were not aired. I met the difficulty myself by abolishing glass
altogether. Only where we do this we must show better things in
the open-air garden, than ever flourished in a glass house.
WASTED LABOUR IN MOVING EARTH. — Next to moving heaven,
the heaviest undertaking is that of moving earth, and there are no
labours of gardening men that lead to more wasted effort, where care
and experience are not brought to bear on the work. Labour in many
parts of the country has become dearer, and the question of moving
earth without needless waste of energy is a serious one for all who have
much groundwork to do. We may often see instances of misuse of
labour ; the soil from foundations carted far, and then put deep over
the roots of old trees, to their death or injury. A man of resource in
dealing with ground would place this soil in some well-chosen spot
near, having first removed the surface soil, and, resurfacing with it,
planted it with a handsome group of beautiful shrubs or trees, so that
the surface would in no ugly way differ from the general lie of the
ground near. The presence of carts and horses seems very often to
lead to waste of labour in carting earth when barrows and a few
planks would do the work better.
In necessary groundwork there is inevitably much moving of earth,
in getting levels, carrying roads and paths across hollows, and for
various other reasons. We should make a rule of getting the soil in
all such cases as near at hand as possible. Mistakes in levelling ground
are frequent, and often lead to twice moving of soil. The best man
for groundwork is often one with a good navvy's experience, and
many such men know how to make heavy groundwork changes
without putting a barrowful of soil in the wrong place. Very often
spare soil has to be removed, and in this necessary work ugly mounds
are made, when, by a little care in choosing the place well and never
leaving any ugly angles, but making the ground take the natural
gradation of the adjacent earth, it could be well planted. Hardy trees
take well to such banks if the good soil is kept on the top, as it should
always be.
The same remarks may serve for the moving of turf, gravel, stones
398 THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
and soil, save that to get good soil for the formation of beds, we must
go where the good soil is ; whereas for the bottoms of roads and paths,
the support of banks, base of terraces or mounds, much saving may be
effected by getting what we want in the nearest possible place, never
fearing to make a hollow if need be, as that can be so easily planted
with some free-growing tree or shrub ; the hardy Pines, like Scotch,
Corsican, and Silver Firs, being excellent for this, as they thrive in
almost any earth, and often on surfaces from which the whole bed of
fertile soil has been removed.
Apart from essential groundwork, there is the diversifying of ground
artificially, as may be seen in our parks, owing to the false idea that
you cannot make level ground picturesque with planting. Proof that
this is not impossible may be seen in many a level country planted by
Nature, as in the forest plain and in many a park and pleasure ground
both in Germany, France, and Britain. Trees are given to us to get
this very variety of broken surface, and the idea that to make a place
picturesque we must imitate — and usually badly imitate — naturally
diversified ground is most inartistic. No doubt broken ground has
many charms, but so has the fertile plain, and the best way is to
accept and enhance the beauty of each variety of surface. To do so is
the planter's true work. In cities and suburbs there is often occasion
to conceal ugly objects, and earth, if to spare, may be used well and
wisely in raising at once the base of a plantation of young trees ; but
an enormous amount of labour given to making artificial mounds
might be saved without any loss, and with much gain to garden
design.
There are yet certain landscape gardeners who make mounds or
earth-pimples everywhere, regardless of the growth of the plants. If
people would only spend more on good planting and less on trying
to " diversify," as they call it, the surface, it would be better for our
gardens. In many cases when planting time comes, so much effort
has been spent on needless groundwork, that there are no means to
spare for the best work of all in garden making, namely, good planting.
But any one can make earth dumplings of the sort we see too many
of, while planting to give enduring and beautiful effects requires a
knowledge of trees and shrubs.
In our public parks the mania for foolish groundwork may be
often seen, one of its results being the burial of the tree base, surrounded,
perhaps, with a brick-lined pit-hole, as in St. James's Park. Shooting
earth and rubbish to fill up the hollows on such a precious space as
Hampstead Heath is common, and as the surrounding district is busy
in building, these attempts are, we fear, often the result of finding a
shoot for earth and rubbish. Therefore the bringing in of such rubbish
should be absolutely forbidden, as the only effect of this filling up of
SOILS AND CULTIVATION IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. 399
hollow places is to destroy the incidents of the ground, usually far
prettier in form than the results of smug levelling up, or, worse still,
the formation of such artificial mounds as we see examples of in the
parks. Even the squares in our level Thames valley are not exempt
from outrage of this kind, of which, perhaps, the most hideous example
is that of Euston Square, in which a high and ugly earth-bank has
been put all around the Square, so steep that even the cheap nursery
rubbish of the London squares — Privet and Elder — refuses to grow
upon it, and so in the summer days, instead of the grass and tree-stems
and cool shadows, a bank of dusty rubbish meets the eye !
Another serious source of waste of the inexperienced in ground-
work is burying the top surface, the most precious, and in many cases
the result of ages of decay of turf and plants. In alluvial land and light
friable hill soils this mistake does not so much matter, but in heavy
land where there is a clay subsoil it is fatal. The first thing in all
groundwork is to save the top soil with the greatest care, for the sake
of using it again in its proper place ; and how to save it, so that it
may be available at the end of the work, is one of the most essential
things the good ground-worker has to think of.
Trenches for the reception of pipes, drains, and foundations should
not be opened until the materials are at hand, as in wet weather,
doing so often leads to the sides falling in and much needless labour.
The direction of walks, roads, or designs for beds, borders, or
gardens, should be carefully marked out and looked at from every
point of view before carrying them out, having regard to their
use and their relation to all things about them, and not merely to
any plan on paper. Attention to this will often save much labour in
groundwork.
A cause of much waste of labour in moving soil is the usual
way of treating mud after the cleansing of artificial ponds — often
a poor inheritance to leave to one's children. The silting up with
mud goes on for ever, and while the mere expense of getting this
out of the pond bed in any way is usually great, the cost is often
increased through the idea that the stuff is of manurial value. This
leads people frequently to heap it up on the banks to dry, then to
liming it, and eventually to moving it onto the land, these various labours
adding to the disfigurement of the foreground of beautiful ground often
for a long time. Pond mud has very little manurial value generally,
though it will differ to some extent according to the sort of soil the
supply comes from. Usually, however, it has very slight value, and any
labour bestowed upon it from that point of view is nearly always wasted.
The best and simplest way is to put it direct on to some poor pasture
near, or on to any ground where it may be got rid of with least labour to
man or horse. Where the pond is ugly in outline and not essential
400
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
coccmeus.
Simplest label for trees.
either for its beauty in the home landscape or for its uses for fish or
water store, it may often be worth considering whether the best way
would not be to let the water off and turn the mud bed into a handsome
grove of Willows and Dogwoods, and an excellent covert at the same
time. I know nothing among trees quite so good in effect in the
landscape, winter and summer, as the white, red, and yellow Willows,
with an undergrowth of the red Dogwoods.
LABELS. — Where possible it is best to do without labels, except
where we grow many kinds of things that differ by slight shades, as
Carnations and Roses. The contents of a garden are usually in a state
of change ; we are continually adding to and taking from them ; new
plants are introduced ; a severe winter kills a number of shrubs, which
we determine not to replant. Fashion changes
the garden vegetation too, and then the perma-
nent labels, cast and burnt into hardware and
cemented in cast iron, are thrown aside. I
prefer a label which can be used again, such
as a cast-iron label of " "f shape " or, in other
words, a slip of cast iron with an oblong head
slightly thrown back. These are cast very
cheaply in the iron districts. We have to paint
them and write the names of the trees on them
when they come to hand ; but that can be
readily done by a handy painter in winter. In
a large garden, where much naming is required,
the best way is to train a youth who is likely to
remain in the place, by placing a copy of the
desired kind of letters before him. It is an
advantage to give the label a coat of copal
varnish when the letters are dry, and generally
to use white letters on a black or dark ground,
and give three coats of black over one of red lead. These are the
best labels for the shrubs and choice young trees of a pleasure ground
or flower garden. The painting will last for twenty years, and if we
cease to cultivate the plants to which they belong, the labels may be
repainted.
With big trees it is always a mistake to use a ground label. The
best labels for large trees are made of pieces of tin about 4^ inches
by 3! inches. About half an inch of the upper edge should be bent
at a right angle so as to form a little coping for the label, two holes
should be made just beneath the little angle, through which a strong
copper wire should be put and firmly nailed to the tree. ' Place it so
as to be easily read, at about 5^ feet from the ground. Paint it dark
brown or black with white letters and it will last for many years. All
Position for tree label.
SOILS AND CULTIVATION IN THE FLOWER GARDEN.
401
labels inserted in the grass in pleasure grounds are liable to be pulled
up by mowers or others, and in this way to get lost, while the labels
on the stems are safe from such mishaps.
For low trees and bushes to which copper wire may be fixed
with ease, the simplest and most enduring labels are those that are
made of cast metal galvanised, and as they are very enduring they
are best for hardy trees and shrubs. The words on them should
be as few as may be, and all needless ones omitted. Thus in fruit-tree
labels it is needless to use the word Pear or Apple, but simply the
variety, as " Ribstone. " This plan makes these labels more legible
than when they are crowded with letters. For half-hardy plants,
annuals, and plants of a season only,
wooden labels are often the most
convenient. In most gardens it is
the practice to write the name at the
part that goes in the ground, and
to go on from thence to the top —
a bad way, for the label always
begins to decay at the base, and
thus the beginning of the name is
lost, while the end of it may be quite
legible. After a little practice it
becomes as easy to write from the top as from the other end, and, in
writing the names, always begin as near the top as possible.
The use of the wooden label should be given up in favour of
labels with raised or incised letters. The main reason is that the
endurance of the wooden label is too slight ; moreover, some kinds of
good stamped-metal label are less conspicuous in the garden than the
wooden label, and any kind of conspicuous label is bad. As regards
labels for large gardens and trees, at Kew they now use a lead label
of their own stamping, so that should many labels get out of use, as
is the case in large collections, it is easy to melt them down and use
the metal again for trees and enduring plants of all kinds.
Cast-iron labels ; the simplest, neatest, and
best form for shrubs, bold herbaceous plants,
and for all cases where the label has to be
fixed in the ground
THE
ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN
AND HOME GROUNDS
PART II
CONTAINING THE FLOWERS, FLOWERING SHRUBS AND
TREES, EVERGREENS, AND HARDY FERNS FOR
THE OPEN-AIR FLOWER GARDEN IN THE
BRITISH ISLES, WITH THEIR CUL-
TIVATION AND THE POSITIONS
MOST SUITABLE FOR THEM
IN GARDENS
D D 2
" A garden is a beautiful book, writ by the ringer of God : every flower and every
leaf is a letter. You have only to learn them — and he is a poor dunce that cannot, if
he will, do that — to learn them and join them, and then to go on reading and reading.
And you will find yourself carried away from the earth by the beautiful story you are
going through. . . . And then there are some flowers that seem to me like overdudful
children : tend them but ever so little, and they come up and flourish, and show, as I
may say, their bright and happy faces to you." — DOUGLAS JERROLD.
THE
ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN
AND HOME GROUNDS
ABELIA. — Beautiful shrubs, of the
Honeysuckle order, little grown in our
country, and best in warm districts. The
best known is the Rock Abelia (A. ru-
pestris), a Chinese shrub, delicate pale
pink in autumn, is always best planted
in a raised bank in light soils, as it is
then less liable to injury during winter.
A. uniftora, also from China, is of like
habit. The Three-flowered Abelia (A.
triflora) coming from N. India, is less
hardy than the Chinese kinds, but will
clothe a wall in a few years. It bears
fragrant pink flowers in clusters at the
end of summer. A , floribunda is rather
too tender for the open air, except in the
mildest parts of the country ; it is ever-
green, with clusters of rose-purple flowers,
and makes a good wall shrub. In mild
districts in the southern parts of England
and Ireland Abelias sometimes do well in
the open air.
ABIES (Silver Fir].— Beautiful ever-
green trees of northern and mountainous
regions, many hardy in our country, and
valuable timber trees in their own. Some
of the Indian and Japanese Silver Firs
suffer in our country by starting too early
in our open winters and harsh springs ;
in their own frost-bound mountain lands
the young shoots only start when all
danger is past, but with us they often
start owing to the mild weather and are
injured afterwards. One remedy for this
is the selection, where possible, of exposed
and elevated positions which will not en-
courage early growth, and also, perhaps,
not making the soil so rich and deep as
is the rule. In our country, as with many
of the conifers, the usual way is to put
them apart as "specimens," but that,
from an artistic point of view, and that of
their own health, is not always the best.
Where there is room these trees should
be grouped together so as to shelter each
other, in which state they are more effec-
tive and protect the ground from the sun.
Grafting of rare kinds, is very often re-
sorted to, which should, in all cases where
we hope to secure their long life and
health, be on their own roots.
There is still much confusion of names
owing to the American trees having origin-
ally been sent over under various names,
and from different localities. The follow-
ing selection includes the best and most
distinct so far as the trees are known. In
this, as in many other families, there are
a variety of variegated and other sorts
which are given fine names, these are
generally useless to those who think of
the natural dignity and beauty of the tree.
We do not refer by this to natural geo-
graphical varieties which may be valuable
as coming from diverse climates.
A. AMABILIS (Cascade Mountains Fir). — A
tall, massive tree with deep bluish-green foliage,
and dark purple cones thriving in Britain. It
is not easy to get it true to name and on own
roots. Owing to propagating by grafting from
side shoots the trees do not make a good leader.
British Columbia.
A. BALSAMEA (Balsam Fir). — A slender
northern forest fir rarely attaining a height of
more than 80 feet, and much smaller in
high Arctic regions. Hardy in our country
but somewhat uncertain as to soil, owing to
the great difference in our climate to its own.
Northern America, and the mountains in N. E.
America.
A. BRACHYPHYLLA (Jesso Silver Fir). — A
handsome and hardy tree, over 100 feet high,
with bright green foliage and short leaves.
The densely crowded leaves are very silvery
underneath, and the general effect of a healthy
specimen very pleasing. Japan.
A. BRACTEATA (Santa Lucia Fir). — A stately
tree, often 150 feet high in its native country.
The foliage is long and rather scattered, sharply
pointed. It is injured in some districts by
starting early in the spring. There are very
few good specimens of it in Britain, the best
being at Tortworth Court and Eastnor. N. W.
America.
A. CEPHALONICA (Cephalonian Fir). — A
vigorous Fir of about 60 ft. high, hardy in this
country in a variety of soils, but is best planted
in an exposed position to prevent it starting
into growth too early. In Britain, is handsome
till it reaches a height of about 30 ft., when
Abies magnifica. From a photograph by the Earl of Annesley, Castlewellan.
ABIES
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ABRONIA.
407
the leaders give way and the side branches
grow vigorously. Even in old specimens with
several heads it forms a picturesque tree.
Greece.
A. CILICICA (Mount Taurus Fir). — A grace-
ful tree, 40 ft. to 60 ft. high, with slender
branches. It grows freely, but is apt to be
injured by spring frosts ; the leaves are soft,
and of a peculiar shade of green where it thrives.
Cilicia.
A. CONCOLOR (Hoary White Fir). — A
whitish tree of medium height, with thick, grey
bark. The flat leaves are about 2 ins. long,
and it has small, pale yellow cones. It is hardy
in Britain, and a rapid grower. Colorado.
A. FIRMA (Japanese Silver Fir). — A tree of
sometimes 150 feet in height, with light brown
bark and foliage of a glossy green. Hardy in
Britain, and grows freely when established,
although it is late in starting. It is a handsome
tree with short branches and stiff habit.
Japan.
A. FRASERI (Allegheny Fir). — A forest tree,
reaching 90 feet high in its own country, with
smooth bark having resinous blisters. It is
allied to the Balsam Fir, but has shorter and
more oval cones, and leaves with silvery under-
sides. Mountains of Virginia, N. Carolina,
and Tenessee.
A. GRANDIS (Puget Sound Fir). — A beauti-
ful and stately tree of over 200 feet, with dark
green cones 2 to 3 inches long, and dark shin-
ing leaves, white below. Hardy and free in
various parts of Britain ; best in moist soils,
trees in Scotland at Ochertyre being over 60
feet high in 1899. N. W. America.
A. LASIOCARPA (Alpine Fir). — A beautiful
spire-like tree 150 feet high with white bark,
and very small cones, purple, 2 to 3 inches
long, and red male flowers, the foliage luxuriant
and gracefully curved. Alaska, B. Columbia.
A. LOWIANA (California White Fir). — A
lovely tree, often 150 feet high, long leaves
and light green cones, turning yellow at
maturity. Oregon to Southern California.
A. MAGNIFICA (California Red Fir). — A
stately mountain tree of 200 to 250 feet, with
brown bark (red within), and very large light
purple cones 6 to 8 inches long. The foliage
is dense on the lower branches, but thinner
towards the top, of olive- green. Grows rapidly
in Britain. N. California.
A. MARIESI (Maries' Silver Fir) is a tall,
pyramidal tree with robust spreading branches
and dark purple cones 4 to 5 inches long.
Japan.
A. NOBILIS (Columbia Fir). — A mountain
tree, 200 to 300 feet high, with deep glaucous
foliage and brown cones 5 to 7 inches long.
Hardy and rapid grower in Britain. Oregon.
A. NORDMANNIANA (Crimean Fir). — A
beautiful dark green tree, with rigid branches
and dense dark green foliage and large cones.
Hardy and good grower in Britain. Caucasus
and Crimea.
A. NUMIDICA (Mount Babor Fir). — A tree
of medium height with bright green foliage.
Hardy in this country, but may fail from start-
ing too early. Mountains of N. Africa, grow-
ing with Cedars and Yew.
A. PECTINATA (Silver Fir).— A noble tree
of the mountains of Central Europe, often
planted in Britain, and growing well over 100
feet high at Longleat, Burton Park, and many
other places. It was the first of the Silver Firs
planted in Britain, and one of the best. When
young it grows well in the shade of other trees,
and it is an excellent tree to plant for shelter,
as it will grow in the most exposed situations,
and in peaty as well as ordinary soils.
A. PINSAPO (Spanish Silver Fir). — A large
Fir, with bright green prickly foliage, and
thriving in almost any soil and in chalky dis-
tricts. Often suffers from too early a start in
spring, and the usual method of isolation
by which the grass exhausts the moisture.
Spain.
A. SACHALiNENSis(Saghalien Silver Fir). —
A tall tree with greyish-brown bark, narrow
leaves and small cones. It is hardy, and of
distinct and graceful habit, a native of Japan
and Saghalien.
A. SIBIRICA (Siberian Silver Fir). — A slow-
growing tree of medium size, injured by spring
frosts.
A. VEITCHI (Veitch's Silver Fir). — A tall
tree of over 100 feet. The bark is light grey and
the leaves a bright glossy green with silvery
streaks, the cones being a purplish-brown,
thriving in Britain. Japan.
A.WEBBIANA (Webb's Fir).— An Indian Fir,
sometimes nearly 100 feet high, and one of the
most distinct. The leaves are deep glossy
green with silvery undersides, and the cones
are large. A variety Pindrow is without the
silver markings. Both suffer much from spring
frosts. Himalayas. F. M.
ABRONIA (Sand Verbena.} — Small
Californian annuals or perennials of a
trailing habit, with showy blossoms in
dense Verbena-like clusters. A. arenaria
(A. latifolia], a honey-scented perennial,
has trailing stems and dense clusters of
lemon-yellow flowers ; A. umbellata, also
an annual with succulent trailing stems
and clusters of rosy-purple, slightly fra-
grant flowers ; A.fragrans, forming large
branching tufts from ij to 2 ft., and
white flowers which expand late in the
afternoon, and then emit a delicate
vanilla-like perfume ; A. villosa is a fine
species with violet flowers, and A. Crux
MastcE a pretty species with white
scented flowers. A. arenaria and A.
umbellata should be planted in rather
poor, light, and dry soil, on an open,
well-drained border or rockwork. The
seeds often remain dormant some time
before vegetating ; those of A. umbellata
germinate more readily. A. fragrans,
which does not ripen seed in this country,
is best in friable soil, and is larger than
the others. Abronias flower in summer
408
ABUTILON.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ACANTHOLIMON.
and autumn, and are pretty and effective
when well planted. - Nyctaginece.
ABUTILON— Plants mostly requiring
greenhouse temperature in winter, but
growing freely out-of-doors in summer,
and a graceful aid in the flower garden,
Abutilon, Boule de Neige.
at least in the southern counties. A.
Darwini and its forms, as well as the
varieties related to A. striatum, under
favourable conditions, grow from 4 ft. to
8 ft. in height. They can be made bushy
by stopping, and they flower better than
they do in pots. They are useful among
the taller and more graceful plants for
the flower garden, and are 'easily raised
from seed and cuttings. A. vitifolium is a
very handsome wall-plant in mild districts,
and several sorts may be grown in the
open air in gardens in warm sea-shore
districts. A. Sellowianum mannoratum
is a fine variety. Among the best in
cultivation are the following, and new
varieties are often raised : Admiration,
Anna Crozy, Buisson d'Or, Darwini majus,
Elegantissimum, Grandiflorum, Lemoinei,
Lady of the Lake, Leo, Orange Perfection,
Boule de Neige Delicatum, Pactole,
Darwini tesselatum, Thompsoni variega-
tum, vexillarium variegatum, Brilliant,
King of Roses, Canarybird, Golden
Queen, and Scarlet Gem.
ACACIA (Tassel Tree}. — Beautiful
shrubs and trees, mostly thriving in
warmer countries than ours, but some
few are grown out of doors in the warmer
parts of our country. A . Julibrissin. — By
confining this to a single stem and using
young plants, or those cut down every
year, one gets an erect stem covered with
leaves as graceful as a Fern, and pretty
amidst low-growing flowers. The leaves
are slightly sensitive : on fine sunny days
they spread out fully and afford a pleasant
shade ; on dull ones the leaflets fall down.
It is better raised from seed. A. lophantha,
though not hardy, grows freely in the open
air in summer, and gives graceful verdure
among flowers. It may easily be raised
from seed sown early in the year to give
plants fit for putting out in early summer.
Plants a year old or so, strong and well
hardened off for planting out at the end
of May, are best. A. dealbata may be
grown in gardens in the south, and
against walls. And other kinds, such as
armata and vertidlata are hardier, and
being closer in habit, better fitted for open
air culture away from walls in southern
sheltered gardens.
AC^ENA. — Alpine and rock plants be-
longing to the Rose family. Though not
pretty in their flowers, if we except the
crimson spines that give a charm to the
little New Zealand A. micropJiylla, these
plants have a neat habit of growth that
fits them for very dwarf carpets in the
rock garden, and now and then, to cover
dry parts of borders and tufts on the
margins of borders, they are very useful ;
among the most useful being argentea,
millefolia, pulchella, ovalifolia, and sar-
mentosa, all of free growth and increase.
ACANTHOLIMON (Ptickly Thrift).
— Dwarf mountain herb plants of the Sea
Lavender order, extending from the east
of Greece to Thibet, and having their
headquarters in Persia. The flowers re-
semble those of Statice and Armeria, but
the plants form branching, cushion-like
tufts ; the leaves are rigid and spiny.
They are dwarf evergreen rock-garden
Acaena microphylla.
and choice border plants. We have had
the following species for years, but have
not been very successful in propagating
any except A. glumaceum, which is the
freest in growth, the others being very
slow. Cuttings -taken off in late summer
and kept in a cold frame during winter
make good plants in two years, but
by layering one gets larger plants sooner.
All are hardy, and prefer warm, sunny
ACANTHOPANAX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ACER.
409
situations in sandy loam. There are only
a few kinds in cultivation, such as A.
glumaceum, venustum, and androsacenm.
A. Kotschyiis handsome, with long spikes
rising well above the leaves and white
flowers ; A. melananthum has short,
dense spikes, the limb of the calyx being
Acantholimon glumaceum.
bordered with dark violet or black ; and
other pretty species, not all in cultivation
perhaps, are cephalotes, acerosum, laxi-
florum, libanoticum, and Pinardi^ and so
far as we know them, thriving best on the
sunny rock-garden, in light deep soil.
Where large plants of the rare kinds
exist, it is a good plan to work some
cocoa-nut fibre and sand, in equal parts,
into the tufts in early autumn, but before
doing this some of the shoots should be
gently torn so as to half sever them at a
heel ; water to settle the soil. Many of
the growths thus treated will root by
spring. Cuttings made in the ordinary
way are uncertain, but August or Sept-
ember is the best time to try them. — E. J.
ACANTHOPANAX.—^. ricini-
folium is the most striking of the shrubby
Araliads, hardy and grows freely at Kew.
Professor Rein, of the University of Bonn,
mentions trees 90 feet high, with stem
9 feet to 12 feet in circumference in the
forests ot Yezo, the great northern island
of Japan. A. sessiliflorum is a new species,
a native of China, Manchuria, and Japan.
It has rugose, dark green leaves, consist-
ing of three to five leaflets, the midribs
having a few scattered bristles. A. isspino-
sum. — A small shrub with leaves divided
into five segments (sometimes only three).
The stem is armed with a few sharp
prickles. This plant is more frequently
grown in a greenhouse than out of doors,
more especially the variegated form.
They are both hardy in sheltered-positions,
although they do not grow so freely as in-
doors. A . palmatuni atro-sanquineum, p.
sanquineum, which have very rich crimson
foliage, and pinnatifidum, in which the
leaves are much divided, are the finest of
the Japanese kinds. The plants should
not be grafted. — W. J. B.
ACANTHUS (BeaSs-breech\— Stately
perennials with fine foliage, mostly com-
ing from the countries round the Medi-
terranean, and are hardy, though the
foliage may suiter now and then. On
rocky banks, borders of the bolder sort,
and in almost any position among the
more vigorous hardy plants they look
well, and will live in shade, yet to flower
well should have full sun. Acanthuses
succeed best on warm, deep soil, though
they will grow in almost any garden soil.
They are easy of increase by division of
the roots in winter, and may be raised
from seed. Acanthacece.
Acanthus.
There are several hardy kinds.— A.
hispanicus, A. longifolius, A. mollis, A. in.
latifolius (A. lusita?iicus\ A niger, and A.
spinosissimus.
ACER ( Maple]. — Trees, mostly of
4IO ACER.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ACIPHYLLA.
northern regions, often of the highest value
in pleasure-ground planting, some of the
species breaking into a great number of
varieties. Among the best are the Silver
Maple (A. eriocarpum), naturally a very
beautiful tree, though we get from it
variegated and other forms which are not
of much value, except the cut-leaved one.
The Norway Maple (A. platanoides), a
beautiful tree, has many varieties, the
purple ones being effective. The common
Sycamore Maple (A. Pseudo-platanus)
has also a number of variegated and
other varieties, though none of them
better than the natural tree ; it is doubtful
if there is any finer tree than this when
old. The sycamore walk in the Bishop's
Garden, at Chichester, and the trees near
Knole House, remind us of its fine quali-
ties for avenues or groups ; and it is the
best of forest trees to face the sea, as it
Acer circinatum.
does in Anglesey and many other places.
Our Native Maple (A. campestre), is
also a pretty tree, seldom planted in
gardens, but of which fine trees may be
seen at Mereworth in Kent and many
other places. The variegated forms are
usually tree rubbish. The Virginian or
Red Maple (A. rubrum) is a beautiful
tree, as is also the Sugar Maple (A. sac-
charinum) and the Colchic Maple (A.
laetum). The Japanese Maples are inter-
esting and beautiful, but not quite hardy
and robust, except in the most favoured
districts. Moreover, the fine varieties
are often grafted, which makes them still
less able to endure severe weather. A.
Negundo is the kind which has given us
the much overplanted variegated Maple
so common in gardens. A. Ginnala is
worth mentioning as a low tree — almost a
shrub — whose leaves die off a rich red in
colour. The North American and Euro-
pean species are hardy as forest trees and
thrive in almost any soil, but the Southern
American kinds and Japanese Maples
want warmer soils and positions to thrive
in our climate. The variegated varieties
in this family are too many, and our
nurserymen insist upon sending out many
forms which, however attractive they may
appear to them in the hand, planted out
soon give a poor and even harmful effect.
The known and cultivated species are the following :
Acer campestre, Europe ; caudatum, N. India ; cir-
cinattim, California ; cissifolium, Japan ; carpini-
folium, Japan ; cratcegifolium, Japan ; creticum, Asia
Minor ; diabolicuin, Japan ; distylutn, Japan ; erio-
carpum, N. America ; glabrum, N. America ; grandi-
dentatum, N. America ; Heldreichi, E Europe ;
heterophyllum, E. Europe ; hyrcanum, Caucasus ;
insigne, Persia: japonicit»i, Japan; Lobeli, S. Italy;
macrophylliim, California ; micranthnm, Japan ;
monspessnlanum, S. Europe ; Negundo, N. America ;
nikoense, Japan ; opulifoliuin, Europe ; palmatnm,
Japan ; pectinatum, N. India ; pennsylvanicum, N.
America; pictum, Japan; platanoides, N. Europe;
Pseudoplatanns, Europe, Asia ; rubrum, N. America ;
rufinerve, Japan \saccharinum, N. America ; Sieboldi-
anunt, Japan; sikkimense , N. India; spicatum, N.
America ; tataricum, E. Europe ; Volxemi, Caucasus.
ACHILLEA (Milfoil, Ycirrowj. -
Hardy herbaceous and Alpine plants
spread through Northern Asia, S. Europe,
and Asia Minor, varying in height from
2 in. to 4 ft., their flowers being pale
lemon, yellow, and white, but rarely pink
or rose. They grow freely in most garden
soils, and, with the exception of the
dwarfer mountain species, increase rapidly.
Some of the large kinds are fine plants
for groups, as A. Eupatorinm. The alpine
kinds, such as A. tomentosa, are for the
rock-garden, or margins of choice borders.
The best of the larger kinds are ex-
cellent for large groups in mixed borders
and also in shrubberies ; among the best
being A. Eupatorium, A. Fili-pendula,
A. millefolium roseum (a rose-coloured
variety of a native plant), and A. Ptarmica
(the Sneezewort), the double variety
being one of the best perennials. The
variety known as the " Pearl " is a larger
improved form. A. ^Egeratum (Sweet
Maudlin) is a distinct old kind, about 2
feet high.
The dwarfer species come in for groups
for the rock garden or the margins of rock
borders, and, occasionally, as edging
plants, most of them growing freely and
being easy of increase ; but some of the
higher Alpine kinds are not very enduring
in our open winters. Among the best
are A. aurea, A. rupesttis, A. tomentosa,
and A. Clavenna.
ACIPHYLLA.— A small and not im-
portant group of New Zealand plants,
suitable for the rock-garden in sandy soil.
They may be raised from seeds or by
division. A. Colensoi'^ quite a bush with
bayonet-like spines, and A. squarrosa is
called the Bayonet plant for this reason.
ACONITUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ACTINIDIA.
411
ACONITUM (Monkshood).—l2\\ and
handsome herbaceous plants, of theButter-
cup order, dangerous from their poison-
ous roots. There are many names — not
so many species, — of value for our gar-
dens. They should not be planted where
the roots could be by any chance dug up
by mistake for edible roots, as they are so
deadly : almost all the kinds may be easily
Aconitum Napellus (Monkshood).
naturalised in copses or shrubberies away
from the garden proper, or beside stream-
lets or in openings in rich bottoms.
The best kinds are A. Napellus and its
forms, versicolor and others ; A. chinense,
A. autumnale, A.japonicum, and A. tauri-
cum ; A. Lycoctonum is a yellow-flowered
and vigorous species. They are from
3 ft. to 5 ft. high and flower from July to
September. A. Fortunei, the old A.
chinense of gardens, is the best for late
blooming.
ACORUS (Sweet Flag).— Waterside or
marsh plants of the arum order, easily
cultivated, and of wide distribution. A.
Calamus (Sweet Flag) is a marsh or water-
side plant, now naturalised in most parts
of Europe. A variety has gold-striped
leaves. A. gramineus (Grass-leaved
Acorus) has a slender creeping rhizome
covered with numerous Grass-like leaves,
from 4 in. to 6 in. in length, and
there is a variety with white-streaked
leaves. This plant is often seen in the
little bronze trays of water-plants in
Japanese gardens and houses. China.
ACROCLINIUM.— A.roseumjhK, only
species, is a pretty half-hardy annual
from Western Australia, growing over
i foot high with rosy-pink flowers, which,
owing to their chaffiness, are used as
"everlasting" flowers. Seeds should be
sown in frames in March, and the
seedlings planted at the end of April or
early in May in a warm border ; or the
seeds may be sown in the open ground
in fine rich soil at the end of April. If
the flowers are to be dried as everlast-
ings, it will be well to gather them when
fresh and young — some when scarcely
out of the bud state. This annual might
be 'made graceful use of in mixed beds.
There is a white variety. Composites.
A C T JE A (Baneberry}. — Vigorous
perennials of the Buttercup order, 3 ft.
to 6 ft. high, thriving in free soil ; flower
spikes, white and long, with showy
berries. The white Baneberry has white
berries with red footstalks. The var.
rubra of A. spicata has showy fruit ; the
plants are best suited for rich bottoms
in the wild garden, as though the foliage
and habit are good, the flowers are short-
lived in the ordinary border, and some-
what coarse in habit. A. spicata (com-
mon Baneberry or Herb Christopher),
A. racemosa (Black Snakeroot), A. alba
(white Baneberry), having white berries
with red stalks, and one or two American
forms of the common Baneberry are in
cultivation. The flowers have often a
very unpleasant smell.
ACTINELLA. — North American com-
posites of which there are three kinds in
gardens, dwarf-growing plants with yellow
flowers. The finest is A. grandiflora
(Pigmy Sunflower), a native of Colorado,,
an alpine plant with flower-heads 3 in.
in diameter, growing from 6 in. to 9 in.
high. The other species, A. acaulis, A.
Brandegei, and A. scaposa, are somewhat
similar. They are all perennial, and
thrive in a light soil.
ACTINIDIA. — Climbing summer-leaf-
ing shrubs of the Camellia order from
Japan and China,thriving in warm rich soil.
They all have climbing or twining stems
and bear waxy white flowers. A. Kolomik-
ta should be grown against a wall or
against a buttress or tree trunk placed
against the wall, on which the stems sup-
port themselves. The leaves are brightly
tinted in autumn, and the flowers of A.,
polygama are fragrant. A. volubilis is
free-growing and has small white flowers.
4i2 ADENOPHORA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
.T.SCULUS.
ADENOPHORA (Gland Bellflower}.—
Hardy perennials of the Bellflower family,
1 8 in. to over 3 ft. high. They are
mostly from Siberia and Dahuria, with
flowers generally blue in colour. Some
of the most distinct species are A. corono-
pi folia, A. denticulata, A. Lamarckii, A.
liliiflora, A. polymorpha, A. stylosa, and
A. pereski&folia. In these occur slight
variations in colour and size of flower.
Their thick fleshy roots revel in a rich
loam, and like a damp subsoil ; they are
impatient of removal, and should not be
increased by division. Unlike the Platy-
codons, they seed freely, and are easily
increased.
ADIANTUM (Maidenhair Fern).—
Elegant ferns, few of which are hardy,
growing best in a rough fibry peat,
mixed with sand and lumps of broken
stone or brick. A. pedattim, the hardy N.
American kind, is charming among shade-
loving plants in the wild garden with the
more beautiful wood-flowers, such as
Trillium, Hepatica, and blue Anemone, in
moist soil. A. Capillus veneris, the
British Maidenhair Fern, is best in a
sheltered nook at the foot of a shady wall,
and in the southern warmer countries
might be found near fountain basins and
moist corners of the rock garden and
hardy fernery. There are several varie-
ties or forms of this Maidenhair.
ADLUMIA (Climbing Fumitory).—
Climbing biennial plants. One species
only (A.cirrhosd) is known, a rapid grower.
Its Maidenhair-Fern-like leaves are borne
on slender twining stems with abundant
white blossoms, about \ in. long. There is
a variety with purple flowers. It thrives in
a warm soil, and its place is trailing over
a shrub or twiggy branch, placed either
against a wall or in the open.
ADONIS (Pheasants Eye}.— Beautiful
perennial or biennial plants, belonging to
the Buttercup order, chiefly natives of
cornfields in Europe and Western Asia,
dwarf, with finely divided leaves, and red,
yellow, or straw-coloured flowers. A.
vernalis (Ox-Eye] is a handsome Alpme
herb, forming dense tufts 8 in. to 15 in.
Adlumia cirrhosa.
high of finely divided leaves in whorls
along the stems. Blooming in spring,
with large, yellow, Anemone-like flowers
3 in. in diameter. Of A. vernalis there
are several varieties, the chief being A.
•v. sibirica, which differs in having larger
flowers. A. apennina is a later-blooming
form, and is a good plant for moist spots
on the rock-garden. A. pyrenaica is from
the Eastern Pyrenees, but with broader
petals. A. amurensis is a new kind from
Manchuria, with finely cut leaves, bloom-
ing with the snowdrop, and seems to be
of easy culture. A. autumnalis is a pretty
bright-coloured annual.
The rock-garden or borders of sandy
loam suits the perennial kinds well.
Division, or by seed sown as soon as
gathered.
JESCULUS (Horse Chestnut, Buckeye}.
— The Horse Chestnuts are mostly me-
dium-sized trees, hardy in nearly every
soil, and excellent for park and garden.
/ETHIONEMA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
AGATH^A. 413
The common variety is an exception as to
size, and one of the most beautiful of
flowering trees. There is at least one
handsome variety of it with very long
spikes. The red Buckeye (jE. Pavia)
is a handsome small tree, with dense and
large foliage, together with bright red
flowers in large loose clusters in early
summer. Sometimes it rises from 15 to
20 ft. high, but some of its varieties are
only low-spreading or trailing shrubs. sE.
humilis, pendula, arguta, and laciniata
are forms of sE. Pavia, and the plants
are useful for grouping with taller trees.
AZ. flava (the yellow Buckeye) is common,
and sometimes 40 ft. high. It has some-
thing of the habit of the red Horse Chest-
nut (;£. rttbicunda), but smoother leaves.
A variety called purpurascens (sometimes
AZ. discolor) has much showier flowers,
larger, and of a reddish tint. The ^Esculi,
named in gardens and nurseries as ^E.
neglect a, hybrida, pubescens, Lyoni, rosea,
and pallida, may be included in one of
the foregoing species, and some differ
but slightly from them. They are all low
trees or large shrubs, coming into leaf
early and losing their foliage in early
autumn, especially in light or dry soils.
One of the best of all the forms is the
brightly-coloured sE. Brioti. A distinct
species is the Californian Buckeye (;£.
californica\ which in this country does
not usually rise above shrub height. It
has slender-stalked leaves, broad leaf-
lets, and in early summer dense erect
clusters of white or pinkish fragrant
flowers ; a valuable hardy tree. Quite
different from the rest is the North
American AZ. parviflora (dwarf Horse
Chestnut), a handsome shrub, 6 ft. to
10 ft. high, flowering in late summer. Its
foliage is much like that of other ^Esculi,
and its small white fragrant flowers are
in long, erect, plume-flowers. A variety
of the preceding, ^E. macrostachya, is an
August-blooming North American shrub
of great beauty. The growth is spreading
and bushy, with creamy white flowers in
dense plumy spikes. A specimen on the
outskirts of the lawn is effective. We have
grouped the Pavias with the ^Esculus.
£1THIONEMA— A beautiful group of
Alpine and rock plants found on the
sunny mountains near the Mediterra-
nean. They grow freely in borders of
well-drained sandy loam, but their true
home is the rock-garden. The tall JE.
grandiftorum forms a spreading bush
about i ft. high, from which spring
numerous racemes of pink and lilac
flowers. It also grows well in borders
in ordinary soil, and, when in flower
in summer, is among the loveliest of
alpine half-shrubby plants. As the stems
are prostrate, a good effect will come
from planting them where the roots
may descend into deep earth, and the
shoots fall over the face of rocks at about
the level of the eye. Easily raised from
seed, and thrive in sandy loam. There
are many species, but few are in gardens.
All the cultivated kinds are dwarf, and
may be grouped with alpine plants. The
other best kinds are A. cotidifolium^ A.
pulchellum, A. persicum.
AGAPANTHUS(4/m-rt;zZz7y).— Beau-
tiful bulbous plants from the Cape, with blue
or white flowers in umbels on stems i8in.
to 4 ft. high. A. umbellatus, the old kind,
is hardy in some mild seashore districts,
and a fine plant in rich warm soil, but
better for the protection of leaves or
cocoa fibre round the root in winter. It
is worth growing for the flower garden
and vases in summer, but should be pro-
tected in winter by storing under stages,
in sheds or cellars. The fleshy roots may
be so stored without potting. Enjoysplenty
of water during out-of-door growth, and is
easily increased by division. Various new
kinds have been introduced, but their out-
of-door value has not been so well tested
as the favourite old African Lily. Of the
best-known kind, A. umbellatus, there
are several varieties ; major and maximus
are both larger than the type, and of
maximus there is a white-flowered variety.
There is a smaller one with white flowers,
one with double flowers, and variegated-
leaved kinds. A. Sounder sonianus is a
distinct variety with deeper-coloured
flowers than the type.
The largest is A. umbellatus gigaiitetis,
the flower-spikes of which attain a height
of from 3 ft. to 4 ft., with umbels bearing
from 1 50 to 200 flowers. The colour is a
gentian blue, while the buds are of a deeper
hue. A. u. pallidus is a pale porcelain
blue, a short-leaved variety. A. u. minor
is a dwarf variety. Of A. timbellatus
there is a double-flowered variety, a dis-
tinct plant. There is, moreover, A. u,
atrocceruleus, a dark violet variety. A. 21.
maximus has flower-stalks 4 ft. long, and
full heads of flowers, one set opening while
a second is rising to fill up the truss as
the first crop fades. A. u. Mooreanus
deciduous and hardy ; it grows from 12 in.
to 1 8 in. high, has narrow leaves, and
conies true from seed. A. u. albiftorus,
a pure white kind, also is deciduous, the
leaves turning yellow in autumn and dying
off. It forms a stout root-crown.
AGATH^EA (Blue Daisy}. A. ccelestis
is a tender spreading Daisy-like plant, with
AGAVE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
AILANTUS.
blue flowers, useful for the margins of beds.
There is also a pretty golden variegated
form. It is among the prettiest of the
half-hardy bedding plants, but is not so
effective or good on heavy soils. Cuttings
or seed.
AGAVE. — Tropical-looking succulent
plants of the Amaryllis order, of which
the common kind, A. americana and its
variegated varieties are useful for placing
out-of-doors in summer in vases or pots
plunged in the ground, and also for
the conservatory in winter. When the
plant flowers, which it does only once,
and after several years' growth, it sends
up a flowering stem, from 26 ft. to nearly
40 ft. high. The flowers are a yellowish-
green, and are very numerous on the ends
of the chandelier-like branches. It may
be placed out-of-doors at the end of May,
and should be brought in in October.
Easily increased from suckers. A. Deserti,
utahensis, ccerulescens, and Shaivi have
lately come into cultivation, and are
supposed to be hardy, in which case they
•will be interesting for the rock-garden.
North America.
AGERATUM (Floss Flowet ).— Half-
hardy herbaceous plants, varying in height
from 6 in. to 24 in., with pale-blue, laven-
der, or white blossoms. The dwarf Agera-
tums are among the best, but all are great-
ly overvalued, though they are among the
most lasting of summer bedding plants,
and as they will withstand a few degrees
of frost they may be planted out earlier
than most of the bedding plants. The
flowers are not readily injured by rain, and
do not fade in colour, but continue the same
throughout the long flowering season.
There are numerous varieties of varying
merit, some in good soil attaining a height
of 2 ft., and others not more than 6 in.
The very dwarf kinds are disappointing ;
they flower so freely, and the growth of
the plants is so sparse, that they always
appear stunted. For back lines in bor-
ders, or for grouping in mixed flower
borders, there is no variety better than
the oldest kind, A. mexicanum. They strike
best when placed on a gentle bottom-heat,
and will winter in any position where there
is plenty of light, and the temperature
does not go below 40°. Cuttings. — W. W.
AGROSTEMMA (Rose Campion).— A.
coronaria is a beautiful old flower, of the
Pink family, hardy and free, most at home
in chalky and dry soils. It is a woolly
plant, 2 ft. to 3 ft. high, bearing many
rosy-crimson flowers, in summer and
autumn, easily raised from seed, excellent
for borders, beds, and naturalisation on dry
banks. It is biennial or often perishes on
some soils. There is a white variety and
a double red one ; the last is a good
plant. The name is sometimes given to
the annual Viscanas. A. Githago is a
large annual, occasionally grown in
botanic gardens. A. Walkeri is a hybrid
between A. coronaria and A. Flos-Jovis,
very compact, free flowering, and rich in
colour.
A.GROSTIS (Cloud Grass}.— A large
family of Grasses, the best of which
in the garden are the annual kinds so
useful when dried. There are some
half-a-dozen annual kinds grown, the
Young Ailantus tree with Cannas.
best A. nebtilosa, which forms delicate
tufts about 15 in. high, and is useful for
rooms. If cut shortly before the seed
ripens and dried in the shade, it will keep
for a long time. The seed may be sown
either in September or in April or May,
and lightly covered. A. Stcveni, multi-
flora^ and plumosa require the same
treatment. A. Spicaventi is very grace-
ful, especially if grown from self-sown
seeds. A. pulchella is also useful for the
same purpose, dwarfer and stiffer than A
nebulosa.
AILANTUS (Tree of Heaven}.— £
Chinese hardy tree, young plants of
which cut down every year give a good
effect. It should be kept when young
with a single stem clothed with its
fine leaves. This can be done by cutting
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
ALLOSORUS.
415
down annually, taking care to prevent it
from breaking into an irregular head.
Vigorous young plants and suckers in
good soil will produce handsome arching
leaves 5 ft. or more long, not surpassed
by those of any stove plant. Cuttings of
the roots.
AIRA (Hair Grass], — Graceful grasses,
of which one of the prettiest is A.pulchella,
with many hair-like stems, growing in light
tufts 6in.high. It is useful forforming grace-
ful edgings, amongst plants in borders, or
for pots for rooms. Its delicate panicles
give a charm to the finest bouquets. Seed
may be sown either in September or in
April. This comes from South Europe,
and the British A. ccespitosa is handsome.
A. c. vivipara, with its innumerable
panicles of graceful viviparous awns, re-
sembles a miniature Pampas Grass. A.
flexuosa (the Waved Hair grass) is a
pretty and graceful perennial. Of easy
culture in ordinary garden soil.
AJUGA (Bugle],— A small family of
dwarf herbs of the sage order, flowering
in spring and early summer, and having
blue flowers. They grow on mountain
genevensis.
or lowland pastures, are easily cultivated
and increased by division. A, genevensis
is among the best, and is distinguished
from the Common native Bugle (A.
reptans) by the absence of creeping shoots.
The flower-stems are erect, from 6 in. to
9 in. high ; the flowers deep blue, and
in a close spike. It is suitable for the
front of mixed borders or for the margin
of shrubberies, and also for naturalising.
There is a white variety of A. reptans, also
a form with variegated leaves, and another
with purplish ones, this being finer than
the type.
AKEBIA. — Of these climbing or twin-
ing shrubs of the Barberry order, A,
quinata is best known. It comes from
China, often grown in greenhouses, but
hardy. It is a good plant for a trellis, per-
gola, wall, or any such place in cold dis-
tricts, growing 12 ft. or more high. In
southern localities it does not need this, but
rambles like a Clematis. It is best to let
it run over an Evergreen, being then better
protected against cold winds, which may
injur e its flowers. It has long slender
shoots, and fragrant claret purple flowers
of two kinds — large and small, which are
produced in drooping spikes. The
Japanese^, lobata is a climber of elegant
growth, and, although the flowers are
small and dull, they are very fragrant.
ALISMA (Water Plantain}. —Water
plants, of which two are fitted for growing
with hardy aquatic plants. A, Plantago, is
rather stately in habit, having tall panicles
of pretty pink flowers. When once planted
it sows itself freely. The other kind is
A, ranunculoides, a few inches high, in
summer bearing many rosy blossoms.
Both are adapted for wet ditches, margins
of pools, and lakes. A. natans is a small
floating pretty British plant. There are
one or two Chinese kinds, single and
double.
ALLIUM (Garlic, Chive, Onion},—
Liliaceous bulbs. Not often important
for the garden, and frequently with an
unpleasant odour when crushed ; but to
growers of collections there are some in-
teresting kinds, of which a few are worth
growing. They thrive in ordinary
soil, the bulbs increasing rapidly. Some
kinds give off little bulblets, which
in certain situations make them too
numerous. The following are among
the kinds worthy of culture : A, neapoli-
tanum,paradoxum, ciliatum, subhirsutum,
Clusianum pulchellum, triquetrum (all
with white flowers), azureum and cceru-
leum (blue), pedemontanum (mauve),
Moly and flavum (yellow), fragrans
(sweet scented), oreophyllum (crimson),
descendens (deep crimson), narcissiftorum
(purplish), Murray anum, acuminatum,
and Macnabianuni (deep rose). These
mostly grow from I ft. to 18 in. high, some
2 ft. or 3 ft.
ALLOSORUS (Parsley Fern}.— A.
4i6
ALXUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ALSTROMEKIA.
crispus is a beautiful little British Fern
found m mountainous districts. It re-
quires abundance of air and light, but
should be shaded from the hot sun. In
the rock-garden it does well between large
stones, with broken stones about its roots,
and its fronds just peeping out of the
crevice.
ALNUS (Alder). — A somewhat
neglected group of trees which have some
value in moist places and to help to bind the
banks of streams. Of the native kind A.
glutinosa there are several varieties, and of
the cut-leaved one there are fine specimens
at Wynnstay and many other places. A.
incana has also several varieties seldom
of more value than the wild tree. Among
other cultivated kinds are japonica, cordi-
folia, barbata, occidentalis, Oregona, and
l&ff*
Alnus ar'.utinosa
serndata : all of easy culture. None are
of greater value as to effect than our own
native kind.
The common Alder does not seem to
have been regarded with much favour by
many writers, but Gilpin places it, after
the Weeping Willow, as the most pic-
turesque of all. With Gilpin Sir Thomas
Dick Lauder fully agrees. He says : —
It is always associated in our minds with
river scenery, both of that tranquil description
which is most frequently to be met with in the
vales of England, and with that of a wilder and
more stirring character which is to be found
among the glens and ravines of Scotland. In
very many instances we have seen it put on so
much of the bold, resolute character of the
Oak, that it might have been mistaken for
that tree but for the depth of its green hue.
The river Mole may doubtless furnish the
traveller with very beautiful specimens of the
Alder, as it may also furnish an example of
quiet English scenery, but this is too high a
value to place on the tree, but nowhere will
the tree be found in greater perfection than on
the banks of the river Findhorn and its tributary
streams.
An advantage the tree possesses is its
tendency to retain its foliage. There is,
however, a great deal of difference in this
respect among the species and varieties.
Although in a state of Nature most of the
Alders are found where their roots have
an abundant supply of moisture, they
will grow well in Britain in all but the
lightest soils.
ALONSOA (Mask-flower}. — Mostly
Peruvian annual plants, of the Snapdragon
order, of which the best species are A.
lVarscewiczi,'ha\\r\g small bright orange-
red flowers ; A. linifolia, and A. acutifolia,
— a slender-growing herb ; A. incisifolia,
also a pretty kind ; similar to this is A.
myrtifolia of vigorous habit with flowers
larger than any other kind, and of a more
intense scarlet than those of A. linifolia ;
A. rt/&/?0r« has pure white flowers, yellow
in the centre, and A. linearis has a pro-
fusion of light scarlet flowers. All the
species are easily grown, both in pots and
the open ground : from seed in spring
and also by cuttings in the spring.
ALOYSIA (Sweet Verbena].— A. citrio-
dora is a fragrant-leaved bush with
small and not showy flowers. Its pale
green foliage goes well with any flower,
and it may be grown against a sunny wall,
where, if protected by a heap of ashes
over its roots and a warm straw mat over
its branches, it will pass through the
winter safely. If uncovered too soon in
spring, the young growths get nipped by
late frosts. It is increased from cuttings
and is a hardy wall plant in mild seashore
districts, but not so common, owing to the
cold, in inland districts. Verbena order,
Chili. Syn. Lippia.
ALSTROMEBIA (Peruvian Lily}.—
Handsome tuberous plants of the Ama-
ryllis order, which require a richly
manured and thoroughly warm and well-
drained soil, the best .place being a south
border, or along the front of a wall hav-
ing a warm aspect, where, if the soil is
not light and dry, it should be made so.
Dig out the ground to the depth of 3 ft.,
and spread 6 in. or so of brick rubbish
over the bottom of the border. Shake
over the drainage a coating of half-rotten
leaves or short littery manure, to prevent
the soil from running through the inter-
stices of the bricks, and stopping up the
drainage. If the natural soil be stiff, a
portion should be exchanged for an equal
quantity of leaf soil, or other light vege-
table mould, and a barrow-load of sand.
The plants should be procured in pots, as
they rarely succeed from divisions, and,
once planted, should never be interfered
with. Place them in rows about 18 in.
ALSTROMERIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ALSTROMERIA. 417
apart, and with I ft. from plant to plant. If
planted during the winter, they should be
placed from 6 in. to 9 in. deep, so as to
keep them from frost ; and a few inches
of half-rotten leaves shaken over the soil.
Should there be any difficulty in obtain-
ing established plants in pots to start
with, seed may be had ; and this sow in
pots or beds where the plants are to re-
main. The seeds should be sown 2 or- 3
in. deep, with three or four in a patch. If
well treated, they will begin to bloom at
a year old, and if not disturbed will in-
varying much in their colour markings.
While growing and blooming they should
have occasional watering, otherwise they
get too dry, and ripen off prematurely.
A good mulching of old Mushroom dung
or of leaf soil is a great assistance while
in bloom. When going out of flower
carefully remove the seed-heads, other-
wise the plants are apt to become ex-
hausted, as almost every flower sets. In
removing the pods, do not shorten the
stems or reduce the leaves in any way,
as all are needed to ripen the tubers and
Alstromeria (Peruvian Lily).
crease in strength and beauty every sea-
son. If one takes the seed of Alstro-
merias as soon as it is ripe and sows it,
every seed will germinate the first season.
It is also much better to sow three to five
seeds in each pot and let the seedlings
remain in the same pot the first year. The
young plants of Alstromerias are very
difficult to handle, being as brittle as
glass, and a very great percentage will die
if replanted when still young.
When grown in masses in this way
they are very beautiful, as every stem
furnishes a large number of flowers,
form fresh crowns for the following year.
Any one having deep light sandy soil rest-
ing on a dry bottom may grow these
beautiful flowering plants without prepar-
ation ; all that is necessary being to pick
out a well-sheltered spot, and to give the
surface a slight mulching on the approach
of severe weather. No trouble is involved
in staking and tying, for the stems are
strong enough to support themselves,
unless in very exposed situations. They
last long when cut.
The species in cultivation are
A. aurantiaca (A, aurea}.— A vigorous
E E
4i8 ALTERNANTHERA. THE ENGLISH F LOWER GARDEN.
ALTH.^A.
growing Chilian kind, 2ft. to 4ft. high,
flowering in summer and autumn. The
flowers are large, orange yellow, streaked
with red, and umbels of from 10 to 15
blooms terminating the stems.
A. brasiliensis.— A distinct kind with
red and green flowers, and dwarfer than
the preceding. Known also as A. psit-
iacina.
A. chilensis. — A quite hardy kind from
Chili, with many varieties that give a wide
range of colours from almost white to
deep orange and red.
A. Pelegrina.— Not so tall or robust
as the last ; but the flowers are larger,
whitish, and beautifully streaked and
veined with purple. There are several
varieties, including a white one, (A. p.
alba] which requires protection. When
well grown it is a fine pot plant, compact,
and crowned with almost pure white
flowers. It is called the Lily of the Incas.
A. peregrina is synonymous.
Other good kinds are the hardy
variable-coloured A. versicolor (A. peru-
mana) and St. Martin's flower (A. pul-
chra\ this, however, requiring protec-
tion.
ALTERNANTHERA (Joy- Weed}.—
Little tropical weeds of the Amaranthus
order, which, owing to their colour, have
been used in our gardens far beyond
their merits. These tender plants are
natives of Brazil, and can be used
only in the more favoured parts of the
country. The varieties range in colour
of foliage from dull purple to bad yellow,
and why they are used in flower gardens
is a question to which no good answer can
be given.
ALTHJEA (Hollyhock}.— Biennial or
perennial plants of the Mallow family
consisting chiefly of coarse-growing plants.
Some, such as A. rosea, from which the
Hollyhock has sprung, are showy garden
flowers. The other wild species are
generally characterised by great vigour,
and hence are not very suitable for the
choice flower garden. They thrive in
almost any situation or soil. Among them
A. armeniaca, officinalis, narbonensis,
cannabina, fici folia, Hildebrandti hirsuta,
caribcea, Froloviana syriacusjavatercefolia
are the best — mostly natives of S. Europe
and the East, flowering in summer and
autumn.
A. rosea (Hollyhock}. — One of the
noblest of hardy plants, and there are
many positions in almost all gardens where
it would add to the general effect. For
breaking up ugly lines of shrubs or walls,
and for forming back-grounds, its tall
column-like growth is well fitted. So, too,
it is valuable for bold and stately effects
among or near flower beds. Cottage bee-
keepers would do well to grow a few
Hollyhocks, for bees are fond of their
flowers.
CULTURE. — Deep cultivation, much
manure, frequent waterings in dry weather,
with occasional soakings of liquid manure,
Althaea rosea (Double-flowered Hollyhock).
will secure fine spikes and flowers. Holly-
hocks require good garden soil, trenched
to the depth of 2 ft. A wet soil is good
in summer, but injurious in winter, and to
prevent surface wet from injuring old
plants left in the open ground remove the
mould round their necks, filling up with
about 6 in. of white sand. This will pre-
serve the crowns of the plants. It is best,
ALTH.^A.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
419
however, if fine flowers are desired, to
plant young plants every year, as one
would Dahlias, putting them 3 ft. apart
in rows at least 4 ft. apart ; or if grouped
in beds, not less than 3 ftt apart. In May
or June, when the spikes have grown i ft.
high, thin them out according to the
strength of the plant, if well established
and strong, leaving four spikes, and if
weak two or three. When for exhibition,
leave only one spike, and to get fine
blooms cut off .the side shoots, thin the
flower buds if crowded together, and
remove the top of the spike, according to
the height desired, taking into considera-
tion the usual height and habit of the
plant. By topping you increase the size
of the flower, but at the same time shorten
its duration, and perhaps disfigure its
appearance. Stake them before they get
too high, tying them securely, so as to
induce them to grow erect. The most
robust will not require a stake higher than
4 ft. If the weather is dry, they may be
watered with a solution of guano or any
other liquid manure poured carefully
round the roots, but not too near the stem.
But it is in the garden, not the exhibition,
one wants the Hollyhock.
PROPAGATION is effected from eyes,
cuttings, seeds, or careful division. Holly-
hocks may be propagated by single eyes,
put in in July and August, and also by
cuttings put in in spring, on a slight hot-
bed. Plants raised in summer are best
preserved by putting them in October
into 4-in. or 5-in. pots in light, rich, sandy
earth, and then placing them in a cold
frame or greenhouse, giving them plenty
of air on all favourable occasions. Thus
treated they will grow a little in winter.
In March or April turn them out into the
open ground, and they will bloom as finely
and as early as if planted in autumn.
Plants put out even in May will flower the
same year. If seeds are sown in autumn
in a box or pan in heat, as soon as they
are ripe, potted off and grown on in a pot
through the winter, and planted out the fol-
lowing April, they will flower in the same
summer and autumn. If allowed to remain
in the beds or borders where they have
flowered, choice Hollyhocks often perish
from damp, or from snow settling round
their collars, or penetrating the cavity left
by the too close removal of the flower-
stems. At the approach of winter, say in
October, carefully lift all it is desired to
save, and lay them close together in a
slanting direction, at an angle of about
45°, in a warm mellow soil at the foot of a
wall or hedge, where, in hard weather,
shelter can easily be given. The ground
that is to receive them can then be
thoroughly worked in winter, and if a
little rotten turf is put in with them
when replanted in March or April, good
spikes and large flowers may be ex-
pected. Choice and scarce varieties may
be either potted up or planted out in
a frame. Potting them is the better way,
because they can be placed in a green-
house or vinery, on shelves near the glass.
Some of the stools will have numerous
growths starting from them, and unless
the plants have a little heat early in the
year, many of the cuttings cannot be pro-
pagated soon enough to flower the same
season. Growers in the south of England
have an advantage with these spring-
struck cuttings as there is quite three
weeks' difference between the time of
flowering in the south and in the northern
districts of England and in Scotland.
Root-grafting gives the propagator a
little advantage, and early in the year
the plants are propagated more readily
in a light frame fixed in a heated propa-
gating house. A hotbed is uncertain,
as there is sometimes too much heat,
and then not enough. Although the
young side shoots of old stocks will root in
a gentle bottom-heat in spring, they may
also be increased in July, just before the
plants come into flower. The side shoots
from the flower-spikes, or the smaller
flower - spikes, if they can be spared,
should be cut up into single joints, and
dibbled in thickly in a prepared bed in a
frame or pit, where they can be kept
close and cared for by shading from bright
sunshine, and sprinkling occasionally with
water that has been warmed by standing
in the sun. Nearly every cutting will
then develop a bud from the axil of the
leaf, rapidly strike root, and make a good
strong plant by the following spring ; as
a rule, young plants propagated at this
season give the best spikes. When cut-
ting down the flowering stems of Holly-
hocks after blooming, they should be left
a good length, as they are impatient of
damp about their crowns ; in spring the
old stems may be removed altogether.
Owing to the Hollyhock disease it is often
a better plan to abandon the named kinds
increased from cuttings and resort to
seedlings only for stock. This way is all
the more sure, as seed growers of late
years have fixed and separated the colours
so that a fine variety of good ones may
be secured in this way, while the plants
are more vigorous, and in any case will
often start free from the disease.
INSECT PESTS AND DISEASES. — Red
spider and thrips are both very trouble-
E E 2
420 ALYSSUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
AMARANTHUS.
some, but the first does most injury. It
appears on the under sides of the leaves
as soon as the hot weather sets in, and is
difficult to dislodge. If there is any trace
of red spider before planting out, the whole
plant, except the roots, should be dipped
in a pail of soft soapy water, to which a
pint or so of tobacco liquid has been
added. It will be well to syringe the
under sides of the leaves with the mixture
if the plants have been planted out before
the pest is perceived. Thrips may be de-
stroyed in the same way, and it is well to
syringe the plants every day in hot
weather.
THE HOLLYHOCK FUNGUS (Puccinia
malvacearuui) is very destructive to the
Hollyhock. When once it seizes a col-
lection, probably the best way is to destroy
all the plants affected. Those that do not
appear to be attacked should be washed
with soapy water in which flowers of
sulphur has been dissolved. The sulphur
will settle at the bottom of the vessel, and
must be frequently stirred up when the
mixtuie is being used. Sulphur seems to
destroy almost any fungus ; and may de-
stroy this in its very earliest stages, but
will not when established.
ALYSSUM (Madwort\ — Rock and
alpine plants, the species much resemb-
ling each other. A. saxatile (the Rock
Madwort or Gold Dust) is one of the
most valuable of yellow spring flowers,
hardy in all parts of these islands. The
colour of its masses of bloom and its
vigour have made it one of the best-
known plants. It is often grown in half-
shady places ; but like most rock-plants
it should be fully exposed. It is well
fitted for the spring garden, and the
mixed border, and for association with
evergreen Candytufts and Aubrietias. In
winter it perishes in heavy rich clays
when on the level ground. A native of
Southern Russia, it flowers with us in
April or May. There is a dwarfer variety,
distinguished by the name of A. saxatile
compaction, but it differs very little from
the old plant. A. Gemwiensehasthe habit
of A. saxatile, but larger flowers. A. mon-
tanum is a dwarf plant, spreading into
compact tufts, 3 in. high. A. podolicum,
is a small hardy alpine from South Russia.
It has in early summer, a profusion of
small white blossoms, and is suited for the
rock-garden or the margins of borders.
A. pyre?iaicum is a neat rock-plant with
white flowers. A. spinoswn is a silvery
little bush with white flowers. A. ser-
Pyllifolium is a grey-green leaved form,
with yellow flowers. Small plants quickly
become Liliputian bushes, 3 in. to 6 in.
high ; and when fully exposed, are almost
as compact as Moss.
Among other kinds sometimes grown
are A. IViersbecki, and A. olympicum,
but they are not quite so good as the com-
mon kind. The alpine and rock kinds are
Alyssum montanun
of easy culture in light or dry soil, as indeed
are all the species. A. maritimum is the
Sweet Alyssum, a small annual with white
flowers, useful as a carpet plant. It grows
on the tops of walls in the west country,
and in sandy places. In these situations
it is perennial, but in gardens is grown as
an annual, sowing itself freely. There is
a variegated form.
AMARANTHUS (Prince's Feather,
Love-lies-bleeding). — Annual plants, some
of distinct habit and striking colour. The
old Love-lies-bleeding (A. caudatus) with
its dark red pendent racemes, is a fine plant
when well grown, butA.spectesus and some
other varieties are finer. The more vigor-
ous species grow from 2 to 5 ft. high. It is
best to give them room to spread, otherwise
much of their picturesque effect will be
lost ; and to use them in positions where
their peculiar habit may be seen to ad-
vantage, as, for example, in large vases
and edges of bold beds. Easily raised
as any annual, they deserve to be well
thinned out and put in rich ground, so that
they may attain full size. The foliage of
some varieties is very rich in its hues, and
planted with Canna, Wigandia, Ricinus,
Solanum, their effect is good. The varie-
ties of A. tricolor require a light soil and
a warmer place. They do well in gardens
by the seaside, and sow the seed in April
AMARYLLIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
AMELANCHIER. 42!
in a hot bed, pricking out the seedlings in a
hot bed, and plant out about the end of
May. The cultivated kinds embrace bi-
color, tricolor, atro-purptireus. A. melan-
cholicus ruber, a useful bedding plant
with bright crimson leaves, A. Henderi,
A. salicifolius, and A. s. Princess of Wales
may be used in the summer garden with
good effect. Amaranthus order. Old and
new world.
Amaranthus (Prince's Feather).
AMARYLLIS.— Showy bulbous tropi-
cal plants few of the species of which are
hardy, though the beautiful Belladonna
Lily (A. Belladonna] may be grown well
in the open air, and is, in fact, almost too
free in some soils in Cornwall. It is a
noble bulbous plant from the Cape of
Good Hope, from i£ ft. to 3 ft. high,
blooming late in summer, the flowers,
as large as the white Lily, and of
delicate silvery rose in clusters on stout
leafless stems, arising from the large pear-
shaped bulbs. To grow it in inland and
less favoured districts choose a place on
the south side of a house or wall, take out
the whole of the soil to the depth of 3 ft.
and place about 6 in. of broken brick
in the bottom. Over this put some half-
rotten manure to keep the drainage open,
and feed the plant. If the natural soil is
not good, add some sandy mellow loam,
or if stiff, a few barrow-loads of leaf
mould, and one or two of sharp sand mixed
with it. Having trod this firm, plant
the bulbs in small groups. Each clump
should be about i foot apart, and if the
border is of such a width as to take a
double row, the plants in the second
should be alternate with those in the first.
In planting, place a handful or so of sharp
sand round the bulbs to keep them from
rotting. If planted in autumn, or at any
time during the winter, it will be well to
protect them from severe weather by half-
rotten leaves, cocoa-nut fibre, or fern.
The plants begin to push forth their new
leaves early in spring, and upon the
freedom with which they send forth
these during summer the bloom in the
autumn depends. During dry weather
give an occasional soaking of water, and
with liquid manure once or twice. As
soon as the foliage ripens off remove it,
and clean the border before the blooms
begin to come through the soil. A. B.
blanda is a variety with larger bulbs,
bearing noble umbels of white flowers,
turning to pale rose in summer, and there
are other varieties.
Amberboa. See CENTAUREA.
AMELANCHIER (Snowy Mespilus,
June Berry}. — Pretty hardy shrubs and
low trees, or medium sized, associa-
ting well with the Almond, Laburnum,
the Cherry, Plum, and such things. A.
canadensis is one of the most precious
of our flowering trees, nothing" giving
better general effect or more distinct, and
long before it comes into flower it is pretty
with its soft brown-grey masses. It has
also the advantage of being perfectly
hardy in our country, thriving as well on
sands as on stiff soils ; and beinga Canadian
tree, no cold ever touches it. It is more
slender in habit than many of our flower-
ing trees, and often weakened in the
crowded masses of the shrubbery, where
everything is so often sacrificed to hungry
evergreens. In its own country it varies
very much in size, some forms being mere
shrubs, whilst others make trees 4oft. and
even more in height. In botanic gardens
and nursery catalogues we find the names
of several other trees of this genus, but
there seems to be little distinction among
them, and none quite so good as this,
though the one which grows in the
Maritime Alps (A. vulgaris] should be
worth a place. The Americans have
422 AMELLUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ANAGALLIS.
selected some forms of the shad bush,
which bear better fruit than the common
form ; if they would bear it in our own
country it would make the bush more
valuable, but whether this prove so or not,
there is no prettier thing than a group of
this tree, which will grow anywhere we
choose to put it, on a rocky bluff or bank,
or even fight its way in a copse. It has
also the advantage of being raised very
easily from seed, and increases rapidly
by suckers, so that the grafting nuisance
is easily avoided in its case.
AMELLUS — A. annuus is a pretty
dwarf hardy annual, with Daisy-like
flowers, of a deep purple, but with white,
take it up and pot it in winter. With
me it has stood the cold, rain, and
gales far better than the variegated
Maize and big Solanums. The flower,
though bright, is not large enough to be
effective."
AMMOBIUM (Winged Everlasting.
— A. alatinn is a handsome Composite
from New Holland \\ to 3 ft. high, bearing
white chaffy flowers with yellow discs
from May till September. In sandy soil
it is perennial, but on heavy and damp
soils must be grown as annual or biennial.
Seed.
AMORPHA (Bastard Indigo}.— Hardy
shrubs of the Pea order, thriving in ordin-
A group of the Belladonna Lily.
rose, scarlet, and violet varieties, which
are named in catalogues alba, rosea, ker-
mesina^ and atro-violacea. It forms a
compact tuft, suitable for groups or masses,
if sown in the open in April, flowering in
June. It makes a pretty ground or
"carpet" plant with taller plants here
and there through it. Cape of Good
Hope. Compositae. Syn. Kanlfussia
amelloides.
AMICIA — A .zygomeris is a quaint plant
from Mexico, occasionally used in the
sheltered flower garden. Mr. E. H.
Woodall praises it : " for those who like a
bold and distinct plant in a warm situation
in summer, and have means to protect or
ary garden soil but requiring a sheltered
situation in bleak localities. Increased by
layers or cuttings in autumn, or from
suckers. A. canescens (the Lead Plant)
is a native of Missouri. It has clusters
of blue flowers and hoary leaves. A.
fruticosa (The False Indigo) comes from
California, and there are many forms of it,
differing but slightly, all having bluish
or dark purple flowers.
Ampelopsis. See VITIS.
ANAGALLIS (Pimpernel}.— Usually
rather pretty and half-hardy annuals of
the Primrose family. The best-known is
the Italian Pimpernel (A. Monelli], with
large blossoms, deep blue, shaded with
ANCHUSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ANDROSACE.
423
rose. There are several varieties— rubra
%randi flora, Wilmoreana, bright blue
'purple, yellow eye ; Phillipsi, deep blue,
rose-coloured centre ; Breweri, intense
blue ; linifolia, fine blue, very dwarf ;
Napoleon III., maroon ; and sanguinea,
bright ruby, all flowering from July to
September. The Indian Pimpernel
Bastard Indigo.
(A. indica] has small bright blue flowers.
It is a hardy annual, but the Italian
Pimpernel should be grown as a half-
hardy annual. The seed may be sown
any time from March till July, the later
sowings to be made in pots and put into
a greenhouse or window in autumn. Pim-
pernels grow well in ordinary garden soil,
and are used with good effect in broad
masses in borders, or edgings to beds,
and make good pot plants. The pretty
little bog Pimpernel (A. tenella) is a native
creeping plant, with slender stems and
myriads of tiny pink flowers. It is pretty
in suspended pots or pans, and may be
grown in the bog or a moist corner in the
rock-garden.
ANCHUSA (Alkanet}.— Stout herbace-
ous and biennial plants of the Forget-me-
Not family ; some worth growing, amongst
the best being A. italica, which is vigorous,
3 to 4 ft. high, with beautiful blue blossoms.
A. hybrida is similar, about 2 ft. high with
flowers of rich violet. A. capensis is a
pretty plant with large bright blue flowers,
rather tender ; it should be planted in a
sheltered well-drained border. A. semper-
virens is a British perennial, i^ to 2 ft.
high, with blue flowers, worth a place in
the wild garden. Seeds or division.
ANDROMEDA. — Handsome dwarf
hardy shrubs of the Heath Family, thriving
in peaty soil. Various shrubs usually called
Andromedas in gardens, belong in reality
to several other genera, and there is only
one true species of Andromeda known,
viz. : — A. polifolia (Moorwort), a native
of Britain and N. Europe growing from
about 6 to 1 8 inches high, and bearing
purplish-red flowers from May to Septem-
ber. It is best grouped in peat beds or in
the bog garden. For allied plants usually
known as Andromeda see Cassandra,
C as slope, Lencothoe, Lyonia, Oxyden-
drum, Pieris, and Zenobia.
ANDROSACE.— Alpine plants, of very
small stature and great beauty, belonging
to the Primrose order. Other families,
like Primroses and Hairbells, do come
down to the hill-pastures, the sea-rocks, or
the sunny heaths, but these do not. They
are more alpine than even the Gentians,
which are as handsome in a hill-meadow
as on the highest slopes ; and as Andro-
saces are, among flowering plants, the
most confined to the snowy region, so
they are the dwarfest of this class.
Growing at elevations where the snow
falls very early in autumn, they flower
Amelanchier canadensis.
as soon as it melts. Sometimes, like
some other alpine flowers, they frequent
high cliffs with a vertical face, or with
portions of the face receding here and
there into shallow recesses. Here they
must endure intense cold — cold which
would destroy all shrub or tree life ex-
posed to it. And here in spring they
flower. Their small evergreen leaves,
often downy, retain much more dust and
424 ANDRYALA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ANEMONE.
soot than smoother and larger-leaved
evergreen alpine plants do, making them
more difficult of culture near cities than
most alpine plants. The Androsaces enjoy
in cultivation small fissures between rocks
or stones, firmly packed with pure sandy
peat, or very sandy or gritty loam, not
less than 15 in. deep. They should be so
placed that no wet can gather or lie about
them, and they should be so planted in
between stones that, once well rooted into
the deep earth — all the better if mingled
with pieces of broken sand-stone — they
could never suffer from drought. It is
easy to arrange rocks and soils so that,
Androsace sarmentosa.
once the mass below is thoroughly
moistened, an ordinary drought can have
little effect in drying it.
The names of the species here given
mainly require the treatment above
described, excepting the spreading Hima-
layan, A. lanuginosa, which thrives on
walls and sandy borders — A. alpijia,
carnea, chamtzjasme, helvetica, imbricata,
Laggeri, obtusifolia, pubescens, pyrenaica,
sarmentosa, Vitaliana and Wulfeniana.
They are mostly from the Alps and
Pyrenees, a few from the mountains of
India.
ANDRYALA.— Small plants of the
Dandelion order ; some with woolly leaves.
The shrubby A. mogadorensis, forms snowy
masses on a little islet on the Morocco
coast, and has not been found elsewhere.
It bears flowers as large as a half-crown,
of a bright yellow, the disc being bright
orange. Little is known of its culture
and hardiness. A. /ana fa has woolly
silvery leaves, and grows well in any soil
not too damp.
ANEMONE (Windflower}.— \ noble
family of tuberous alpine meadow and
herbaceous plants, of the Buttercup
family, to which is due much of the beauty
of spring and early summer of northern
and temperate countries. In early spring,
or what is winter to us in Northern Europe,
when the valleys of Southern Europe and
sunny sheltered spots all round the great
rocky basin of the Mediterranean are
beginning to glow with colour, we see
the earliest Windflowers in all their
loveliness. Those arid mountains that
look so barren have on their sunny sides
carpets of Anemones in countless variety.
These belong to old favourites in our
gardens — the garland Windflower and
the Peacock Anemone. Later on the Star
Anemone begins, and troops in thousands
over the terraces, meadows, and fields of
the same regions. Climbing the moun-
tains in April, the Hepatica nestles in
nooks all over the bushy parts of the
hills. Farther east, while the common
Anemones are aflame along the Riviera
valleys and terraces, the blue Greek
Anemone is open on the hills of Greece ;
a little later the blue Apennine Anemone
blossoms. Meanwhile our Wood Ane-
mone adorns the woods throughout the
northern world, and here and there
through the brown Grass on the chalk
hills comes the purple of the Pasque-
flower. The Grass has grown tall before
the graceful Alpine Windflower flowers
in all the natural meadows of the Alps ;
while later on bloom the high alpine Wind-
flowers, which soon flower and fruit, and
are ready to sleep for nine months in
the snow. These are but few examples
of what is done for the northern and
temperate world by these Windflowers, so
precious for our gardens also.
A. alpina (A Ipinc Wind/lower}. —
On nearly every great mountain range
in northern climes this is one of the
handsomest plants, growing 15 in. to
2 ft. high. It grows more slowly in gar-
dens than most of the other kinds, and
should have deep soil. A. siilphurca is a
fine variety. Many fail with it through
transplanting in autumn and winter. Seed
is the best way to increase it. Sow this
in November in a rather moist peaty bed
out-of-doors and allow the seedlings to
remain for two years. When growth
ANEMONE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ANEMONE. 425
commences in spring transplant to where
they are to flower. Full exposure, good
drainage, and moisture in summer are
essential.
A. angulosa (Grent Hepatica). -
Larger than the Hepatica, with sky-blue
flowers as large as a crown-piece, and
five-lobed leaves. In rock-gardens, or
near them, it will succeed in spaces be-
tween choice dwarf shrubs in beds. Seed
and division. Transylvania.
A. apennina (Apennine Wind/lower).
— A free blue and hardy kind scattered
among the native Anemones in our
woods, or making pictures with Daffodils,
adds a new charm to our spring. It is
readily increased by division, and grows
about 4 in. to 9 in. in height. There is a
white form and others not so important,
however, as the wild one. Italy.
The Blue Apennine Windflower.
A. blanda (Blue Winter Wind-
flower}. — A lovely plant from the hills of
Greece, of a fine blue, and blooming in
winter, mild years. It should be grown
in every rock-garden, planted on banks
that catch the early sun, whilst it may be
naturalised in Grassy places in warm soil.
It is distinguished by round and bulb-
like roots ; increased by division and seed,
and varies in size and colour. Greece,
Asia Minor.
A. coronaria (Poppy Anemone].— One
of the most admired flowers of our
gardens from earliest times. There are
many varieties, single and double. The
single sorts may be readily grown from
seed sown in the open air in April,
and, being varied in fine colour, they
deserve to be cultivated, even more than
many of the doubles. The planting of
the double varieties may be made in
autumn or in spring, or at intervals all
through the winter, to secure a continuity
of flowers ; but the best bloom is se-
cured by October planting. The Poppy
Anemone thrives in warm deep loam,
and the roots of the more select kinds
may be taken up when the leaves die
down. They are, however, seldom worth
this trouble, as many fine varieties
may be grown from seed sown in June.
Prick out the plants in autumn : they will
flower well in the following spring, so
that the plant is as easily raised as an
annual. Apart from the old florists' or
double Anemones and the single ones,
there are certain races of French origin
of much value — the Anemones de
Caen, for example. These are raised
from the same species, but are more
vigorous and have larger flowers than
the older Dutch kinds. Of the Caen
Anemones there are both single and
double kinds, and the Chrysanthemum-
flowered is another fine double race, whilst
one may also note the deep scarlet double
form — Chapeau de Cardinal, and the
double Nice Anemones. The fine variety
of the Poppy Anemones leads to mixed
collections being grown. While it is well
to plant mixtures now and then, it is
better to select and keep true some of the
finer forms in any desired colour. A fine
scarlet, purple, or violet should be grown
by itself and for itself, as in that way the
Poppy Anemone will be a greater aid
to the garden artist. All kinds thrive in
light 'garden soils of fair quality, and, in
many districts there is no trouble in their
culture ; in others this plant never does
well and is often killed in winter. By
resorting to spring planting we avoid this
last. The plan is not worth following out,
especially as we have so many really hardy
species introduced of recent years. The
St. Bridgid Anemones, like those of Caen
and Nice, are simply selections from the
Poppy Anemone, depending for their
value on care in selection, and also on
good culture in the warm limestone soil
the plants enjoy so well.
The following method will enable any
one to raise anemones from seed in a moist
loam. To save time, I sow as soon as the
seed is ripe, selecting it from the brightest
flowers only. Separate the seed thoroughly.
Spread a newspaper on the table, pour
over it a quart of sand, dry ashes, or fine
earth, and sprinkle the seed over this,
rubbing it together till its separation
is complete. The seed bed need not be
larger than 3 ft. by 9 ft., and choose the
sunniest part of the garden. Make the
surface fine, tread it down, and give it a
good watering. Wait until it is dry
enough to scratch with a fine rake ; ther
426 ANEMONE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ANEMONE.
sow broadcast, covering the seed with a
very thin coat of fine earth, about the
thickness of a shilling ; beat flat with
a spade, and give a light sprinkling of
water. Never let a ray of sunshine reach
the bed ; cover it with newspapers, spread-
ing a few Pea sticks or something to
retain the covering in its place. Keep
the surface of the bed moist. In about
twenty days the young plants will begin to
appear, and when all seem up, remove the |
covering ; they will need no further care
except watering. If the bed once gets
thoroughly dry, the plants are apt, after
forming small bulbs about the size of
Peas, to stop growing, the foliage to die,
and the bulbs to lie dormant for months.
If kept, however, well watered through
the summer, they will go on growing
through the winter, and begin to blossom
the following spring. The seedlings may
be left to blossom where they are sown,
or be transplanted in September or
October.— J.
What are termed French Anemones
are thought an improvement on the Dutch,
with large flowers of brilliant and varied
colour; the plants vigorous, the climate
of Normandy in some parts suiting the
plant ; but in our country, away from the
sea, the Poppy Anemone may perish in
cold weather.
Poppy Anemones, double and single,
are useful for edgings and for borders
either singly or in tufts. They are culti-
vated alone in beds or in clumps in
borders, and answer well for planting
under standard Rose Trees or other light
and thinly planted shrubs. Cut the
flowers when just open.
A. fulgens ( The Scarlet Wind/lower} —
A native of the south of France, over a
limited area, for the most part in vineyards.
It withstands severe frosts in the open
border, but stagnant moisture injures it.
In good well-drained soils it will thrive,
but is best in a rich manured loam in a
northern aspect and in a shaded situation.
Division is the surest way of increasing it,
as it is liable to sport if raised from seeds.
Roots may be transplanted almost all the
year round, though the resting time ex-
tends only from June to August, and to
insure early and good flowers plant the
roots as early as possible in the autumn.
A large bed of well-grown plants in bloom
is a brilliant sight. The flowers last in-
doors for a week or more if cut when
just coming into bloom and kept in water
in a moderately warm room. — H. V.
The Greek form of A. fulgens is larger,
and very intense in colour. A fine strain
was raised by the late Rev. J. G. Nelson,
and called by him A . fulgens major. The
peacock Anemone (A. Pavonina] is
double form of this.
A. Hepatica (Common Hepatica).—^
beautiful early hardy flower. In sheltered
spots on porous soil the foliage will re-
main through the winter. The Hepatica
is a deep rooter — hence it thrives so well
upon made banks, and it will do as well
as Primroses or Violets in any good gar-
den soil. Where let alone, and not often
pulled to pieces, it makes strong tufts.
Clumps of the rich-coloured blues and
reds when a mass of bloom in March are
very beautiful. The best-known kinds are
Anemone japonica alba.
the double red and single blue, both
amongst the hardiest of the section.
Then there are the single white ; single
red ; double blue, rich in colour ; Barlowi,
a rich-coloured sport from the single
blue ; splendens, a single red ; lilacina^
a pretty mauve kind ; and some others —
every variety being worthy of culture.
A. japonica (Japan Anemone}.— A tall
autumn-blooming kind, 2 ft. to 4 ft. high,
with fine foliage and large rose-coloured
flowers. The variety named Honorine
Jobert, with pure white flowers, is a
beautiful plant ; and all good forms of
the plant should be cultivated where cut
flowers are required in autumn. By
ANEMONE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
having some on a north border, and some
on a warm one, the bloom may be pro-
longed. The secret of success seems to
be to prepare at first a deep bed of rich
soil and to leave the plants alone.
The various forms of the Japan Ane-
mone are useful for borders, groups,
fringes of shrubbery in rich soil, and here
and there in half-shady places by wood
walks.
A. nemorosa (Wood Anemone]. — In
spring this native plant adorns our woods,
and also those of nearly all Europe and
Asia, but it is so abundant in the British
Isles that there is little need to plead for
its culture. There are double varieties,
and the colour of the flower is occasionally
lilac, or reddish, or purplish.
A sky-blue variety of the Wood Ane-
mone, A. Robinsoniana, has of recent
years been much grown. It is of easy
culture and much beauty, especially if
seen when the noon-day sun is on the
flowers. It is useful for the rock-garden
in wide-spreading tufts ; or for the margins
of borders, or as a ground plant beneath
shrubs, or for the wild garden or for dot-
ting through the Grass in the pleasure-
ground in spots not mown early.
A. palmata (Cyclamen-leaved Ane-
mone],— A distinct kind, with leathery
leaves and large handsome flowers in
May and June, glossy, yellow, only open-
ing to the sun. A native of N. Africa
and other places on the shores of the
Mediterranean, this charming flower
should be planted in deep turfy peat, or
light fibrous loam with leaf-mould, but
not placed on the face of rocks, but
rather on level spots, where it can root
deeply and grow into strong tufts. There
is a double variety. This Anemone may
be increased by either division or seeds.
A. Pulsatilla (Pasque-flower}. —There
are few sights more pleasant to the lover
of spring flowers than the Pasque-flower
just showing through the dry Grass of a
bleak down on an early spring day. It is
smaller in a wild than in a cultivated
state, forming in the garden strong healthy
tufts, but it is one of the plants more
beautiful in a wild state than in a garden.
In Normandy with Mr. Burbidge I came
upon many plants of it on the grassy
hill about Chateau Gaillard and also
in the woods and by the roads near, and
we thought we had never seen so fair a
wild flower. There are several varieties,
including red, lilac, and white kinds,
but they are not common, and there
is also a double variety. It prefers
well-drained and light but deep soil, and
is increased bv division or seeds.
ANEMONE. 427
A. ranunculoides ( Yellow Wood Ane-
\ mone]. — Not unlike the Apennine and the
Wood Anemone in habit, this is distinct
in its yellow flowers in March and April.
It is S. European,' and less free on com-
mon soils than the Apennine A., but is
happier on chalky soil.
A. stellata (Star Wind flower].— The
star-like flowers, this ruby, rosy purple,
rosy, or whitish, vary in a charming way,
and usually have a large white eye at the
base, contrasting with the delicate colour-
ing of the rest of the petals, and the brown
violet of the stamens and styles of the
flower. It is not so vigorous as the Poppy
A., and requires a sheltered warm position,
a light, sandy, well-drained soil. Division
and seeds. Syn. A. hortensis : S. Europe.
A. sylvestris (Snowdrop Windflower).
— A handsome plant, about 15 in. high
with large white flowers in spring and
Pasque-flower (Anemone pulsatilla).
beautiful buds. Hardy and free on all
soils, but fails to bloom. The aspect of
the drooping unopened buds suggested
its English name — the Snowdrop Ane-
mone. Division.
A. thalictroides (Thalictrum ane-
monoides].
The previously named Anemones are
the most beautiful of the family, which,
however, contains many other interesting
plants, but many of the higher Alpine kinds
are grown and increased with difficulty and
only in carefully chosen situations. Some
again, however distinct as species, are
not strikingly so in gardens, and for the
flower-gardener the best way is to make
good use of the proved species. The
lovers of alpine flowers will no doubt
look with a longing eye over the following
names of the species, while no doubt
many unknown species adorn the vast
428 ANOMATHECA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ANTHERICUM.
solitudes of Asia and Arctic America and
probably other countries too.
Known species.— A. acanthifolia, Hah? acutiloba,
N. America ; aquinoctialis, Peru ; albana, N. Asia ;
artnena, Asia Minor ; baicalensis, Asia ; baldensis,
Switzerland ; barbulata, China ; BauJiini, Ear
rope;
cernua, Japan ; cftinensis, China ; coronaria, S.Europe ;
crassifolia, Tasmania ; cylindrica, N. America ;
dahurica, Temp. Asia; debilis, Siberia; decapetala,
N. W. America ; deltoidea, N. W. America ; demissa,
Himalayas ; dichotoma, N. Asia and N. America ;
Drumtnondii, California ; elongata, Himalayas ; eran-
thoides, Temp. Asia; exigua, China; Falconer i,
Himalayas ; Fannini, Natal ; Fischcriana, Siberia ;
flaccida, China ; formosa, Asia Minor ; fnlgcns, S.
Europe ; Glazioviana, Brazil ; Gtneliniana, Siberia ;
gracilis, Japan ; Grayi, California ; Griffith!, Hima-
layas; H alter i, Switzerland; helleborifolia, S. America ;
Hepatica, Europe, N. America ; Jte pat id folia, Chili ;
heterophylla, N. America ; integrifolia, Cent. America;
isopyroides, Sibirica ; Jamesoni, Ecuador ; Jankce,
Transylvania ; japonica, Japan ; lincariloba, Kamts-
chatka; mexicana, Mexico; minuta, Siberia; inontana,
S. E. Europe ; inultifida, N. and S. America ; narcissi-
flora, Europe. N.Asia, N.America ; neinorosa, Europe,
N. Asia, N. America ; nikoensis, Japan ; obtusiloba,
Himalayas ; ochroleuca, Switzerland ; octffftaJa, Hab ?
palniatu, S. Europe ; parviflora, N. America ; patens,
Europe, N. America; Pai'oniana, Iberia; Pittoni,
Europe ;polyanthes, Himalayas \pratensis, N.Europe;
Pulsatilla, Europe ; Raddeana, Amur ; rannnculoides,
S. Europe ; rejflexa, Siberia ; Richardsoni, Arctic
America ; rigid'a, Chili ; rivularis, E. Indies ; Rossii,
China ; rupestris, Himalayas ; rupicola, Himalayas ;
Sellmvi, Brazil ; sibirica, Siberia ; slavica, Europe ;
speciosa, Caucasus ; sphenophylla, Chili ; stolonifera,
Japan ; sumatrana, Sumatra ; syfotstris, S. Europe ;
tenuifolia, S. Africa ; tetrase/>ala, Himalayas ; thalic-
troides, N. America ; Thomson!, Trop. Africa ;
transylvanica, Europe ; trifolia, Europe, N. America ;
triternata, S. America ; trullifolia, Himalayas ;
Tschernaeivi, Temp. Asia ; uotrtsit, Manchuria ;
umbrosa, Siberia ; vemalis, Europe ; inrginiana^ N.
America ; vitifolia, Himalayas; Wahlenbergii, Europe;
Walteri, N. America ; Wightiana, E. Indies ; Wolf-
gangiana, Europe.
ANOMATHECA (Flowering grass}.—
A. cruenta is a pretty little South African
bulb of the Iris order, from 6 to 12 in. high,
flowers \ in. across, carmine crimson,
three of the lower segments marked with
a dark spot ; in loose clusters on slender
stems and Grass-like leaves. Hardy on
warm soils, but in others it should be
planted on slopes, in very sandy dry soil
or on warm borders ; the bulbs planted
rather deep. In many soils it increases
rapidly. Syn. Lapeyrousia.
ANTENNARIA (Cafs-ear}.— Mostly
hardy alpine or border flowers. A.
margaritacea is a North American
plant, 2 ft. high, with flowers in clusters,
white and chaffy, hence are kept in a dry
state, and dyed in various colours. The
pretty but rare A. triplinttvis from Nepal
is closely allied to this plant. The Moun-
tain Cat's-ears, A. dioica and A. alpina,
and such forms as A. minium, are neat
little plants with whitish foliage, used
as carpeting. All are of simple culture
in ordinary soil in exposed positions.
These are good rock garden plants and
the pretty little rosy heads of one form
of the Mountain Everlasting may often
be seen in the cottage gardens of War-
wickshire. A. touientosa has been much
used as a dwarf silvery plant in the flower
garden.
ANTHEMIS ( Rock Camomile}.— Vigor-
ous perennials and rock plants, Of the
kinds in cultivation A. Aizoon is a dwarf
silvery rock-plant, 2 to 4 in. high, with
Daisy-like flowers. A. Kitaibeli is pretty
in the mixed border, with large, pale',
lemon-coloured, Marguerite-like flowers.
A. tinctoria is similar and both are
Anthemis Macedonica.
excellent for cutting, growing very freely
in ordinary soil. The double-flowered
form of the Corn Camomile (A. arvensis}
is sometimes cultivated among annual
plants. A. Bicbersteini forms dense
carpets of silVery leaves with large and
handsome yellow blossoms one on a stem.
A. Macedonica is a neat species with white
flowers, excellent as a rock-garden plant.
There is also a variety called A. nobilis.
ANTHERICUM (St. Brunds Lily}.—
Bulbous plants of the Lily family, contain-
ing a few species hardy in this country.
These are the European kinds, among the
most beautiful of hardy flowers. A.Hookeri
(syn. Chrysobactron} is a distinct New
Zealand plant, 15 to 20 in. high, with
bright yellow flowers, in long spikes in
early summer. It grows best in moist
deep soils. A. Liliago (St. Bernard^
Lily) is about 2 ft. high, with white
flowers in early summer. A. ramosum
has flower stems about 2 ft. high, much
branched, and small white flowers. A.
Liliastrum (St. Bruno's Lily) is a grace-
ful alpine meadow plant in deep free
sandy soil, in early summer throwing up
spikes of snowy-white Lily-like blossoms.
In dry soils a covering with rotten manure
helps it, and in early spring the plants
ANTIRRHINUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
AQUILEGIA. 429
should be protected from slugs and cater-
pillars. Division of the roots in autumn,
or it may be raised from seed. The
major variety of the St. Bruno's Lily
has much larger flowers (2 in. across)
coming up from the root, these opening
before the flowers on the spike. It grows
3 ft. high in good soil, and is a fine border
plant.
ANTIRRHINUM (Snapdragon). — ^
numerous family of rock plants and peren-
nial herbs, mostly hardy and many
of them from mountainous regions,
but none so popular in gardens as the
handsome Snapdragon (A. majus) which
like the wallflowers often grows on walls
and stony places. There are many species,
but they do not take a large place in gar-
dens, among the best being A. Asarina
and A. rupestre. Of the common Snap-
dragon, the garden varieties are now
numerous, and often showy in effect, the
best being the pure colours (i.e., not
striped).
CULTIVATION. — Snapdragons are easy
of cultivation, sandy and free soils
suiting them. They are sown : (i) In
August in the place where they are to
grow, or preferably in seed-beds, in which
latter case plant close to a south wall,
sheltering from continued frosts with dry
leaves or straw, planting out in spring 16
in. to 24 in. apart. (2) In June or
July in seed-beds in a well-exposed posi-
tion, planting out the seedlings in the
spring. (3) In seed-beds (March to April)
at the foot of a south wall. Transplant
when the plants are sufficiently developed,
and they may also be transplanted to
seed-beds and planted out when the
flowers commence to show themselves.
By means of successive sowings it is
possible to obtain an almost uninterrupted
bloom from June until frost comes. Snap-
dragons are also propagated by cuttings
made in the spring or summer, and even
during the whole of flowering time. As
with a great number of plants, the colour
of the stems and leaves of the young
plants may to a certain point indicate to
us what the colour of the flowers will be.
Thus, kinds with green or light-coloured
stems and leaves will have in nearly all
cases white, or mainly white flowers, or
of which the colour is undecided ; whilst
of the plants which produce flowers of a
decided colour the stems and the leaves
are of a pronounced green tint, more or
less purple or ruddy also.
APONOGETON(C^ Pond-flower}.—
A. distachyon is a beautiful and fragrant
water-plant from the Cape of Good Hope,
hardy in many parts of these islands.
About London during the late severe
winters there has been no more interest-
ing sight than the profuse bloom of
this plant in springs, and in cold districts it
is necessary, for the perfect culture of this
plant in the open air, to grow it in spring
or other water that does not freeze ; but
in mild districts this is not needed. It
may be flowered in an inverted bell-glass
in a room. In Devonshire it is grown to
greater perfection than in the home
counties. Failures often result from put-
Aponogeton (Cape Pond-flower.)
ting it in too shallow water. There is a
variety (roseus) with rosy tinted blossoms.
A. spathaceum is a poor form with flowers
tinged with rose. Naiada-cece.
AQUILEGIA (Columbine). — Alpine
rock and meadow perennials of the But-
tercup order, often beautiful and widely
distributed over the northern and moun-
tain regions of Europe, Asia, and
America. They are of great variety in
colour — white, rose, buff, blue, and purple,
and also stripes and intermediate shades,
the American kinds having yellow, scarlet,
and most delicate shades of blue flowers.
The Columbines are frequently taller than
most of the plants strictly termed alpine,
but are nevertheless true alpine plants, and
among the most singularly beautiful of
the class. Climbing the sunny hills of the
sierras in California, one meets with a
large scarlet Columbine, that has almost
the vigour of a lily, and in the mountains
of LTtah, and on many others in the
Rocky Mountain region, there is the Rocky
Mountain Columbine (A. cosrulea\ with
its long and slender spurs and lovely
cool tints, and there is no family that
has a wider share in adorning the
mountains. Although our cottage gardens
are alive with Columbines in much beauty
of colour in early summer, there is some
difficulty in cultivating the rarer alpine
43° AQUILEGIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
AQUILEGIA.
kinds. They require to be carefully planted
in sandy or gritty though moist ground, and
in well-drained ledges in the rock-garden,
in half-shady positions or northern ex-
A white Aquilegia.
posures. Most rare Columbines, how-
ever, fail to form enduring tufts in our
gardens, and they must be raised from
seed as frequently as good seed can be
got. It is the alpine character of the
home of many of the Columbines which
makes the culture of some of the lovely
kinds so uncertain, and which causes
them to thrive so well in the north of
Scotland while they fail in our ordinary
dry garden borders. No plants are more
capricious ; take, for instance, the charm-
ing A. glandulosa, grown like a weed at
Forres, in Scotland, and so short-lived
in most gardens. Nor is this an excep-
tion ; it is characteristic of all the
mountain kinds. The best soil for them
is deep, well-drained, rich alluvial loam.
It is probable many of the species are
biennial, and that it is necessary to raise
them from seed frequently ; and to avoid
the results of crossing it is better to get
the seed, if we can, from the wild home
of the species. The seeds should be sown
early in spring, and the young plants
pricked out into pans or into an old garden
frame as soon as they are fit to handle,
removing them early in August to the
borders ; select a cloudy day for the work,
and give them a little shading for a few
days.
A. alpina (Alpine Columbine). — A
beautiful high mountain plant i ft. to 2 ft.
high, with showy blue flowers, and there
is a lovely variety with a white centre
to the flower. In the rock-garden in a
rather moist and sheltered, but not shady,
spot in deep sandy loam or peat. Seed
or division.
A. Bertoloni.— A pretty little alpine,
about I ft. high, with violet-blue flowers
having short knobby spurs.
A. californica (Californian Columbine].
— One of the finest of the American
species, with one bold woody stem, 3 ft.
high, and handsome, bright orange
flowers. The seeds should be carefully
looked after, as having once blossomed
the old plant may perish. This plant
thrives best on a deep sandy loam and
moist.
A. canadensis (Canadian Columbine}.
—The flowers are smaller than the
Western American kinds ; but this is
compensated for by the brilliancy of the
scarlet colour of the sepals and of the
erect spurs, and by the bright yellow of
the petals. The true plant is a slender
grower, I ft. in height. It is a plant for
borders, or placing here and there among
dwarf shrubs and plants in the rougher
parts of the rock-garden.
A. chrysantha (Golden Columbine}.—
This tall and beautiful species endures
as a perennial on many soils where the
other kinds perish, thriving even on the
stiff clay soils north of London, though it
is no less free in more happy situations.
AQUILEGIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ARABIS,
431
It comes true from seed, which is most
safely raised under glass, and the plant
grows 4 ft. in height in good soil.
A. ccerulea (Rocky Mountain Colum-
bine}.— This is very beautiful, the green-
tipped spurs of the flower being as slender
as a thread, and having a tendency to
twist round each other. It is hardy, flower-
ing early in summer, from 12 in. to 15 in.
high, worthy of the best position on the
rock-garden, and in choice mixed borders,
where the soil is free and deep. Unlike
the Golden Columbine, it is not perennial
on many soils, though longer-lived in cool
hill-gardens. To get healthy plants that
will flower freely, seeds should be sown
annually.
A. glandulosa (Altaian Columbine).—
A beautiful plant of tufted habit, flowering
in early summer — a fine blue, with tips of
petals creamy-white, the spur curved
backwards towards the stalk, the sepals
dark blue, large, with a long footstalk.
It is a native of the Altai Mountains, and
one of the most precious flowers for the
rock-garden, in deep sandy soil. Seed
and division.
A. Skinneri (Skinners Columbine). —
A distinct plant, the flowers produced
later on slender pedicels, the sepals
greenish, the petals small and yellow; the
spurs are 2 in. long and bright orange-
red. Though from Guatemala, it comes
from mountain districts, and is nearly
hardy. While the name is often seen,
the true plant is rare.
A. viridiflora. — A charming Siberian
Columbine, the sage-green of the flower
and the delicate tint of the leaf offering a
delicate harmony. In the border it may
not be noticed, but if a spray or two are
put in a glass its beauty is seen. It has a
delicate fragrance, and is raised from
seed.
A. vulgaris (Common Columbine}. —
There are many forms of this, and double
kinds, flowering from May till towards the
end of summer. One may often see a
variety of the common Columbine nearly
as handsome as any of the finest alpine
species. Its varieties, and some hybrid
forms, may well be used in the wilder and
more picturesque parts of large pleasure-
grounds, by streams, in copses, or among
Foxgloves, Geraniums, or long Grasses.
The ground should be well dug if the
vegetation is dense, and the seed sown on
the spot. Where bare places occur, and
seedlings have a chance of coming up
without being strangled by other plants,
seed may be scattered as soon as ripe.
Known species. — A. advena, Hab? alpina, Siberia;
.Amalice, Thessaly ; aragonensis, Spain; arbascensis,
Europe ; Bertoloni, Europe ; Brauni, Europe ; brevis-
tyla, N. America; Buergeriana, Japan; californica,
N. W. America ; campylocentra, Europe ; canadensis,
N. America ; chrysaniha, N. Mexico ; ccerulea, N. W.
America ; dichroa, Europe ; dioica, Europe ; discolor,
Spain ; Einseleana, Europe ; eximia, Europe ;
flabellata, Japan ; fiavescens, California ; formosa,
Kamtschatka; fragrans, Himalayas; Gaertneri,
Europe ; Gebleri, Europe ; glandulosa, Siberia; glauca,
Himalayas ; grata, Europe ; Haynaldi, Europe ;
Huteri, Europe ; Jonesi, N. America ; Kareliniana,
Hab ? Kitaibeli, Armenia ; lactiflora, Siberia ;
leptoceras, Siberia ; longisepala, Europe ; longissuna,
N. America; lutea, Hab? lutescens, Europe; macro-
centra, Europe ; mollis, France ; Moorcroftiana,
Himalayas ; nemoralis, France ; nevadensis, Spain ;
olympica, E. Europe ; orthantha, Europe ; Ottonis,
Greece ; oxysepala, E. Asia ; parviflora, Siberia ;
pubiflora, E. Indies ; pycnotricha, Europe \pyrenaica,
S. Europe ; ruscinonensis, France ; Schotti, Europe ;
sibirica, Siberia ; sinensis, China ; Skinneri, Mexico ;
stenopetala, Europe ; sulphurea, Europe ; Szabpi,
Europe ; iriridiftora, Siberia ; volubilis, Manchuria ;
is, Europe.
Siberian Columbine.
ARABIS (Rock Cress).— A large family
of hill-plants, few of which are grown,
though some are worth a place. A. albida
(White Rock Cress) is a popular plant
in gardens, and in the barrows of every
London flower-hawker in spring. It will
grow in any soil, where its sheets of
snowy bloom may open in early spring.
It is easily increased by seed, or cut-
tings, and is useful for the mixed
border the spring garden, and for
-naturalising in bare or rocky spots. It is
closely allied to the alpine Rock Cress
432
ARAI.IA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ARBUTUS.
or Bee Flower (A. alpimi} so widely distri-
buted on the Alps, but is distinct, and by
far the best kind. A variegated form is
the dwarfest and whitest of the Rock
Cresses. A. blepharophylla (Rosy Rock
Cress) is not unlike the white Arabis,
but the flowers are rosy purple. It
varies a good deal, but there is no
difficulty in selecting a strain of the deepest
rose, its healthy tufts being effective in
April. There are variegated forms of the
commoner species, the prettiest of them
being A. lucida variegata, but none have
much value. A. arenosa, from the south of
Europe, is a pretty annual in the spring
garden or naturalised on old ruins or dry
bare banks. A.petrcea is a neat sturdy little
plant, with pure white flowers ; it is a native
of some of the higher Scottish mountains,
rare, but very pretty when well grown on a
moist well-exposed spot on the rock-gar-
den. A. Stelleri, a Chinese species, is a
much freer flowering plant than A.
blepharophylla, ripening seed freely, and
easily grown in the rock-garden.
Cruciferce.
AR ALIA.— Shrubs, or stout her-
baceous plants of the Ivy order, of diverse
Aralia chinensis.
aspects, few fitted for open air, except A.
canescens and A. spinosa, which thrive in
our gardens, and which in size and beauty
of leaf are far before many " fine-foliaged
plants " carefully grown in hothouses.
The Aralias described are now placed
under Fatsia, but we retain the older name
as better known in gardens. A. papyri f era
(Chinese Rice-paper plant), though a
native of the hot island of Formosa, is
useful for the greenhouse in winter and
the flower garden in summer. It is hand-
some in leaf, but is only suited for
southern or very warm gardens.
A. chinensis. — A handsome hardy
shrub, with very large much-divided spiny
leaves, resembling those of the Angelica
tree of North America. In this country
it attains the height of from 6 to 12 ft.
In a well-drained deep loam it thrives
vigorously. May be useful in a flower-
garden where tender fine-leaved plants
will not thrive. — Syn. Dimorphanthus
viandschitricus.
A. Sieboldi. — A shrubby species, with
fine green leaves, nearly hardy, and a
handsome bush on dry soils and near
the sea. It may be used in the flower
garden or the pleasure-ground, for isolated
specimens on the turf, or for association
with fine-leaved plants ; but it soon turns
yellow and unhappy-looking if exposed
to much sunshine. It is also hardier in
the shade, its foliage browning badly if
caught too suddenly by the sun after hard
frosts. Syn. Fatsia Japonica.
A. spinosa (Angelica Tree) is the oldest
species in our gardens. Its small white
flowers appear in autumn in great panicles.
This fine shrub has often been put in
exposed places, but is better where its
great leaves will not be torn, and in every
size may be used in the flower garden
or pleasure ground. Cuttings of the
roots. N. America.
ARAUCARIA (Monkey-Puzsle).—^
noble group of Cone-bearing trees, most
of which, unfortunately, are too tender for
our winters. A. imbricata (the Monkey-
Puzzle Tree) is a native of Chili, and the
only species which does at all well in
favourable situations. As a rule it soon
presents an unhappy appearance, and is
therefore not to be recommended for
planting. It was killed by thousands in
the nurseries and gardens in the severe
winter of 1860, and it is no way worthy
of its popularity in the garden, being
really a forest tree of a climate very
different to ours.
ARBUTUS (Strawberry Tree}.— Ever-
green shrubs of much beauty, both of
flower and form of leaf or bush, but
coming from warmer countries thrive
only on our sea shore or warmer
districts and on warm soils. The beau-
tiful A. Unedo grows 20 ft. high or more
in the coast districts, but inland it is
cut down in severe winters. There are
varieties of it, one of the best being A.
ARBUTUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ARCTOTIS.
433
Crooniei, which has longer and broader
leaves than the common kind. The
variety rubra has almost bright scarlet
flowers in autumn. One varietv has double
\ \ \
position is best. In the south and west
of England, and in Ireland, the fruits are
freely borne, and a large specimen is
very handsome in fruit.
ARCTOSTAPHYLOS (Bear-berry}.—
Mostly trailing Alpine evergreens of the
Heath order, of which few are in cultivation.
Of this group A. alpina is useful for rocky
banks, edging bog-beds, or even in bogs.
A. Uva-ursi (Bear-berry) is a dwarf ever-
green mountain shrub, I ft. high — often
less — sometimes grown with rock-plants.
It has small rose flowers in early summer
and red berries in autumn. A. alpina. —
The Black Bear-berry has trailing stems
and white or flesh coloured flowers. It is
abundant in hilly places in Europe and
N. America. Grows in any soil, but prefers
a moist border or ledge. Division. A.
nitida is a Mexican half-hardy evergreen
with shining green leaves and white
flowers. The dwarf, much branched, A.
pungens, is also a native of Mexico ;
while the shrubby, hardy A. tomentosa
comes from N. W. America.
ARCTOTIS.— Showy half hardy com-
posites from the Cape, numbering between
forty and fifty species, for the most part
little known. The bright colours of many
of the species are more intense in the open
air than when the plants are cramped in
pots in a greenhouse. Dry sunny banks
often devoid of plant life might be beauti-
fully clothed with them. Although true
sun-loving plants, they may be used as a
groundwork in spots where, unmindful of
the shade if not too dense, they flower
almost as freely as when fully exposed to
Aralia spinosa. From a photograph sent by Mr.
C. L. Mayor, Paignton, Devon.
flowers, and there are a number of so-
called varieties differing only a little in the
form of the leaf. S. Europe, and also wild
in the south of Ireland. The other species
are not so important as flowering trees,
though good evergreens where they will
face the climate. A. Andrac/ine, with
smooth ruddy-tinged bark, is hardy in the
south and coast districts ; about London it
reaches a height of over 15 ft. It grows
wild in Greece, and is a very old tree in
gardens. The fine Californian Arbutus
are not hardy with us. These shrubs
succeed best in a deep light loam, and
will thrive on chalky soils much better
than many other evergreen shrubs, j
-In planting them, a warm sheltered I
Arctotis arborescens.
F F
434 ARENARIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
AR1STOTELIA.
the sun. They require warm greenhouse
treatment in winter.
A. acaulis is a very variable dwarf
species. The flowers are large, attractive,
and of a deep rich orange. It does not
ripen seed freely, but is easily propagated
from side shoots.
A. aspera is a half-shrubby species,
with deeply cut and wrinkled leaves and
creamy flowers, purplish outside. It may
be used in vases and hanging baskets, the
pink buds being pretty. Cuttings strike
readily in heat.
A. aureola is of shrubby habit, I to 2
ft. in height, with handsome orange flowers
towards the end of the branches. Cut-
tings. Syn. A. grandiflora.
A. leptorhiza is one of the most showy
annuals we grow, with abundance of rich
orange flowers, as is also A. breviscapa,
which likes a sunny position. The seeds
may be sown in the open air, the plant
being treated as a hardy annual. A sunny
spot should be chosen, and the seedlings
well thinned. — K.
ARENARIA (Sandwort\—k numer-
ous family of rock and mountain plants, of
vast distribution over northern and alpine
ranges, and in temperate countries. Few
kinds are in gardens, and these are dwarf
plants, easy to grow.
A. balearica (Creeping Sandwort}.—^
pretty little plant, which coats rocks and
stones with verdure, and scatters over the
green mantle countless white starry
flowers. Plant firmly in any common soil
near the stones or rocks it is to cover,
and it will soon begin to clothe them.
Flowers in spring. Division. I first used
it for carpets beneath tea roses at Grave-
tye, and also for low rough stone walls,
over which it spreads in myriads. Corsica.
A. montana (Mountain Sandworf). —
A pretty rock-plant, having the habit of a
Mountain Sand wort (Arenaria montana).
Cerastium, and fine large white flowers.
It is the best of the large Sandworts, and
should be in every collection of rock-
plants, being hardy and free. France.
Seed or division.
A. norwegica is one of the best kinds,
forming dense cushions about 6 in. in
diameter, and covered with large white
flowers throughout the summer. A fine
alpine plant. Norway.
A. purpurescens (Purplish Sandwort).
— An interesting kind with purplish
flowers, on a dwarf tufted mass of smooth
pointed leaves. It is plentiful over the
Pyrenean mountains, hardy, and, like the
other kinds, increased by seed or division.
It should be associated in the rock-garden
with the smallest plants.
There are a great number of other
species, but it is not easy to find among
them plants of such garden value as those
named above.
ARETHUSA.— A. biilbosa is a beautiful
American hardy Orchid, which grows in
wet meadows or bog-land, blossoming in
May and June. Each plant bears a bright
rose-purple flower that shows well on its
bed of Sphagnum, Cranberry, and Sedge.
The little bulbs grow in a mossy mat
formed by the roots and decaying herbage
of plants and moss. In cultivation it
requires the same soil, and get the leaf as
well matured as possible. A shady moist
spot with a northern exposure is best, and
the soil should be a mixture of well-rotted
manure and Sphagnum. During winter,
protect the bed with some cover, for it is
not so hardy in gardens as in its bog home.
ARGEMONE (Prickly Poppy}.— Hand-
some Poppy-like plants, said to be peren-
nial, but perishing on moist soils after
the first year. As they come from the
warmer parts of California and Mexico,
and even there grow on dry hill-sides
and in warm valleys, their perishing here
may be understood. Usually about 2 ft.
high, they have large white flowers 4 in.
across with a bunch of yellow stamens
in the centre. They require a warm
loam, and go with the choicest annual
flowers. The kinds mostly grown are
A. mexicana, A. grandiflora, and A.
hispida, which are so much alike in habit
as not to need separate description. Seed
in a warm frame.
ARISTOTELIA.— A . macqui\s a hardy
Chilian shrub of the Lime tree family,
chiefly esteemed for its handsome ever-
green foliage. The pea-like berries are at
first dark purple but eventually black.
There is a variegated form, but not quite
so hardy as the species. Commoner in
southern Ireland than in England.
ARISTOLOCHIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ARUM. 435
ARISTOLOCHIA (Dutchman's Pipe}.
— Climbing Birthworts of curious form of
flower, and effective in foliage. A. Sipho
is generally used as a wall-plant, but is
finer for covering bowers, or for clam-
bering up trees or over stumps. A.
tomentosa is smaller, distinct in its tone
of green, and useful in like ways ; both
plants are N. American, growing with
freedom in ordinary garden soil. The
family is a large one, mainly tropical, but
some of the forms go into northern coun-
tries. Propagated by cuttings.
ARMERIA (Thrift, Sea Pinfy.—Rock
and shore plants of the Statice Order,
of which the best known is the common
A. vulgaris (Thrift). This native of our
shores, and of the tops of the Scottish
mountains, is very pretty, with its flowers
of soft lilac or white springing from
The Tufted Thrift (Armeria csespitosa.)
cushions of grass-like leaves ; but the
deep rosy form, rarely seen wild, best
deserves cultivation. It is useful for the
spring garden, for banks or borders in
shrubberies, for edgings, and for the rock-
garden, and is easily increased by division.
As old plants do not bloom so long
as young ones, occasional replanting is
desirable. In addition to the white
variety and the old dark red one, there
are Crimson Gem and Laucheana^ the
flowers intense pink. A. ccespitosa is a
rose-coloured kind from the south of
Europe, 5000 to 8000 ft. above the sea-level.
Its flower-heads, each from f in. to I in. in
diameter, are borne on slender stems I to
2 in. high, from June to September. The
leaves are in dense tufts, with a branching
woody root-stock. A rock-garden plant,
thriving in any well-drained, rather poor,
sandy loam, in wet weather it is apt to damp
off at the neck in rich soil. Seed. A.
cephalotes (Great Thrift) is one of the
best hardy flowers from South Europe and
South Africa, and should be in every good
border and rock-garden among the taller
plants. Hardy on free and well-drained
soils, it now . and then perishes in hard
winters, especially on cold soils. It varies
a little from seed which is easily raised,
but all the forms are worth growing. It
is not, however, so readily got from
division. This species and its forms have
flowers much larger than the common
Thrift. A. setacea is an alpine species,
with little globose heads of pink flowers so
numerous as almost to conceal the plant
on flower-stems from I to 3 in. high.
This and A.juncea are found in the S.
of France on barren stony mounds and
on elevated tablelands.
ARNEBIA (Prophet-flower).— A hand-
some and distinct perennial herb, I ft. to
1 8 in. high. A. echioides has flowers of a
bright primrose-yellow, with five black
spots on the corolla, which gradually fade
and finally disappear. It is hardy either
on the rock-garden or in a well-drained
border, and prefers partial shade. It is a
native of the Caucasus and Northern
Persia, and though long introduced is
still among the rarest of hardy flowers.
Young plants bloom long, which adds to
their charms. Cuttings. A. Griffithi is
a tender annual, and though pretty not so
valuable as A. echioides.
ARTEMISIA ( Wormwood}. — Herbs
and low bushes covering a large part of
the surface of northern and arid regions.
Though often poor weeds, some have a
use in gardens, though rarely for their
flowers. A. anethifolia is one of the most
elegant herbaceous perennials, 5 ft. in
height. A. annua is a graceful plant
with tall stems 5 or 6 ft. high, the foliage
fine, and the flowers not showy in elegant
panicles. The hue is a fresh and pleas-
ing green, and the plant is a graceful
centre of a flower-bed or group. Other
kinds, like A. alpina and A. frigida, be-
long to an alpine group which is at home
in the rock-garden, while there are many
taller herbaceous and half-woody plants
of a silvery hue, such as A. Stelleriana,
A. cana, A. maritima, and some with
handsome Fern-like foliage like A. tan-
acetifolia.
ARUM (Cuckoo Pint}. — Tuberous
rooted herbaceous plants of distinct form,
of which some from South Europe are
hardy, and of interest in our gardens.
They thrive best in warm borders and!
about the sunny side of garden walls.
F F 2
436
ARUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ARUNDO.
Some nine or ten kinds are found in South
Europe, two coming as far north as our
own country. They have, when in bloom,
a very offensive odour of carrion.
A. crinitum (Dragon's Month}. — This
plant when in flower is very grotesque,
from the singular shape of its broad
speckled spathe. The leaves are cut
into deep segments, and the leaf-stalks,
mottled with black. It loves best a corner
to itself in sandy loam at the foot of a
south wall. Many would not care for a
plant having such an odour. Division.
A. italicum (Italian Arum] is larger
than our native Arum ; the veins blotched
with yellow. As the leaves come very
early in the season, they are attractive.
In the autumn, when they have died
Arum crinitum (Dragon's Mouth).
overlapping each other, form a sort of
spurious stem i ft. or 14 in. high, marbled
and spotted with purplish-black. Warm
borders, fringes of shrubberies, or beds of
the smaller sub-tropical plants suit it best.
Division of tubers.
A. Dracunculus (Dragons, Snake
Plant\ from South Europe, attains a
height of 2. to 3 ft. ; the leaves large ; the
stalks and stem of a fleshy colour, deeply
away, the clusters of scarlet berries, on
foot-stalks 10 in. or 12 in. long, are showy.
The true use for it is as a naturalised
plant, or in the shrubbery.
Arundinaria. See BAMBUSA.
ARUNDO (Great Reed}.— Important
Grasses of fine form sometimes of great
height. A. conspicua (New Zealand Reed)
is a Grass of noble form — a companion
for the Pampas Grass, especially in the
AS ARUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ASPARAGUS.
437
western and southern counties and on
light soils. In fine deep loams it reaches
a height of nearly 12 ft., but perishes
from cold or other causes on many soils.
It flowers before the Pampas Grass.
It likes plenty of water nearly all the year
round, and may be increased by seeds or
division. A. Dottax (GreatReed) is the
great Reed of the south of Europe, a noble
plant on good soils, in the south of Eng-
land making canes 10 ft. high, in rich
soil, but in our country it has suffered
much in recent severe winters. Its varie-
gated variety is of some value for the
flower garden, and is nearly hardy in
the southern counties. A . Phragmites
(Common Reed) is the native marsh plant,
6 ft. or more high, bearing when in flower a
large, handsome, spreading, purplish pan-
icle. It is an excellent cover for water
birds. There is a good variegated form
which has more claims as a plant for the
water side.
ASARUM (Asarabaccd).— Curious little
plants resembling Cyclamens in their
leaves, but of little value except as
curiosities, or as wood plants in ordinary
garden soil. A. canadense is the Canadian
Snakeroot, which bears in spring curious
brownish-purple flowers, the roots being
strongly aromatic, like Ginger. A. vir-
ginicum is the Heart Snake-root, its leaves
thick and leathery, with the upper surface
mottled with white. A. caudatum is from
Oregon, and much like the others in habit,
but the divisions of the flower have long
tail-like appendages. A. europ&um is the
Asarabacca, the flowers greenish, about
i in. long, and close to the ground.
" ASCLEPIAS (Milk-weed, Silk-weed}.
— A large genus of strong growing her-
baceous perennials, few of which are
adapted for the flower garden, as they re-
quire a good deal of room, and are not
attractive. They thrive in a light or peaty
soil and may be increased by division.
A. acuminata has red and white flowers.
A. ainczna, purple ; A. Cor?iuti (the
common Milk-weed; — also known as A.
syriaca — grows vigorously to a height of
4 ft., and bears umbels of deep purple
fragrant flowers, of which bees seem to
be fond. A. incarnata (the Swamp
Milk-weed) is a good waterside plant
with rose-purple flowers. A. quadrifolia
(Four-leaved Milk-weed) bears fragrant
terminal heads of lilac-white flowers
early in the summer. A. purpurascens
is also a waterside plant with purple
flowers. A. rubra (the Red Milk-weed)
is a distinct tall-growing plant with long
bright green foliage, and large umbels of
purple-red flowers. A. tuberosa (the
Butterfly Silk-weed) is the prettiest
species, with its clusters of showy bright
orange-red flowers in the autumn. Good'
flowering plants may be obtained from
seed in three years, but it is mostly
increased by dividing the tubers. This
species likes sandy soil and a warm
situation. A. variegata (Variegated Milk-
weed) has dense umbels of handsome
white flowers with a reddish centre. The
downy stems reach a height of 2 to 4 ft.r
and are mottled with purple.
ASIMINA ( Virginian Papaw}. — A
North American shrub, or low tree of the
Custard Apple family. A. triloba forms a
small tree, with dull purple flowers, about
A climbing Asparagus.
2 in. across. It bears fruits eaten by the
inhabitants of the Southern States ; hence
the name. Sometimes grown against a
wall in this country, but is hardy as a
standard, at least about London.
ASPARAGUS. — Herbaceous plants or
climbers of the Lily Order, of fine habit
with elegant leaves. The vigorous and talL4 .
Broussoneti is quite hardy in warm sandy
soil, and so are A. tenuifolius and others,.
The common Asparagus is as good as any,,
and a tuft or group of it is graceful in a
border of flowers or a bed of fine-leaved
plants.
438
ASPERULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ASPERULA (Sweet Woodruff}.— A.
odorata, which belongs to the same family
as the Coffee Plant, is abundant in many
parts of Britain, and worthy of the garden
or shrubbery, especially in districts where
it does not occur wild. Its stems and
leaves give off a fragrant hay-like odour
when dried ; and in May the small white
flowers, dotted over the tufts of whorled
leaves, are pretty. It is sometimes used
as an edging to beds in cottage gardens,
and it goes prettily with some of the
smaller ivies, in forming edgings about
rocky banks and borders. A. azurea
setosa (A. orientalis) is a pretty hardy
blue annual, flowering in April and
May. Sow seed in the previous autumn.
A. cynanchica is a rosy-red perennial, and
a good bank or rough rock-plant. A.
hexaphylla is a tall slender white-flowered
species.
ASPHODELINE.— Plants nearly allied
to the following, but the stems of Aspho-
delus are leafless, while in Asphodeline
the leaves are produced on erect stems.
About six kinds are in cultivation, the
best-known being A. lutea, which grows
about 3 ft. high, with yellow flowers in
dense clustered spikes. A. taurica has
white flowers, on stems i to 2 ft. high.
A. liburnica (A. cretica) and A. tenuior
have yellow flowers in loose racemes.
A. damascena has white blossoms in
dense racemes, and A. brevicaulis has
yellow flowers in loose racemes. These
all thrive in any common garden soil,
and may be used in bold masses with
good effect among other tall plants.
ASPHODELUS^//^^/).— Tuberous
plants of the Lily Order, with spiked
flowers and not of a high order of beauty,
thriving in any free garden soil. The
best-known is the bold A. ramosus, a
South European species, familiar in
most old herbaceous plant borders, but
better fitted for the shrubbery. Other
kinds are A. fistulosus and tenuifolius,
with white flowers, the plant growing
from i£ to 3 ft. high. The last-named
kind has delicate feathery foliage. A.
creticuS) the Cretan Asphodel, has yellow
flowers, and is an easily cultivated border
plant. •
ASPIDIUM (Shield or Wood Fern}.—
This family now embraces the Poly-
stichum and some species of , Lastrea.
There are numerous hardy kinds, among
them the Male Fern (A. Filix-mas} and
the Prickly Shield Fern. These thrive
even in small town gardens and places
similarly confined if given plenty of water
in hot dry weather. Either alone or in
groups they have a fine effect, as an under-
growth to trees in the pleasure-ground or
in the shadier parts of the garden, and
are evergreen. Their varieties are endless,
no fewer than a hundred named sorts of
A. aculeatum and fifty of A. Filix-mas
being enumerated in trade lists. The
smaller and more delicate kinds require
some care. A. aculeatum succeeds best
in rich loam, with sand and leaf-mould,
well drained, and so does the Male Fern.
The bolder Ferns of this group give fine
cool effects in rightly chosen spots in and
near the flower garden.
ASPLENIUM (S0/*«»aw/).— The fine
dark green colour and free-growing cha-
racter of most of the Spleenwort Ferns give
them distinct value. The best soil for them
is a well-drained mixture of peat, sand,
and loam, in which the finer kinds of flower-
ing shrubs, such as Kalmias and Andro-
medas, thrive. A. Adiantum nigrum
(the black Spleenwort) would be at home
amongst hardy Azaleas, as they lose their
foliage in winter, and the Spleenwort would
then carpet the surface. The shade
of Azaleas in the summer, if not planted
too thickly, would suit this Spleenwort,
which, when wild, fringes copses or is found
on hedge-banks, where it gets a little pro-
tection from the summer sun. The various
smaller species of this genus belong
more to the choice fernery than to the
flower garden, unless when we are happy
in having old walls near or around it,
often so congenial a home for the smaller
rock-ferns.
ASTER (Starwort, Michaelmas Daisy].
— Hardy perennial plants of much beauty
Aster Stracheyi.
and variety. There is a quiet beauty
about the more select Starworts, which
is charming in the autumn days, and
their variety of colour, of form, and
of bud and blossom is delightful.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ASTRAGALUS. 439
For the most part Starworts are regard-
less of cold or rain. Less showy than
the Chrysanthemum, they are more re-
fined in colour and form. Even where not
introduced into the flower garden, they
should always be grown for cutting ; and
they are excellent for forming bold groups
to cover the bare ground among newly-
planted shrubs. Nothing can be more
easy to cultivate. The essential point is to
get the distinct kinds, of which the follow-
ing are among the best that flower in early
October — Aster amellus, acris, cassu-
bicus, turbinellus, Chapmani, versicolor,
pulchellus, cordifolius, elegans, Re eve si,
discolor, laxus, horizontalis, ericoides,
SJwrti, multiflorus, dmnosus, Ctirtisi,
ICEVIS, longifolius, coccinetis, sericeus,
Nova- Angles, Nova-Belgii, puniceus, and
mmineus. Every year adds to our
bundling may be wholly got rid of, if the
plants were supported and relieved by the
bushes, and their flowers massed above
them here and there. Asters, dwarfer than
the shrubs among which we place them,
are not less valuable, as they help to give
light and shade, and to avoid the common
way of setting plants to a face as if they
were so many bricks. This is not the
only way of growing these hardiest of
northern flowers, but it is a charming one,
and it lights up the garden with a new
loveliness of refined colour.
Of recent years many seedling forms
have been raised and named, but in no
case are these so good as the best of the
wild species, such as amellus, acris
and cordifolius,
ASTILBE (Goafs Beard].— A vigorous
group of chiefly tall-branching herbaceous
Aster elegans (Lilac Starwort).
autumn-blooming hardy plants, and a
choice of Starworts may be made by
autumn visits to collections. As yet
gardeners seldom look at general effects —
at the whole of things. The flowers are so
dear to them that the garden, as a picture,
is left to chance, and hence there is so much
ugliness and formality in gardens, to those
at least who regard the robe as more than
the buttons. Some years ago Starworts
were rarely seen except in bundles in
botanic gardens. Since the hardy flower
revival, they have become more frequent
in collections, but as yet they have no
important place in gardens generally, and
we may often still see them tied in
bundles, though the effective way of
grouping is so clear and simply carried
out. The bad effect of staking and
perennials. The robust kinds resemble
the Spiraeas of the Aruncus group, but are
bolder, and perhaps better suited for the
margin of water. There are eight kinds in
cultivation, the best known of which are A.
japonica and A. rivularis. Moist places
in the wild garden are most suitable for
A. decandra, A. rivtilaris, A. rubra, A.
Lemoinei, and A. Thtmbergi, the last being
also known as Spiraea. These plants
group well, and the handsome foliage
makes healthy undergrowth, over which
the tall plumes of white or red flowers
tower with good effect. Division of the
roots, and some by the runners.
ASTRAGALUS (Milk Vetch}.— A large
family of alpine and perennial leguminous
plants, not many of which are valuable
for the garden. The best are rock-plants,
440
ASTRANTIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
AUBRIETIA.
but they grow freely on the level ground
in borders. A. monspessulanus is useful
for the front ot borders and for the rock
garden. The vigorous shoots are pros-
trate, so that it is seen to greater advan-
tage when its long heads of crimson and
rosy flowers droop over rocks. It grows
well in any soil. There are several
varieties. A. Onobrychis (Saintfoin Milk
Vetch) is a handsome species from South
Europe and Siberia (in some varieties
spreading, and in others about 18 in. high),
with racemes of purplish-crimson flowers in
June. It thrives well on any good loam.
A. dasy glottis is well suited for the rock-
garden. Its numerous showy flower-
pleasantly of sour milk. A third species
is A. Bicbersteini ; in some of its
characters it is intermediate between the
other two. Its habit is good and com-
pact, and it flowers freely. There are
two or three smaller species, the com-
monest of which is A. minor, often brought
from the Alps by collectors. The Astran-
tias have a quaint beauty of their own ;
they are not showy, nor particular
about soil or aspect. They are easily
established in woodland walks where the
growth of weeds is not too rank. —
C. W. D.
ATHYRIUM (Lady Fern).— Beautiful
hardy Ferns, which A. Filix-fatmina may
Purple Rock Cress (Aubrietia).
heads, of a clear bright purple, are set off
by the fresh green foliage. A. adsurgens
is dwarf, with numbers of violet-carmine
flowers. A. vaginatus succeeds in an ex-
posed position in any ordinary border. The
showy deep violet-purple flowers are borne
in dense erect clusters fora long time.
ASTRANTIA (Master-wort}.— These
herbs are amongst umbelliferous plants,
and consist of not more than four or five
true species, all natives of the mountains of
Southern Europe. The two most distinct
are A. major and A. helleborifolia. A.
Jielleboiifolia is from the Caucasus, with
the largest flower of any, the colour clear
pink ; but the habit of the plant is
straggling, and the flowers smell un-
be taken to represent. They like a compost
of loam, leaf-mould, and peat, mixed in
about equal proportions, with the addition
of some sharp sand. They require abun-
dance of water during their growing
period, but not in winter, because all the
varieties are deciduous, the ground at
that period being wet enough naturally.
Among many fine hardy evergreen and
herbaceous plants Lady Ferns might be
planted with advantage ; they will thrive
in a little shade where protected from
drying winds. There are many beautiful
forms.
Atragene. See CLEMATIS.
AUBRIETIA (Purple Rock Cress}.—
charming group of rock plants from the.
AUCUBA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
441
mountains of South Europe. There are
many varieties in gardens, but probably
all may be reduced to some half-dozen
species, whilst all are beautiful. The oldest
is called A.purpurea. Then there is what
is called deltoidea, and the free-branching
variety of it known as Eyrei, which has
large violet-purple flowers. We have also
orandiflora, with a lax habit, a pretty
rock-plant. Then we have Leicktlini,
Mooreana, Cohtmnce, and Campbelli ; but
the names of the species are too numerous
in this family, and are often only varieties
from different localities. Some, like Dr.
Mules, Beauty of Baden and \V. Ingram,
are of higher value as garden plants.
The Aubrietia is excellent as a wall-
plant. We need only sow the seed in any
mossy or earthy chinks in autumn or
spring, indeed they will sow themselves
on walls, and often bloom on the
sunny sides in February. Rock-gardens,
stony places, and sloping banks suit
Aubrietias perfectly. They make neat edg-
ings, and may be used as such with good
effect. There are one or two variegated
varieties. Aubrietias are easy to naturalise
in rocky places, and may be easily got
from seeds, cuttings, or by division.
AUCUBA. — Evergreen berry-bearing
shrubs of the Dogwood order, which
brighten gardens in winter. It is one of
the best shrubs for planting under trees, as
its strong fleshy roots enable it to live where
other shrubs would starve. It may be safely
removed at midsummer or midwinter, but
requires shelter and shade. To get a good
crop of berries, plant males about 30 ft. apart
among the ordinary forms. Smoke and dust
seem to have slight effect upon Aucubas,
making them valuable for town gardens.
The variegated form is more vigorous and
rapid in growth than the green or plain-
leaved variety, though we have now many
fine green forms extremely handsome
when in good berry.
AZALEA (Swamp Ho7ieysnckle]. —
These are beautiful upland and bog shrubs I
from North America, and, if only as a relief I
from the heaviness of Rhododendrons, i
their graceful growth is precious. There |
is nothing in the open garden so charm-
ing as old Azalea bushes in flower, with I
their branches in table-like tiers ; but
the brilliant tints always seem most effec-
tive in the subdued light of a shady wood,
and happily few shrubs flower better in
partial shade than Azaleas. They like
shelter, even from southerly winds, and
peaty soil suits them best, though they
grow well in loam.
The hardy Azaleas, called Ghent
Azaleas, have sprung chiefly from the
wild kinds of North America — A.
nudi flora, A. calendulacea, and A. viscosa^
These and A, pontica have been so
hybridised with the wild Azalea of South
Europe that we have a race in which
the colours of the various species are
blended and diversified in a great variety
of tints, and they all intercross so freely
that it is difficult to single out a variety
identical with any of the wild species.
Fifty years ago, Latin names were given,
to every fine variety, but they could soon
be numbered by the hundred from Belgian
gardens alone. Now very few sorts are
named. Every variation of tint, from the
most fiery scarlets to delicate pinks r
whites, and dark and pale yellows, is to
Flowers of Azalea mollis.
be had in Ghent Azaleas, a very beautiful
one being the pure white Mrs.. Anthony
Waterer. Of late years there has sprung
up a new race with double Hose-in-hose
flowers, collectively called the Narcissi -
flora group, the chief sorts of which
number about a score — Graf von Meran,
one of the first, being still among the best
yellows. A California!! species, named A.
occidentalis^ is distinct from the deciduous
Azaleas, as it flowers after the others are
past. It has bunches of fragrant white
flowers and broad foliage. A. mollis, a,
dwarf deciduous shrub from Japan and
China, has given rise to a variety of
kinds, yellow, salmon-red, and orange
scarlet being the prevailing colours. It is.
hardy, and being dwarf may be grouped
as a foreground to a mass of the tall'
kinds. The Chinese A. amcena, with
small magenta flowers, common enough
in greenhouses, is quite hardy in rnild
localities and rich in bold masses. The
Chinese A. indica, the ordinary Azalea of
greenhouses, is hardy in many places,
442 AZARA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BAMBUSA.
•especially the white variety, which, even
in mid-Sussex, thrives in the open air. The
Ledum -leaved Azalea (A. ledifolia) is a
hardy evergreen shrub, also from China,
with white flowers, large and open, like
A. indica. It grows from $ ft. to 6 ft.
high, and Loudon states that in Cornwall,
on Sir Charles Lemon's estate at Carclew,
it was planted in hedges, which flowered
magnificently without the slightest pro-
tection.
Azalea nudiflorum.
AZARA. — Distinct and graceful Chilian
shrubs, nearly hardy in favourable soils.
•On east or west walls they flower freely ;
-while in the southern counties, at least,
they do well in the open. Well-drained
loam and the partial shade of taller shrubs
suit them. A. Gillesi is probably the most
handsome, its toothed leaves resembling
in colour and texture those of the Holly,
with the branches tinged with red. Both
.in the open air and under glass it blooms
in late autumn and winter, the flowers
small, and resembling golden catkins.
A. celastrina has rather smaller leaves,
and yellow blossoms. A. integrifolia
has drooping spikes of fragrant yellow
blossoms, which form a dense bush a
few feet in height. A. microphylla is
a graceful evergreen shrub, with many
small flowers, succeeded in autumn by
small orange-red berries. The best place
for it is a sheltered position, not too low.
Among other kinds are A. dentata, a
quick grower ; and A. serrata, with
prettily serrated leaves, and umbels of
yellow blossoms. Order, Bixineae.
AZOLLA. — A. Caroliniana is a very
small and curious water-plant, which floats
on water quite free of soil, the tufts of
delicate green leaves like tiny emeralds.
During summer it will grow out-of-doors,
and then becomes bronzed, and perhaps it
is prettier when light green, as it is in the
greenhouses or window. Syn., A. rubra.
A. pinnata is a distinct species.
BABIANA (Baboon-roof). — Charming
bulbs of the Iris order, from South
Africa, allied to Sparaxis and Tritonia,
but having broader foliage, often hairy
and plaited ; they grow from 6 to 12 in.
high, with spikes of sometimes sweetly
scented brilliant flowers ranging in
colour from blue to crimson-magenta.
The bulbs should be planted from Sep-
tember to January, about 4 in. deep and
2 to 4 in. apart, in light loamy soil
thoroughly drained, with a due south
aspect. The early plantings make foliage
in autumn, and require protection of mats
against frost. Those planted later will
only require a covering of Fern, which
should be removed as the foliage appears.
In wet soils surround the bulbs with sand,
and raise the beds above the level. Many
varieties are in cultivation, but in the open
air their growth is only worth attempting
in very favoured spots.
BAMBUSA (Bamboo). — There are some
forty or more varieties of these graceful
woody grasses, which are hardy in all
but the coldest parts of our Islands,
though best in sheltered places. Grace
and elegance are the characteristics
of the Bamboo, and in no species more
conspicuous than in the lovely group
of Phyllostachys, while some of the
Arundinarias will, if planted in suit-
able places, grow into dense thickets of
almost tropical aspect. There are few
gardens in which some sheltered nook,
backed by evergreens, might not be
beautified by a feathering group of
Phyllostachys Henonis or nigra ; while
in the wilderness fine effects may be
produced by the grand foliage of Arun-
dinaria Metake or the stately plumes
of A. Simoni. Background is the great
secret of getting the best effect out of
plants in which beauty of form is the
dominant feature ; and above all let the
Bamboos be sheltered from our biting
easterly and north-easterly winds, as they
are more deadly than frost. The softer
and moister westerly winds, blow they
never so hard, will do but little damage
to plants which come from such storm -
vexed regions as the coasts of China and
the islands of Japan. It is important
that every autumn the plants should be
well mulched with cow manure, and this
again should be covered with dead leaves.
To prevent the latter from blowing away
it is expedient to surround the plant or
group with wire netting. This has the
additional advantage of keeping out
rabbits and hares. The mulching pro-
tects the roots from frost in the winter,
and prevents evaporation in summer.
When the plants are thoroughly
BAMBUSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BAMBUSA. 443
established these precautions become un-
necessary.
The plants should only travel during
the period when they are at rest. They
will be received therefore during the
late autumn or winter. If they have
come from abroad, the balls of earth
round the roots should be thoroughly
soaked ; they should then be potted
and placed in a cool house for the
winter ; the leaves syringed with rain-
water twice a day, but the roots should
not be kept too wet. In this way many
species will keep their leaves as green
and fresh as if they had never been dis-
turbed ; but even those that lose their
leaves will early in February begin to
show little fat buds that will soon develop
into branchlets. Early in May begin to
harden off the plants, as you would
Geraniums for bedding out, and, at the
end of May, place them in their per-
manent homes.
When you take the plants out of the
pots be careful not to disturb the roots
in any way. You must not attempt to
comb them out as you would the roots
of trees, for they are as brittle as glass :
place them in the earth as they are, and
they will soon find their way about. If
possible the newly planted Bamboos
should be well watered during growth. It
must be remembered that Bamboos will
not show their true characteristics for
several years. But by taking the above
precautions much time will be saved, and
many disappointments avoided. For trans-
planting Bamboos (from one part of the
same garden to another, not for sending
them on a journey), May and June are
perhaps the best months, though I have
moved them without any ill effects during
the whole summer up to the end of
September. The worst time is from
November to March ; for the plants need
to have made some roots in their new
homes .before they can resist our cold
winters and biting winds. As regards
propagation, very little need be said here,
for I doubt whether the propagation of
hardy Bamboos, except by division, is
likely to become a successful industry in
this -country.
PROPAGATION BY DIVISION. — The
best moment for this operation is, in our
climate, the latter end of April or May.
The process is very simple. The plants
should be divided into clumps of two or
three culms with their rhizome, in order
to insure a new growth from the buds on
the internodes of the root-stock. If the
tufts can be lifted with a ball of earth, so
much the better. They should be planted
in beds at distances of 2 ft., carefully
watered, and protected by a top-dressing
of well-rotted cow manure and dead leaves.
With the same care they may be planted
at once in their permanent homes.
NATIVES OF THE HIMALAYAS.
Arundinaria racemosa.— This grows
about 1 5 feet high in its own country. Stem
smooth and round. Internodes about 2 in.
apart, leaves 2 to 4 in. in length and
narrow, cross veins well defined. After
the trying winter of 1895, quite green
and fresh at Kew Gardens ; found at
an elevation of 12,000 ft. in the N.E.
Himalayas.
A. aristata. — A pretty variety
of moderate size, with purplish stems
and tessellated leaves. This latter
quality, also the great altitude at which it
is found in the North Eastern Himalayas
— as high as 11,000 feet above the sea-
level — indicates it as a hardy Bamboo.
A. spathiflora.— Another hardy Bamboo
with tessellated leaves, from the Hima-
layas, where it is found at an altitude of
9,000 feet. Most of the specimens which
1 have seen grown under this name in
English gardens are not the true A.
spathiflora. ' A.falcata and A. Falconeri,
though fine kinds in their native country,
are not quite hardy in ours.
NATIVES OF CHINA AND JAPAN.
A. Fortune!. — Three plants of no rela-
tionship to one another are at present the
bearers of this name, respectively green,
silver variegated, and golden variegated.
As there is absolutely no similarity be-
tween them, I have re-named two of them
humilis and auricoma, leaving the name
Fortunei to the silver-striped species
which has the prior claim to the title.
A. humilis.— A green species, about
2 ft. to 3 ft. high, with round and green
stem, bright evergreen leaves smooth on
both sides, 4^ in. long, three-quarters
of an inch broad, and tapering to a
point. A very pretty plant to form a car-
pet, or isolated group near rocks. Syn.
B ambus a gracilis.
A. Fortunei fol. var. — A silvery-
variegated dwarf Bamboo about 3 ft.
high. Leaves about 5 in. long, by
half or at most three-quarters of an inch
wide ; a bright colour beautifully striated
with white in a young state, but the
variegation is apt to fade in the older
leaves, which become rather spotty. A
strong runner at the roots.
A. auricoma. — A golden variegated
dwarf Bamboo, taller than the two pre-
ceding sorts. Leaves striped with bright
444 BAMBUSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BAMBUSA.
yellow, from 5 in. to 7 in. long, by I in. to
i£ in. broad. Not a strong runner, but a
beautiful and conspicuous evergreen plant.
Bambusa pumila (? Arundinaria).—^
very pretty dwarf Bamboo somewhat like
'Arundinaria humilis, but smaller in habit,
the leaves are less broad, shorter, and do
not taper so gradually to a point. The teeth
of the serrated edges are less conspicu-
ous ; the lower sheaths are hardly so
hairy, and the nodes are less well defined
and far less downy. The stem is more
slender.
Arundinaria Hindsii.— A distinct and
beautiful species. In its first year with
me it has grown to a height of 6 ft.
3 in., but will evidently attain a greater
stature. The young dark-green stems have
a lovely white wax on them like the bloom
on a Grape. The leaves are 6 in. long by
about five-eighths of an inch across ;
they are thicker than in most Bamboos.
The colour is a beautiful dark green, fairer
underneath ; the veins are conspicuously
and beautifully tessellated.
A. Hindsii var. graminea.— A smaller
plant than the above, with leaves 9 in.
long by five-eighths of an inch broad,
and yellow stems ; considered by the
authorities at Kew to be another form
of the same species. The tessellation of
the veins of the leaves is not quite so
strongly marked as in the type.
A. japonica. — A fine and valuable
plant, generally grown in gardens under
the name of Bambusa Metake. The leaves
are from 8 in. to i ft. in length by about
\\ in., sometimes more, broad. The
upper surface is smooth and shining, the
lower side paler, rather glaucous and
wrinkled ; the edges are finely serrated.
The creeping root-stock in well-established
plants is very active, so that care must be
taken to give the plant plenty of room.
A. Simoni. — Of this fine species, at
Kew, old-established plants have reached a
height of 1 8 ft. The leaves are from 10 in.
to i ft. long, slightly hairy, lanceolate,
longitudinally ribbed, ending in a long
narrow point. So far as experience at
present goes, this is the greatest runner
of all the hardy Bamboos. Its young
shoots will appear at a great distance
from the parent plant. It should be
planted apart in the wild garden, where it
may wander at pleasure without injury to
any neighbour.
Bambusa palmata (? Arundinaria}. —
A beautiful species, about 5 ft. high,
conspicuous from the size of its leaves,
which are often used by Japanese peasants
to wrap up the bit of salt fish or other
condiment which they eat with their rice.
These are the chief beauty of the plant.
each from i ft. to 13 in. long and 3 in. to
3^ in. broad, tapering rather suddenly to
a very fine point ; the colour a vivid
green on the upper surface, glaucous on
the lower. Both edges are serrated.
The rhizomes are exceedingly active, and
travel far.
Bambusa palmata (from a photograph by Lord
Annesley).
Arundinaria Veitchi much resembles
Bambusa palmata in its habit, though on
a far humbler scale, the plant being only
about 2 ft. high and the leaves smaller
and more rounded at the point. The
leaves are about 7 in. long by about
2|- in. broad, green above, glaucous
below, glabrous and much ribbed. The
edges wither in winter, giving the plant a
variegated but shabby appearance ; but
the thick new foliage of spring is very
beautiful, and the plant runs fiercely, soon
making a thick carpet and ousting all1
weeds.
A. metallica.— A species closely re-
sembling A. Veitchi, but lacking the ugly
withering of the leaf edges in winter. A
native of the north of Japan and the island
of Vezo, and hardy.
Bambusa tessellata.— A very beautiful
soecies having the largest leaves o£
15AMBUSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BAMBUSA. 445
any of the hardy Bamboos. The stem
is about 2^ ft. high, round, slightly flat-
tened at the top, the colour a purplish-
green, much hidden by persistent
withered sheaths. The slender new
culms spring gracefully from the carpet of
arching foliage. Syn., Bambusa Raga-
.niowski.
Arundinaria nitida.— A very lovely
•species from North Western Szechuan.
The culms are purple-black, very slender
and round. The leaves are small, lancet-
shaped, and tessellated. Quite the hardi-
est of all our Bamboos.
A. angustifolia.— A lovely little Bam-
boo, about 9 in. to i ft. in height. The stems
are round, very slender, and when young
of a purplish colour. It is much branched ;
the leaves are about 4^ in. in length by
three-eighths of an inch in width ; they
are serrated on both sides, and somewhat
capriciously striped with silver variega-
tion.
A. marmorea. — A pretty and dis-
tinct little Bamboo, for which I have
chosen the name marmorea on account
of the very peculiar appearance of the
young stems, which are folded in purple
sheaths, delicately marbled with a pinkish
silver-gray, through which, near the knots,
peep glimmers of the bright emerald-
green or dark purple of the stem itself.
The leaves, which are bright green, are
about 4^ in. long by three-eighths to five-
eighths of an inch broad ; they are ser-
rated on both edges, and have a marked
constriction at about half an inch from
the very sharp end. The rhizome is
very active, new shoots appearing at some
distance from the parent plant.
A. pygmaea. — The best and the smallest
of the dwarf Bamboos, invaluable for
making a carpet of soft brilliant green.
It grows with extraordinary rapidity, the
root-stock travelling great distances and
at a considerable depth. Stem about
6 in. to 1 6 in. high ; leaves about 4 in.
long by half an inch to three-quarters of
an inch broad. It grows so thick and
close that no weed has a chance against
it, but it should have plenty of room.
A. Lay dekeri.— Apparently a semi-
dwarf Bamboo, not, so far as my ex-
perience of it goes, particularly attractive,
though it should have a place in a collec-
tion. The stems in the third summer are
about 3 ft. high, but will probably grow
higher ; round, much branched ; ap-
parently, therefore, it is an Arundinaria.
The leaves are about 6 in. long, dark
green, but rather shabbily mottled on both
surfaces, serrated on one edge and slightly
so on the other ; leaf-sheaths hairy at top.
The branches, which are long in propor-
tion to the length of the stems, from which
they stand out rather markedly, give the
plant a conspicuous habit.
Phyllostachys heterocycla.— This is
called by the Japanese Kiko-chiku, or the
" tortoise-shell Bamboo," from the curious
arrangement of the alternately and par-
tially suppressed internodes at the base
of the stem, which sheathe it in plate
armour like the scales on a tortoise's back.
At about 2 ft. or 3 ft. from the ground the
nodes are regularly defined, as in other
Bamboos. The other characteristics of
this Bamboo do not differ from those of
the Phyllostaches of the mitts and aurea
group. The leaves are from 3 in. to 4 in.
long and about half an inch wide, very
minutely serrated on one edge and almost
imperceptibly so on the other, bright
green on the upper surface, bluer under-
neath. The imported stems are about
5 in. round, and the plant has the appear-
ance of growing into a large and impor-
tant Bamboo.
P. Marliacea. — A rare, handsome
species. The only plant of it I possess
has in its third year grown to a height of
8 ft., and promises to become very tall and
vigorous. The stem is a dark green,
shining like enamel ; the internodes at
the base are very close together, not more
than i^r in. to 2 in. Its habit is very
graceful, the culms forming the most
elegant arches, beautiful both in form and
colour.
P. fastuosa.— This very stately and
beautiful plant stands out quite conspicu-
ously among its fellows. The leaves are
from 5 in. to 7 in. long by three-quarters
of an inch to I in. in width, tapering to a
sharp point, and markedly constricted at
about an inch from the end, which has the
appearance of a little tongue. Their
colour is bright green on the upper
surface and very glaucous underneath.
This Bamboo will probably prove to be
one of the most valuable of the group.
Tall, spreading, gracefully plumed with
foliage which for richness and beauty of
colour is without a rival, it cannot fail to
make a striking feature in the wild garden.
P. aurea. — The distinctive name aurea
is not very happily chosen, for there is
nothing golden about the plant unless it
be the yellow stems, and these are not
peculiar to the variety named. At Shrub-
land Park, Phyllostachys aurea is 14 ft. 6
in. high, the canes being 2| in. round.
P. mitis.— This is the tallest, and in
that respect the noblest, of all the Bam-
boos capable of being cultivated in this
countrv. At Shrubland the culms of
446
BAMBUSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BAMBUSA.
plants imported seven years ago are
19 ft. 5 in. high and 43- in. in circum-
ference. In China and Japan it grows to
60 ft. high. The stems, some of which
spring out of the ground like spears, are,
when fully developed, beautifully arched.
The young shoots, when once they
start, are very rapid, growing in this
country as much as 6 in. in the twenty-four
hours.
P. sulphurea.— A handsome golden -
stemmed Bamboo, which in appearance
has great affinity with P. mitis. It is per-
fectly hardy and well worth cultivating,
but difficult to obtain. At Shrubland it
is growing to a height of 13 ft., with a
circumference of 2f in. round the stem.
P. Quilioi.— A very distinct Bamboo,
introduced from the north of Japan. To
me it appears to have a character alto-
gether its own, and the many botanists
and gardeners to whom I have shown it
have without exception come round to my
opinion. Altogether a notable Bamboo,
growing at Shrubland to a height of 18 ft.
6 in., the canes having a circumference
of 3f in. Syn., Phyllostachys Mazeli.
P. viridi-glaucescens. —A most elegant
and graceful Bamboo, growing to a great
height — nearly 18 ft. at Shrubland. The
root-stock is very active, the plant being
a great runner, while many of the culms
come almost horizontally out of the ground,
giving the plant a very wide spread. The
leaves are generally about 3 in. or 4 in.
long and about three-quarters of an inch
across. The stem is much zigzagged.
This is a perfectly hardy Bamboo, but it
should be established in pots before
planting out.
P. violescens. — This is sometimes said
to be a variety of P. viridi-glaucescens,
but quite different both in appearance and
behaviour. It is somewhat more tender,
the leaves being apt to be cut by frost,
which gives the plant an ugly appearance
in winter, but with the spring the culms
are clothed with new foliage, and after all
it is only those shoots which come into
existence in the late autumn which suffer.
The foliage is rather darker and larger
than in P. viridi-glaucescens and the
plant more straggling, the rhizomes run-
ning rampantly. But the most distinctive
feature is the deep purple colour of the
young stems during their first year.
This is lost in the two-year-old stems,
which change to a greenish yellow or
brown. The plants at Shrubland are
15 ft. high, and the culms 2f in. in cir-
cumference.
P. Henonis. — To my taste this is the
loveliest of all our Bamboos, and it is
perfectly hardy, bearing up bravely against
our coldest weather. Of all the plants
that I imported not one has gone amiss,
though they were subjected to hardships
which proved fatal to a good many of their
travelling companions. The slender tall
stems are green at first, growing yellower
with age, slightly zigzagged. The root-
stock runs rather freely, but it is to its
habit that this Bamboo owes its surpassing
loveliness. The two-year-old culms, borne
down by the weight of their own foliage,
bend almost to the earth in graceful curves,
forming a pretty groundwork from which
the stems of the year spring up, arching
and waving their feathery fronds, the
delicate green leaves seeming to float in
the air.
P. nigra.— This is perhaps the best
known, and from its black stems the most
easily recognised of the hardy Bamboos.
Varieties of this said to be more free than
the species are P. nigro-punctata and P.
Boryana. With me the plant has been a
little capricious and difficult to establish,
but once it has taken hold of the ground
no Bamboo seems hardier. The stems
are of an olive-green colour during their
first year of growth, changing to shining
black the following year. They are
slightly zigzagged. The leaves, which
are from 3 in. to 4^ in. long by three-
quarters of an inch broad, are green on
the upper surface and glaucous under-
neath.
P. Boryana.— One of the handsomest
and most vigorous of the hardy Bamboos,
very graceful in its habit. Like P. nigra,
the stems are green during their first year,
but change colour the second year to a
dull brown splashed with large deep
purple or black blotches.
P. Castillonis.— A most lovely plant.
The foliage is larger than it is in most
of the Bamboos, some of the leaves
being as much as between 8 in. and 9
in. long by nearly 2 in. broad, When
they first appear they are striped with
bright orange-yellow, which in time
fades to a creamy white. As the sheaths
of the branchlets are of a very pretty pink,
the plant has a tricoloured effect, which
is most pleasing ; the branches come in
twos and threes. Twenty-four degrees of
frost January, 1894, did them no harm.
P. ruscifolia.— A pretty little Bamboo,
described by Munro as P. kuinasaca,
though the Japanese name is bungozasa.
The stems are about 18 in. high, purplish
green in colour, with brown sheaths, much
zigzagged and very slender, distinctly
channelled from the pressure of the
branches, which spring in twos and
BAPTISIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BEGONIA.
447
threes, sometimes in fours, from the
nodes. The leaves are from 2 in. to 4 in.
in length, and an inch, more or less, in
width ; ovate ; soft hairs very conspicuous
on the lower surface, but none on the
upper surface or on the insertion of the
leaves, which are serrated on both edges.
Arundinaria anceps. — A very beauti-
ful Bamboo discovered by Mr. Jordan,
superintendent of Regent's Park, in the
stock of a dead nursery gardener, whose
books being destroyed or lost, it was
impossible to trace its origin. It is pro-
bably a Chinese species. The culms are
brown when ripe ; the leaf-sheaths are
hairy, and the petiole of the leaf is yellow.
A. nobilis.— A grand Bamboo, pro-
bably of Chinese origin, growing to a
height of 24 ft. at Menabilly, in Corn-
wall. It is quite hardy, only losing
its leaves in early summer when the new
ones are ready to appear. The tall stems
are yellowish in colour with very dark
purplish nodes, of which the lower rim
is broadly marked with grey.
Bambusa disticha.— A pretty little
dwarf Bamboo. Stem about 2 ft. high,
round, very slightly zigzagged ; branches
and leaves distichous ; leaves hairy,
especially at the base, and serrated at the
edges, about i-| in. long by three-quarters
of an inch broad, tapering to a point ;
leaf-sheaths hairy ; rhizome inclined to
run. A very distinct little plant, most
useful for a choice corner in a rock
garden. A. B. F.-M.
BAPTISIA (False ^ Indigo}.— A hardy
and vigorous Lupine-like group of
perennials from North America, forming
strong bushy tufts 3 to 5 ft. high, with
sea-green leaves ; the flowers, mostly of
a delicate blue, in long spikes. B.
australis, exaltata, and alba are the best-
known kinds, and should be placed in the
mixed border in any garden soil.
BARBAREA.— Mountain and marsh
cruciferous herbs of the Old World, few
of much garden value, only two varieties
being worth growing. The finest is the
double yellow Rocket (B. vulgaris ft. -pl.\
which is a beautiful and curious plant. It
is about 1 8 in. high, flowers bright yellow,
from June till late summer, and often till
autumn. It succeeds in almost any soil,
preferring a rich light loam. Division.
Barkhausia. See CREPIS.
Bartonia aurea. See MENTZELIA.
BEGONIA (Elephants Ear}.—^ large
tropical and sub-tropical family of plants,
many of them of much value in our hot-
houses, and, of recent years, in our open
gardens. The Tuberous Begonia is the
most familiar to flower gardeners, and
now plays a large part in summer bedding.
Grouped together in beds a fine effect is
produced, and the colours vary from the
darkest scarlets and crimsons to the
various shades of rose and pink ; also
white and blush-coloured kinds.
The cultivation of the Begonia is
not difficult. Seedlings raised in March
will make good plants for planting early
in June. One can just prick them off into
pans ; from these, when large enough,
they are put in shallow boxes, and not
disturbed again until planted out, unless
getting overcrowded. The beds should
be well prepared for them, if the soil is
heavy, using plenty of well-decomposed
leaf-mould, and failing this old Mushroom
manure. During the first year those of
inferior quality should be discarded when
lifted, marking the finest for another
year. For the second and after seasons'
display start the tubers in a gentle heat
in boxes in March, transferring them to a
cold frame or pit in May. A north frame is
best, as the plants make very free growth,
and get a good size for planting out the
first week in June. The beds should be
surfaced with either a dwarf kind of plant
or with Cocoa-nut fibre. When, however,
they are planted thickly together, use the
fibre, which will soon be covered by the
foliage. Begonias planted in dry posi-
tions should always be kept moist
at the root. Damping the beds over-
head as the sun leaves them in the
after part of the day when the weather is
dry and warm will greatly refresh them.
When lifted, the tuberous varieties require
careful attention so as to prevent the
decaying stems from imparting any ill
effects to the tubers. Remove these stems
as soon as they can be twisted out without
any trouble. Some growers expose the
tubers in a light, dry, and airy house until
the stems are quite dried up. Later on
the bulbs when quite at rest should be
kept in a cool place, neither too dry nor
too moist, but where frost cannot reach
them, being stored in either Cocoa-nut
fibre or silver sand in shallow boxes until
again required for starting. It is better to
have single than double flowers for bed-
ding out, and there is no want of good
colours.
A class getting more popular each year
is that called the shrubby set, these
being known as forms of B. semper-
florens. They are neat and shrubby in
growth, with an abundance of rather small
leaves, varying in shade. Conspicuous is
Vernon's variety, the leaves deep crimson
to light green, and pinky blossoms. There
448
HELLIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BERBERIS.
are many varieties, and as easily and
-similarly raised as the tuberous kinds.
The plants are, when in beauty, a mass of
bloom, the small flowers almost hiding |
the leaves. But many of the kinds are !
-very dull in colour, and get shabby to-
wards the end of summer. There are
many uses for them in gardens — as
distinct groups, or as a groundwork to
beds filled with taller plants.
Bellevallia. See HYACINTHUS.
BELLIS (Daisy}. — B. perennis, daisies
raised from our Wild Daisy are among the
most popular of garden flowers, although
not used so much as formerly. They
need only simple culture, increase rapidly, !
and in the spring garden are of great
service in large clumps or masses. Though \
we have numerous kinds, growers have ad-
hered most closely to the old flat-petalled j
white and the old quilled red, both of which
are grown by millions as market plants.
Besides these are the flat-petalled Pink
Beauty, a charming pink of the quilled
class ; a deep rich red or crimson quilled
kind, called Rob Roy; White Globe,
with large white quilled petals ; and many
•others. The yellow-blotched or Aucuba-
leaved kinds have originated by sporting,
and one named aiicubcefolia is a pretty
kind, but rather tender, though it will do
well in winter on a free porous soil, and
in summer in a cool shady border, if
transplanted there. The giant or crown-
flowered Daisies almost form a distinct ;
section, and, though vigorous, are much
less free of bloom than the better-known
kinds. These have large and usually
mottled red flowers upon long stalks, and
are best suited for mixed borders. A
-very old favourite is the Hen-and-Chickens
Daisy. It differs in no respect of habit or
foliage from the double kinds, except that
when the flowers are at their best they
send out small ones from the axils of the
scales — hence the name.
Propagation is simple, and may be
• done in spring and autumn. Well-dug
soil suits well, and pull the plants to pieces,
dibbling them in six inches apart, or a
little closer. Where the soil is good
the Daisy inci eases so rapidly that it
•may be transplanted twice in the year.
BELLIUM.— Plants belonging to the
same order as the Daisy (Compositae),
•of which some three or four forms are in
cultivation. Although from the south of
Europe, they are hardy on the rock-
garden, but are apt to exhaust them-
selves in flowering. B. bellidioides, B.
crassifolium, and B. minutum, are much
alike and are easily grown in light soil.
.B. rotundifolium ca?ru/escens (Blue Daisy)
is a native of Morocco, and a pretty rock-
plant. Division or by seed.
BERBERIDOPSIS (Coral Barberry.
— />. corallina is a beautiful evergreen
climbing shrub from Chili, hardy enough
for open walls in the southern counties.
It has large spiny leaves very much like
some Barberries, the flowers bright coral-
red, hanging in clusters on slender stalks,
and borne for several weeks in summer.
It is charming for a wall, preferring
partial shade, such as that of a wall facing
east or west, and does best in peaty or
sandy soil. Seed or layers.
BERBERIS (Barberry)— A valuable
group of hardy shrubs, among the most
beautiful of which is Darwin's Barberry
Berberis nepalensis.
(B. Darwini], B. stenophylla is a hybrid
between B. Darwini and the small
B. empctrifolia. B. dulcis is a pretty
Barberry, whose slender shoots are hung
with tiny yellow flowers. The common
Barberry (B. vulgaris) is brilliant when
in fruit in autumn, and it has several
varieties, some of which differ con-
siderably in habit of growth and colour
of the berries. A beautiful shrub-group
could be formed of the fruiting Bar-
berries alone, using B. vulgaris, B
BETA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BETULA. 449
aristata (which has berries covered with
white powder, like Plums), and the small-
growing B. Thunbergi, also remarkable for
its scarlet berries, which remain on the bush
throughout the autumn. B. Wallichiana
has handsome flowers and foliage, and is
worthy of cultivation inthe best collections.
The Mahonias are now merged in
the genus Berberis. As flowering shrubs
they are of much value, as is shown
by the beauty of flower and fruit of
the common evergreen Barberry B. aqui-
folium and its varieties. M.fascicularis,
though not hardy everywhere, is fine
when in bloom, its stems being wreathed
with golden clusters for some weeks, while
M. hybrida is scarcely less ornamental and
certainly hardier. M. repens, Msglumacea
and M. trifoliata are all gobd dwarf
Evergreens. In mild districts there is not
a finer flowering shrub in spring than M.
nepalensis, with large clusters of yellow
bloom and massive foliage. M. japonica
is a good Evergreen in sheltered places,
and a fine flowering shrub. Most of the
evergreen kinds thrive best in leafy or
peaty soils, the ordinary hardy kinds in
any garden soil.
Berkheya. See Stobcea.
BETA (Chilian Beef)~B. cida varie-
gata is a variety of common Beet, the
leaves being more than 3 ft. long, vivid in
colour, their midribs varying from dark
waxy orange to vivid crimson. The
plant should be sown in a gently heated
frame, and afterwards planted out in rich
ground. It varies much from seed, and
the most striking individuals should be
selected before the plants are put out.
Used sparingly, its effect is often perhaps
more telling than if in quantity, but it
is a mistake to use this or any such
vegetables in the flower-garden. Other
varieties of the common Beet are used in
the flower-garden for the sake of their
dark colours, but no artistic flower-
gardening is possible where such vege-
tables out of place are used.
BETULA (Birch}.— Trees of cold and
arctic regions, often forming vast forests.
Sometimes, in the extreme north, even
the tall and graceful Birches of more tem-
perate lands take a bushy form, and there
are also arctic and northern species which
are small and give us little effect or in-
terest except for botanic gardens. The
Birches, generally, are easy to grow, and
should be raised from seed, in which way
they come very easily, excepting what are
called the garden or nursery varieties.
These are grafted, and might be propa-
gated by layers, if anybody would take
the trouble, and in this way might be
longer lived and useful in some ways.
Owing to the beauty of our native species
in all sorts of positions north and south,
we have not lost so much by neglecting
the American species, and it would be
difficult to expect, however, any of them to
show anything finer in effect than such
woods as we see in northern and central
Europe, of Birch alone, the silvery stems
rising out of heath or ferns. Among the
greater, or tree, Birches after our own (in-
cluding its varieties or allies, verrucosa and
pubescens) are the Canoe Birch (B. papyri-
fora] or paper Birch, a forest tree of
Northern America, which is hardy in
Britain ; the River Birch (B. nigra] also
a tall tree of Northern America ; the
Cherry or Sweet Birch (B. lento) which is
sometimes 80 ft. high and also of northern
distribution (Canada, Newfoundland) ; the
Yellow Birch (B. luted] sometimes 100
ft. high ; the Western Birch (B. occiden-
talis], a medium-sized tree of Western
America and British Columbia, and the
White Birch (B. populifolia) also a
slender tree of Canada and the Northern
States with tremulous leaves like some of
the Aspens. Among the dwarf or shrubby
kinds are B, nana, pumila, humilis and
fruticosa ; but the Birches of any real value
for our home landscapes are the tree
kinds. From a garden point of view,
perhaps the most important trees of the
genus are the varieties of our common
Birch and its allies, such as the weeping
and cut-leaved forms, also those with
purple leaves, and the nettle-leaved Birch.
B. maximowiczi is a distinct and fine
Japanese kind which grows very high and
with a trunk 2 to 3 ft. in diameter, the bark
orange-coloured, the leaves very large. B.
ermani is also a common kind in Japan.
An incident in my own planting of
birches may be worth recording here.
Having got a collection from America, I
planted them by some ponds where I
thought they might have a better chance,
as they often grow well near water in their
native country. I lost a good many of
them, not knowing the cause until I hap-
pened to pull up some of the dead young
trees, when I found the main roots were
all barked round by the common water-
rat, working below the line of the snow
during a hard winter.
As regards the positions of Birches in a
pleasure-ground, there is is not a more
graceful lawn tree than the cut-leaved and
weeping kinds, the more so where trees
of light shade are desired.
The American tree kindsmight taketheir
places in the mixed woodlands of a country
place, or by streams or pools. W. R.
G G
450
BLETIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BOCCONIA.
Bignonia. See TECOMA.
Blechnum. See LOMARIA.
BLETIA.— B. hyacintha is a beautiful
Chinese Orchid, having ribbed leaves, and
slender flower-stems I ft. or more high,
bearing about half a dozen showy flowers
of a deep rosy pink. It is hardy, and
an interesting annual flower, showy, the
foliage elegant, and the growth dwarf,
the structure of the flowers singular. Its
culture is that of a hardy annual, but it is
better sown in spring than in autumn. It
flowers from July to September in warm
light soils. The other species in cultiva-
Weeping Birch.
thrives in sheltered and shaded situations
in peat borders in winter. In cold districts
it would be well to cover the roots. It is
very interesting for the bog garden or a
bed of hardy Orchids.
Blitum. See CHENOPODIUM.
BLUMENBACHIA. —B. coronate is
tion are B. insignis and B. inultifida.
South America. (Loasa Order.)
BOCCONIA (Plume Poppy}.— B. cor-
data is a handsome and vigorous perennial
of the Poppy Order, growing in erect tufts
5 to over 8 ft. high, with numerous flowers
in very large panicles, not showy, but the
BOMAREA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. BRACHYCOME. 451
inflorescence, when the plant is well grown,
has a fine effect. It is best in the shrub-
bery in ordinary garden soil, and is excel-
lent in bold groups, the leaves, too, being
fine in form. Division. China. Syn. B.
japonica. B. frutescens. -• A vigorous
Mexican shrub, 3^ to nearly 6 ft. high,
with few and very brittle branches, large,
seagreen, handsome leaves, and greenish
flowers. Very effective on Grass plats,
The Plume Poppy (Bocconia. cordata).
in groups or as isolated specimens. It
requires a somewhat warmer climate than
ours, but may be placed out from June
to the end of September. It is difficult
to propagate by cuttings, easier from seed.
Boltonia. See Aster.
BOMAREA. — Curious and handsome
plants of the Amaryllis order allied to
Alstrcemeria, requiring greenhouse tem-
perature so far as now known. Mr. Archer
Hind, of Newton Abbot, has B. edulis
out-of-doors, and it has flowered well
after surviving a temperature of 25°
oelow freezing. If any of the other
species should prove hardy in the
southern counties, their fine bold twin-
ing habit and handsome flowers would
be a gain. Best in free sandy or peaty soil.
BONG AUDI A.— B. rauwolfi is a plant
of the Barberry Order, though remarkably
unlike one, as it has a Cyclamen-like root-
stem, from the apex of which spring the
flower stems 6 in. high, bearing roundish
golden blossoms from \ to I in. across,
which droop gracefully from slender
stalks. Though now rare, this beautiful
plant was among our earliest garden
plants. Found from the Greek Archi-
pelago to Afghanistan, and hardy on dry
soils. Seed. Syn., Leontice.
BORAOrO (The Cretan Borage}.— B.
orientalis is a vigorous perennial, bearing
pale-blue flowers early in spring, having
very large leaves through the summer.
Easily naturalised in any rough place, but
not worth a place in the garden proper,
being coarse and taking up much space.
The common Borage is very pretty,
naturalised in dry places or banks, where
it might often be welcome for use as well
as beauty. There is a white variety. B.
laxiflora is pretty with suspended blue
flowers ; it grows very freely on sandy
soils.
Borkhausia. See CREPIS.
Botryanthus. See MUSCARI.
BOUSSINGAULTIA (Madeira Vine}.
— B. baselloides is a luxuriant trailing
plant of the Spinach Order with shoots
1 6 to 20 ft. long, flowering late in autumn,
the flowers small, white, fragrant, and be-
coming black as they fade The fine green
leaves are shining, fleshy, and slightly
wavy ; stems twining, tinged with red,
growing with extraordinary rapidity, and
bearing many tubercles. Suited only for
dry banks and chalk-pits, associated with
climbing and trailing plants. Increased
by tubercles of the stem ; these break
with the least shock, but the smallest
fragment will vegetate. South America.
BRACHYCOME (Swan River Daisy}.
— B. iberidifolia is a pretty Australian
annual of simple culture, about 8 to 12 in.
high, the flowers about I in. across, in
loose terminal clusters,and are bright blue,
with a paler centre. There are other sorts,
with flowers of various shades of blue and
purple, and one of pure white. Sow in
cool house in September as soon as
ready, prick off four or five in a 4-in. pot.
keep in cold pits during winter, and
guard against damp. Pot on again in
March singly into 4-in. pots, .and finally
at end of April plant out into open
borders ; or sow on slight hotbed in
March, prick out into pits for transplant-
G G 2
452 BRASSICA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
BROWALLIA.
ing into open in May ; or sow in open in
April and May. B. Sinclairi is a pretty
little kind with tiny daisy-like heads
which sometimes sows itself in sandy
soil.
BRASSICA.— Some forms of the Cab-
bage, particularly the variegated Kales, are
used in the flower garden for winter
effect, where people are ignorant of what
a flower-garden means — in winter even
a beautiful thing to those who know how
to make it so. So we will forego de-
scriptions of how to grow kail for the
flower-garden. The odour of such things
about a house after a hard frost should be
enough of itself to condemn them. And as
for beauty, a corner of a labourer's garden
with a few snowdrops and hepaticas is
worth all the displays of the floral kail-
yard ever seen.
BRAVO A. (Scarlet Twin/lower).— B.
geminiflora is a pretty Mexican bulbous
plant of the Amaryllis Order. From i to
2 ft. high, the flower-stems stout and erect,
bearing on the upper part numerous pairs
of nodding tubular flowers of a rich scarlet
outside, but inclined to yellow within. It
succeeds well in warm sheltered situations
in borders of light and well-drained soil,
but requires some protection over the
bulbs in winter. It flowers in autumn, and
remains a long time in bloom.
BREVOORTIA (Crimson Satin/lower).
— B. coccinea is a beautiful bulbous flower,
of the Lily Order, also known as B. Ida-
Mai. It is one of the prettiest
Californian plants. The flowers grow on
stems, \\ to 2 ft. high, and are tubular
and of a deep crimson-red, the lips a vivid
green. It succeeds best in friable loam.
Plant in October, and the roots may re-
main undisturbed for several years. Not
less than three plants should be grouped \
together, and a dozen will produce a still
better effect; an Osier rod in their midst
will support the fragile steins. Offsets
and seed.
BRIZA (Quaking Grass}.— A graceful
family of Grasses, American and Euro-
pean. B. maxima is one of the hand-
somest, growing 12 to 18 in. high ; may
be sown in the open in March in any
garden soil, is quite hardy and graceful
while growing, and useful for decoration
either green or dried. B. media (Common
Quaking Grass) is smaller, 9 to 15 in.
high. Borders, Seed.
BRODL3J A (Brodie 's Lily or Californian
Hyacinth}. — A charming family of North
American liliaceous plants.
B. congesta has the stems long and
wiry, the flowers in a dense umbel ; pur-
•plish blue in colour, and very lasting. B.
alba is a pretty white-flowered variety. />.
capitata much resembles this kind.
B. grandiflora.— This is an old and
pretty plant, about 5 in. high, with deep
purplish-blue flowers in a loose umbel in
July. At the time of flowering the foliage
is often withered, and to hide the naked-
ness of the stems it is sometimes best
planted among other low-growing plants.
B. Howelli.— This pretty species has
flowers in a fine umbel, bell-shaped and
milky white. A beautiful variety of it
(lilacind] has delicate bluish flowers, re-
taining its fine deep-green foliage at the
time of flowering, and throwing up sturdy
stems about 2 ft. high, crowned by large
flat umbels of well-shaped flowers.
B. laxa is a very old garden plant, of
which there are several varieties, not only
varying in colour, but in the size of the
flowers and the umbels.
B. minor, probably a variety of the
foregoing, is very pretty; the scape is
not more than an inch high, about fifteen
flowers in the umbel ; the colour purplish
blue, with a lighter centre.
B. peduncularis is a pretty white-
flowered species, with large umbel of
porcelain-white blossoms.
These bulbs may be planted from
October until December, and in mild
localities will pass the winter in the
open unprotected. In Holland, where
the winters are often very severe, they
are covered with reeds or straw at the
approach of the cold season. This
covering will keep the cold off, the soil
open, and ward off the effects of a treach-
erous winter sun.— C. G. V. T.
BROMUS (Brome Grass}. -At least one
of this large genus of Grasses is very
graceful and worthy of culture — that is
B. brizceformis, a hardy biennial about
2 ft. high, with large graceful and droop-
ing heads. It is more valuable for cutting
and drying than any of the Quaking
Grasses. It may be grown as an annual
sown out-of-doors in spring, and autumnal-
sown plants would be best in warm soils.
BROWALLI A. —Annual plants of the
Nightshade Order, chiefly Peruvian. B.
elata has usually been regarded only
as a beautiful pot-plant, but it does well in
the open air, either in a bed by itself or in
large patches with other things. 1 1 supplies
a shade of colour difficult to obtain,
and is useful to cut from. Sow the
seed in March, prick off the young
plants when large enough to handle, grow
them on till they are strong, and plant out
in May. There is a white variety equally
useful. B. Roezli is a dense compact
bush, 1 6 to 20 in. high, with shining
BRYANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
453
green leaves. The flowers are of a
delicate azure blue, or are white with
a yellow tube, and are unusually large for
the genus. They come in uninterrupted
succession from spring till autumn.
Rocky Mountains.
Bnigmansia. See DATURA.
BRYANTHUS (Hybrid B.}.— B.erectus
is a dwarf evergreen Ericaceous bush, from
8 in. to i ft. high, bearing pretty pinkish
flowers. Said to be a hybrid. In very
fine sandy soil or in that usually prepared
for American plants, it grows well, and
is suitable for the rock-garden or in col-
lections of very dwarf alpine shrubs.
BUDDLEIA (Orange Ball Tree\—B.
globosa is afavourite shrub from Chili, often
seen in the southern coast gardens, where
it is hardier, and in Ireland ; the flowers,
balls of bright yellow, are showy in early
summer. It is of rapid growth, and if
badly cut down during a severe winter
generally grows again in the following
summer. B. Colvillei is a tender Hima-
layan kind, with bunches of pale rose-
coloured flowers. It is a shrub for mild
districts only. Other species less satis-
factory for open-air culture are B. crispa,
B. Lindleyana.
BULBOCODIUM (Spring Meadow
Saffron}. — B.vernum is a pretty Liliaceous
bulb from 4 to 6 in. high, and one of the
earliest of flowers, sending up large rosy
purple flower-buds, distinct in colour.
The tubular flowers are nearly 4 in. long,
and are usually prettiest in the bud state.
Associated with very early flowering
plants like the Snowflake, Snowdrop, and
Greek Anemone, it is welcome in the
rock-garden or in warm sunny borders.
Easily increased by dividing the bulbs
in July or August, and replanting them
from 4 in. to 6 in. apart. One other
species, B. trigynum, is sometimes met
with in cultivation. Alps of Europe.
BUPHTHALMUM.— B. speciosum is a
bold free and showy perennial, hardy, and
growing in any soil, with large heart-
shaped leaves in great tufts, and, in
summer and autumn, handsome heads of
showy yellow flowers with dark centres.
An excellent plant for shrubberies and
covering the ground here and there in
bold masses, as it grows so close that it
keeps the weeds down and in such ways
also gives a better effect than in small
tufts in the mixed border. Central
Europe. Division. Syn. Telekia speciosa.
BUTOMITS (Flowering Rush\—B.
umbellatus is a handsome native water-
plant, often very fine in a rich muddy soil
and hardy and free to flower. Common
by some river banks, and growing with
water-side seeds in garden ponds and
lakes, flowering in summer rose-red in
bold umbels. Division.
BUXUS (Box).— This beautiful bush or
low tree grows wild on some of our
southern chalk hills, and is much culti-
vated in gardens as an edging and also in
shrubberies. The beauty of its habit is
seldom seen in gardens, owing to its
being grown under other trees or to its
being too much crowded, but seen wild
its habit is most graceful, and it
might be well to secure the same beauty
of habit by planting in groups upon ex-
posed knolls. Almost al) the species and
varieties have variegated forms, which,
Buphthalmum speciosum.
though pretty, are not so good as^ the
natural forms. B. sempervirens (the Com-
mon Box) from its close bushy habit
is one of the most useful Evergreens for
garden hedges. It may be pruned or
clipped into any shape ; and when topiary
gardening was in fashion, it shared with
the Yew in the formation of designs and
figures of men and animals. While there
are few soils in which it will not thrive, it
prefers such as are light, with a warm
gravelly subsoil. Among the typical
species is Japonica, a form of the com-
mon Box, but hardier. The Minorca
Box (B. balearicd) is a native of Balearic
and other islands in the Mediterranean,
454
CACTUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CAI.ANDRIN'IA.
as well as Italy and Turkey, where
it forms a fine tree of from 60 to 80 ft.
in height. The leaves are larger than |
those of the common Box, and when
exposed to the sun are of a lighter green, j
but it only succeeds well in warm well- j
sheltered situations with a dry soil and a !
warm subsoil. Other species are Har- \
land:, microphylla and Wallidiana, few of \
these so precious as the common Box.
The variegated forms of Box are seldom
so good in effect as the green kinds, at
least after they have left the nursery
stage.
climate, and the best places are, as a rule,
on well-drained ledges in the rock-garden.
Plants of this family should be planted in
the rock-garden in open airy situations,
free from dripping water, and where the
drainage is perfect. Probably hardy
alpine species will be found farther south,
and we may yet see, in warmer counties,
a good collection of bright-flowered Cac-
taceous plants on warm rocky borders or
banks.
CAESALPINIA. — A graceful and
distinct summer-leafing shrub or low tree,
even at this early date after its introduction,
Calandrinia oppositifolia.
CACTUS. — Various plants belonging
ic Cactus Order of plants have prove
to
the Cactus Order of plants have proved
hardy in England. Opuntia, Echino-
cereus, Mammillaria and Echinopsis are
among the hardiest. Pretty effects are
shown by some Cacti in the open air
in Southern England, the plants blooming
freely when fully exposed in the sun on a
warm rock-garden ; but the want of the
sunshine of their native plains is against
their being very happy in Britain.
When the foliage of a plant is perennial,
as in Cacti it is well to place it so that it
may be safe from injuries, apart from
proving a picturesque one. It is one of a
genus usually tropical, and the interest
lies in finding a species which is hardy
in the country around London. C.japonica
is a loose or free growing shrub with hard
prickles, leaves a foot long and very
graceful, and handsome yellow flowers in
racemes. It grows well with me in very
poor soil and seems quite happy as a wall
or bank bush. R.
Calampelis. See ECCREMOCARPUS.
CALANDRINIA. (Rock Purslane}.—
Dwarf annual or perennial plants of the
Purslane Order. This genus is large, and
CALCEOLARIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALCEOLARIA. 455
many species have been introduced, though
few are very effective for gardens, but if
well grown and placed they are pretty, and
sometimes brilliant border or rock plants,
thriving in warm and dry soils. C.
discolor is a beautiful S. American
plant, from i to IT? ft. high, with fleshy
leaves, pale green above and purple be-
neath, and bright-rose flowers in a long
raceme, i^ in. across. C. giandiflora is a
handsome annual with showy blossoms.
It thrives in a warm and good loam, and
blooms throughout the autumn. C.
oppositifolia is a distinct plant, and is
well marked by its larger, very thick,
succulent leaves and delicate white
flowers. C. speciosa has flowers from \ to
i in. across, purple-crimson ; on sunny
mornings they open fully, closing early
in the afternoon. C. umbellata is a dis-
tinct and pretty plant, the flower
dazzling magenta-crimson. It does well
in fine sandy peat or in other light
earth, and is perennial on dry soils and
in chinks in a well-drained rock-garden,
readily raised from seed sown in pots
or in the open air in fine sandy soil. It
may also be treated as an annual sown
in frames very early in spring. Chili.
There are other kinds, such as C. Lind-
leyana, C. procumbe?is, C. compressa, and
C. micrantha, but not so good as the kinds
just mentioned.
CALCEOLARIA (Slipper Flower).—
Handsome and distinct herbs or low shrubs
of the Foxglove Order, mostly from
South America. Many of them are of
high garden value, but few are hardy. In
the London district they are employed
very much less than they were some
years ago, as many of the varieties
die from disease, or are short-lived as
regards bloom, but the handsome C.
amplcxicaulis, with its bold habit and
lemon-yellow flowers, is always a
favourite.
PROPAGATION.— The best time for pro-
pagating the shrubby varieties is the
end of September and October, in a cold
wooden or turf frame on a dry bottom ;
fill it to within 6 in. of the top with sandy
loam, and over that spread some clean
silver sand. Then select stubby firm side
shoots, pick out any flower-spikes that are
visible, remove one or two of the base
leaves, cut horizontally below a joint with
a sharp knife, and dibble them thickly,
regularly and firmly into the frames, giving
a sprinkling of water through a fine rose
to settle the soil and to prevent their
flagging. Keep the frames close and
shaded for a day or two, but afterwards
remove the shading, and only use it
during the succeeding month to counter-
act the effects of bright sunshine.
WINTERING. — These frames require no
further care beyond protection from frost,
by covering the sashes, and banking up
the sides, if of wood, with soil. Wooden
boxes, seed-pans, or pots might also be
used for striking Calceolarias in ; and in
them the plants might be wintered in
any pit, greenhouse, or conservatory.
Whether propagated in frames or boxes,
they should be transplanted farther apart
than previously, into other frames filled
with rich open soil, where they will
become fit for planting out by the middle
of May.
SPRING PROPAGATION.— Spring cut-
tings are mostly rooted in hotbeds, in
boxes, or in pans, and often as many damp
off as survive to become plants ; neverthe-
less, where the stock is deficient, this
mode must be resorted to. It is best to
strike them after the middle of March in
pure sand in a hotbed or propagating pit
where there is no stagnant moisture, and,
when well rooted, to pot them, or put
them in boxes in light sandy soil, still
keeping them in warm quarters for a few
days. After that, gradually shift them
into places in which there is less heat.
Powdered charcoal or wood ashes strewed
on the soil among the cuttings prevents
damp, and the watering-pot should be
used judiciously.
Species of Calceolaria.— Apart from the
varieties, a number of species are of some
merit for the flower garden, and some are
neglected and unknown. The greater
number of them inhabit mountain valleys,
and ascend to an elevation of from 13,000
to 14,000 ft. within the tropics in South
America, where they enjoy a temperate
climate.
C. alba. — A lovely sub-shrubby species
from Chili growing 3 to 4 ft. high, with
clusters of snowy white flowers. A native
of Chili.
C. amplexicaulis. — A fine bold kind
with soft green leaves clasping the stem
and many lemon-yellow flowers. Owing to
its tall habit it groups well with bold plants,
and it is usually handsomer in autumn
than any of the other kinds. Ecuador.
C. hyssopifolia is one of the best of
the small-growing kinds, bearing loose
clusters of lemon-yellow blossoms from
early summer till autumn, the foliage
resembling that of Hyssop. Ecuador.
C. Kellyana. — A curious hardy hybrid,
with short downy stems, 6 to 9 in. high,
flowers about an inch across, of a deep
yellow with numerous small brown dots,
and two or three grow together on the
456 CALLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CALLISTEPHUS.
top of the steins. Its foliage resembles
that of one of the Mimulus, creeping along
the ground, and it is a very interesting
dwarf rock-garden plant.
C. Pavonii is a noble species, the
largest in cultivation. It is from 2 to 4
ft. high, has large light-green, much-
wrinkled foliage, from June to September
bearing large, pale-yellow, slipper-shaped
blossoms. It is a fine object against a
warm south wall, but at the approach of
winter it should either be lifted or pro-
tected. Peru.
C. violacea is a pretty species, with
small helmet-shaped flowers, which are
rich purple and spotted ; succeeds well on
warm borders or the rock-garden, and, if
slightly protected, withstands mild winters
in the south. Chili.
Calendula officinalis (Pot Marigold}.—
An interesting old hardy biennial ; one of
the best for autumn and winter flowering
in almost every garden ; the petals were
formerly used to flavour dishes in old
English cookery, hence its name. A
variety of kinds is now offered by the
seed houses. The plants are among the
best biennials for autumn and even winter
flowering. For late blooming, seed should
be sown in July. The plants usually sow
themselves freely, and may be sown in the
open ground either in spring or autumn.
The pretty variety called meteor and other
forms are improvements on the old showy
form.
CALLA (Bog Arum}. — C.palustris is a
small hardy trailing Arum, which has pretty
little white spathes. Though often grown
in water, in a bog or muddy place it will
grow larger. For moist spongy spots near
the rock-garden, or by the side of a rill,
it is one of the best plants, but its beauty
is best seen when it is allowed to ramble
over rich muddy soil. N. America and N.
Europe. Flowering in summer, and in-
creasing rapidly by its running stems.
Callichrpa. See LAYIA.
Calliopsis. See COREOPSIS.
Calliprora. See BRODLEA.
CALLIRHOE (Poppy Maiiow\—&
small and handsome genus of North
American plants, of the Mallow order, of
which some half-dozen kinds are known
in our gardens. They are hardy herba-
ceous perennials, and succeed well in the
open border in rich light soil.
C. alcseoides is an erect herbaceous
perennial, with the habit and general ap-
pearance of Malva moschata, the flowers
from i inch to \\ inches in diameter.
Barren Oak lands, Kentucky and Ten-
nessee.
C. digitata. — A distinct-looking glau-
cous perennial herb, 2 or 3 ft. high, with
reddish-purple flowers in summer ; it is
not so showy as the other kinds.
C. involucrata is a charming dwarf
prostrate perennial, with large violet-
crimson flowers 2 in. in diameter. It is
excellent for the rock-garden, as it bears
a continuous crop of showy blossoms from
early in summer till late 'in autumn. It
has the best effect when allowed to fall
over the ledge of a rock. California.
C. macrorhiza alba is a pure white
form of a kind with purplish-carmine
flowers, and erect stems, from i^ to 2^ ft.
high, with a corymbose raceme of flowers.
It occurs in several shades of colour, from
rosy-purple to pale rose and white, and
sown early it will bloom the first year.
South-western States of N. America.
C. Papaver, figured in The Garden, has
a trailing habit, and flowers incessantly
from early summer until late autumn.
The flowers are of a bright purple-red, as
large and somewhat resembling those of
our common field Poppy, hence the
name.
C. pedata is one of the prettiest species.
A perennial, with trailing stems bearing
lobed foliage, and handsome crimson
flowers, fully 2 in. in diameter. When
sown early the plants bloom the first
season, and continue in flower until late
in autumn. In dry soils the roots survive
our average winters. It succeeds best
in dry soils. The varieties nana and
compacta are pretty dwarfer varieties.
CALLISTEPHUS (China Aster].—
Among the many annuals now in cultiva-
tion China Asters (C. chinensis) are among
the best, and when well grown and cared
for they do as much to render a garden
gay during summer and autumn as any
annual plant. To see them in their beauty,
however, they must be grown in masses,
and well cultivated — not at any stage left
to haphazard or poor culture.
VARIETIES. — China Asters may be
classed according to height, habit,
character of flower. Tall Asters com-
prise the fine Paeony-flowered, the tall
Chrysanthemum, the Emperor, the tall
Victoria, the Quilled, and a few others.
Kinds of medium height are the dwarfer
forms of the Victoria, the fine Cocardeau,
the Rose, and the Porcupine. The dwarf
forms comprise the short Chrysanthemum,
the dwarf pyramidal, and specially the
dwarf bouquet, which is one of the most
beautiful for pot culture. The best bedding
kinds are the medium-growing Victoria,
the Rose, and the dwarf Chrysanthemum,
as these vary from 9 to 12 in. in height,
and form good bunches of bloom on each
CALOCHORTUS
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CALOCHORTUS. 457
plant, and fine masses of colour collec-
tively. The dwarf bouquet kinds, whilst
specially good for pot culture, are valuable
as edgings to beds of taller kinds. For
pot culture for exhibition the best are the
medium-growing Victorias, as these, if of
a good strain, possess quality, and hand-
some even heads of bloom.
CULTURE.— Mr. J. Betteridge writes :
— " For several years after I com-
menced the culture of quilled Asters
I always sowed the seed in bottom-
heat ; but during the last decade I
have sowed it, between 26th March and
26th April, in a cold frame, under glass, in
drills 6 in. apart, and not too thick in the
drills. A few days suffice to bring the
plants above the soil, when a liberal
supply of air must be given, or they will
be weak. When large enough, prick
them out into another cold frame, slightly
shaded, where they will soon be estab-
lished, and after they are strong enough
to handle plant them out in well-
manured soil, and be careful not to break
the tender fibres of the roots. Let the
rows be I ft. apart, and plant the strongest
plants i ft. from each other, in showery
weather, and they will soon get estab-
lished. If the weather be hot and drying,
give them a little watering till rooted :
afterwards keep them clear of weeds by
hoeing among them. About the first week
in August top-dress with rotten manure
from an old hotbed, giving a good soak-
ing all over if the weather continues
dry.
" SOIL. — China Asters like a deep rich
soil, and, should dry weather set in, it is
only in such soil that really fine flowers
can be obtained and the plants induced
to hold out. Planted in the ordinary
way, they are weeds in comparison with
those that are well nourished and
watered. Confined to the top shallow
crust of earth, they soon dry up and
starve. The best way to manage them
is to dig and cast off the top spit to one
side, handy to be returned to its place
again, and then to trench and break up
the soil below, working in with it plenty
of short manure. In very light soils a
few barrow-loads of clay, chopped fine
and mixed well in, will do more than
any other to grow fine China Asters.
The thing to aim at is to keep the
bottom cool and moist ; then, if the
weather be favourable, the plants will take
care of themselves. But considering
this work has all to be done for one
year's bloom only, the question is
whether the same labour would . not be
better given to hardy plants or choice
shrubs which thrive for many years
in the same spot after such preparation
as is here spoken of to secure one year's
bloom, and that perhaps a short one."
Calluna. See ERICA VULGARIS.
CALOCHORTUS (Mariposa Lily}.— A
lovely family of bulbous plants from
Western North America, belonging to the
Lily Order. Forming one of the most
charming groups of hardy bulbous plants,
the colours being so varied and delicate.
Excepting the Mexican species, which
are, fortunately, few, Calochorti are hardy ;
but my experience is that unless on very
warm soils their culture is precarious in
our country, and no wonder, considering
they come from one of the most genial
and sunny of climates.
They are so singularly beautiful, how-
ever, that many will attempt their culti-
vation, and the advice of Mr. Carl
Purdy, who has studied the wild species
in their native wilds, and cultivated them,
is the best we can have.
THE CULTURE OF CALOCHORTI.—
Calochorti are natives of a vast region in
North America, stretching from far east
of the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific
Ocean, and from Northern Mexico to
British America. From the sea-coast
and islands they grow from 6000 feet to
9000 feet altitude on the peaks. Some
are natives of the intensely hot deserts of
Southern California and Arizona, and-
some grow in the moist meadows ot
Oregon in a climate differing but little
from that of England. In Montana and
other States of the inland region the
species indigenous there have to bear as
low a temperature as 40° below zero. In
the soils in which they naturally grow
there is as much diversity. Clay, sand,
loam and rocky debris are respectively the
chosen homes of certain species, and
several choose the blackest and stickiest
of clays. One is found in salt meadows
and many in grassy meadows.
I have at different times tried nearly
every known species in many soils and
situations. The winter climate of Ukiah
is quite wet, with the thermometer often
at 20° to 24°, and sometimes as low as
15° above zero. Often the Calochorti
leaves are frozen till they crackle, but I
have never known any injury to result.
In spring there is abundant rain until
their flowering time, while our summer is
perfectly dry. Perfect drainage is the first
essential to success for all sorts. I have
gradually come to the use of three mixtures.
Along our river banks there is a winter
deposit of sandy silt. This is excellent
Calochortus soil, but not so good as the
458 CALOCHORTUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CALOCHORTUS.
next. I find the best results follow from ;
the use of about one half half-rotten spent
tan bark with one half sandy or clay loam.
The tan bark rots slowly and gives a loose, j
well-drained soil, which will not pack, j
This suits all Calochorti and gives a |
splendid bloom and firm, well-ripened j
bulbs. For English growers many sub-
stitutes will occur. I know of but one i
disease to which Calochorti are subject. I
This is a mildew, the " Lily leaf ash." It \
attacks them in the spring, just before
the flowering stalk appears. It attacks
the leaf tissue, and in a week entirely
destroys the leaf and injures the bulb.
In their susceptibility to the attacks of :
the fungus Calochorti vary greatly. All
of the species having a single glossy
radical leaf are free from its attacks.
This includes all of the Star Tulips and
the C. nitidus group. While all of the
desert species, such as C. splendens, C.
Kennedy^ C. Palmeri, C. Gunnisoni, C.
Nut t alii, C. macrocarpus, and C.flexuosus
are subject to it to such an extent as to
make their successful culture very near
hopeless unless some cure can be found
for this mildew.
While the amateur may prefer to try
all sorts and get his experience for him-
self, I believe that many growers will
appreciate a list of the best growers
among the Calochorti. For such I
•would recommend the following : —
In the globular-flowered Star Tulips,
C. albus, white, C. piilchellus, yellow, and
C. amcenus, rose-coloured, are all thrifty
and beautiful. Among the open-cupped
Star Tulips, C. Benthami, in yellow, and
C. Maiveanus var. major are the best.
There is, however, a race of giant Star
Tulips, sturdy plants 9 in. to 16 in. high,
with large flowers of the same delicate
style as Maweanns, which, although rare
now, will soon quite displace the smaller i
ones. These are C. apiculatus, straw- I
coloured, C. Greeni, blue, and C. Howelli,
yellow. C. lilacinus, a lavender-coloured
sort, is a splendid grower and very de-
sirable. In the next section, C. nitidus
is a fine hardy and very beautiful plant,
combining the attributes of Star Tulip |
and Mariposa. In the C. IVeedi set, C.
PlummercB is best. Of the true Butter-
fly Tulips, C. Vesta is by far the best
grower. It is a sort which has great
vitality, can be propagated very rapidly
by offsets (three or four a year), and
grows well in any well-drained soil. C.
•venustus var. purpurescens is almost as
good a grower, and the two are by all
odds the easiest Calochorti to grow. C.
venustus var. citrinus in lemon is very
thrifty. That grand plant C. davatus is
a fine grower.
I have found that by very late planting
I can bring sorts to flower which planted
early invariably succumb. I had the
same experience a year ago. It would
seem that when planted early they reach
a standstill period in late winter and
cannot resist disease, while planted late
they are in full growth at the critical
period.
Clearly if so much care is needed in their
own lovely climate, in ours it will require
all our care to secure them perfect drain-
age, porous soil and warmth, though no
doubt some of naturally warm soils may
suit them.
Calochortus flavus.
C. albus. — This is a charming species
and more easily grown than most. This
may be planted in the open border
without much fear of failure, unless the
soil be very stiff. It increases rapidly by
offsets and seeds, which ripen and produce
good flowering bulbs in three years.
These require rich soil during the
first two years, after which they may be
planted in the general collection.
C. apiculatus is a tall stout-stemmed
species 9 to 18 in. high, with large straw-
coloured flowers. The variety minor has
creamy flowers with a fringe of yellow
hairs in the centre.
C. Benthami. — A pretty dwarf species
CALOCHORTUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN, CALOCHORTUS. 459
from 4 in. to 8 in. high, the leaves long
and narrow ; the flowers, of a rich citron-
yellow, often deep brown at the base,
and densely covered with yellow hairs,
are erect, from three to six in an umbel, and
produced in June and July. California.
C. clavatus has strong much-
branched flower stems, bearing very large
widely expanded blossoms of golden-
yellow.
C. cceruleus. — A dwarf species, rarely
exceeding 6 in. in height, with umbels
of three to five large flowers of a bright
lilac, dotted and lined with dark blue,
the gland at the base being covered with
a pretty fringed scale. California.
C. elegans. — A fine dwarf species,
variable, bearing in June three to five
drooping flowers, white or greenish-white
with a purplish base, bearded, but not
ciliate. The gland is covered by a
fringed scale. The narrow leaf is longer
than the flower-stem, smooth, and nerved.
C. flavus. — It represents a form in
which the flowers are upright, and the
petals have an outward curve instead
of an inward curve. It is, perhaps, not
quite so hardy as most kinds, but it will
be found to do well at the base of a south
wall. It is also known as C. pallidus and
C. lutens. Mexico.
C. Greeni. — A fine bold species, grow-
ing a foot or more in height, and blooming
in early June, three to five large, clear, lilac
flowers, barred below with yellow and
purple, and often loosely covered with
long hairs. The leaves are broad,
glaucous green, and pointed. California.
C. Gunnisoni has larger flowers of a
bright lilac, yellowish-green below the
middle, where they are banded and lined
with purple. A native of the Rocky
Mountains from Wyoming to New
Mexico, flowering with us in July.
C. Howelli is a strong growing species
with long glossy leaves and large creamy
white flowers.
C. Kennedy!. — This is the most
brilliant of the Mariposa Lilies known to
us, and the flowers are dazzling scarlet in
colour. It has proved perfectly hardy,
and grows about 18 in. high. California.
C. lilacinus.— This is of very distinct
habit, and has curious, hairy flowers,
which are borne from four to ten on a
stem, from 6 in. to 8 in. high, and they
are pale lilac in colour. California.
C. longibarbatus.— A curious species
from Oregon and Washington Territory.
It grows about a foot in height, the stem
bearing one to three pale purple-lilac
flowers each I to \\ in. in diameter, with
a dark purple stripe across the base of
each petal, and a long beard just above it.
Flowers in July.
C. luteus. — A handsome and variable
species, from I ft. to 2 ft. in height ;
j the flowers vary from one to six to a stem,
I the colour varying from yellow to deep,
rich orange, and lined with brownish -
yellow below the middle. In the variety
citrinus the whole flower is rich lemon-
yellow, with a central circular brown or
purple blotch ; and in the variety oculatus
\ it varies from white and lilac to yellow,.
| with a dark-brown spot.
Calochortus fuscu*
C. Lyoni.— One of the earliest Mariposa
Lilies, with numerous large blossoms
varying from pure white to rose with a
large black spot at the base of each petal.
C. macrocarpus.— A tall handsome
species, found on the undulating barren
grounds around the great falls of the
Columbia River. It grows from \\ ft. to
2 ft. in height, the flowers, 3 in. to 4 in.
in diameter, purplish-lilac, somewhat
paler at the base and with greenish mid-
vein.
C. madrensis. — A pretty little species
with bright orange-yellow flowers in
460 CALOPOGON.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CALYCANTHUS.
August and September, and a tuft of
deep-orange hairs at the base of each
segment. It rarely exceeds a span in
height, the stems bearing several flowers
in a loose head. Mexico.
C. Maweanus is a low plant, from
5 in. to 9 in. in height, and bearing
from four to six bell-shaped flowers in
July, each \\ in. to 2 in. in diameter.
The petals are white, tinged with bright
purple at the base, and densely clothed
with purple hairs. California.
C. nitidus is a lovely strong growing
species with five to ten large white
flowers in an umbel, each petal having a
large indigo blotch in the centre, and
covered with long hairs.
C. Nuttalli has large white flowers
with a blackish purple blotch at the base
of the broader segments, the narrow
segments being green striped with red.
The rare variety Leichtlini has white
flowers also, but is more beautifully
marked.
C. Plummerse throws up a broad leaf
about 2 ft. long, and a strong branching
spike with numerous soft lilac flowers of
a satiny lustre and about 4 in. across, the
base of each petal being clothed with
golden hairs.
C. pulchellus.— A hardy plant, the
bulbs, left in the open border, flower regu-
larly. It grows about a foot high, much-
branched, each branch terminating in an
umbel of three to four fragrant, bright
orange-yellow pendulous flowers.
C. splendens.— A pretty species, the
flowers of a pale lilac, with a dark blotch
at the base of each of the petals.
California.
C. Tolmiei.— This very scarce Star
Tulip is a vigorous grower, with tubular
flowers covered with bluish hairs.
C. venustus.— One of the prettiest
of the Mariposa Lilies, from i ft.
to 2 ft. high, the flowers very large,
white or pale lilac, with a prominent
red blotch at the top of each petal,
the centre brownish-yellow, the base
brown. California from Alameda County
southwards.
C. Weedi. — A handsome and remark-
able species in having the bulbs fibrous-
coated. The stem grows about a foot in
height, one to three flowered, large, deep
yellow, dotted and frequently margined
with purple.
CALOPOGON.— C. pulchellus is a
beautiful hardy Orchid suitable for boggy
ground, the flowers pink, I in. in diameter,
in clusters of two to six upon a stem,
beautifully bearded with white, yellow,
and purple hairs. Plant in the rock-
garden, bog, or in an open spot in the
hardy fernery in moist peaty soil, as it
is a native of wet spots at the edges of
Pine woods in the Moss in Cranberry
swamps, and in wet Grassy marshes,
and occasionally seen on solid ground,
in low, wet, woody situations in N.
America.
CALTHA (Marsh Marigold\—1te
Marsh Marigold (C. palustris], that in
early spring " shines like fire in swamps
and hollows gray," and is one of our
good hardy plants, though it is so
frequent in a wild state that there is
little need to give it a place, except on
the margin of water. Its double varie-
ties, however, are worth a place in a moist
rich border, or, like the single form, by the
water-side. There is a double variety of
the smaller creeping C. radicans, about
half the size of the common plant.
There are double-flowered forms, bearing
beautiful golden rosettes. There are
also C. leptosepala, a California!) kind,
and C. purpurascens, distinct and hand-
some, about i ft. high, with purplish
stems, and bright-orange flowers, the out-
side of the petals flushed with a purplish
tinge. The various forms of the Marsh
Marigold are handsome in their golden
blossoms, and in groups or bold masses
are effective ; they are easily grown, and
increase freely.
CALYCANTHUS (Allspice Tree}.—
North American shrubs with handsome
flowers of pleasant fragrance. C. occidcnt-
alis is from 6 to 8 ft. high, with large
maroon-crimson flowers of fine fragrance,
and is worthy of cultivation. C. florid us is
smaller and not so dense, with purplish-
red flowers, strongly scented. The names
in catalogues,
such as C. glau-
cus, IcEirigatus,
oblongifolius,
macr op hy llus,
represent forms
or varieties of
either the east-
ern or the west-
ern species. The
two described
are hardy, the
Carolina species
having been grown since 1757, while the
Californian has been cultivated over fifty
years. They flourish best when some-
what shaded by other trees and where
the ground is damp. They grow wild
near streams and wet places. The
Winter-Sweet, Chimonanthus, is some-
times included among these shrubs in
Continental lists. Calycanthaceae.
Calycanthus laevigatus.
CALYPSO.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CAMELLIA.
461
CALYPSO.— C. borcalis is a pretty
little hardy Orchid, with rosy-purple sepals
and petals, and a white lip, heavily blotched
with cinnamon brown, from the cold regions
of N. America. It succeeds in half-shady
spots on the margin of the rock-garden or
bog, or in a select spot among choice
shrubs in light, moist vegetable soil,
covered with Coco fibre or like material
to keep the surface open.
Calystegia. See CONVOLVULUS.
CAMASSIA (QuamasJi}.— North Am-
erican plants of the Lily Order, hardy and
valuable for cutting.
C. esculenta (Quamash} is a native of
meadows and marshes in N. W. America
from i to 3 ft. high, its stalks bearing a
loose raceme of from ten to twenty
flowers about 2 in. across, the colour
from deep to pale blue. There is also
a pure white, and various other forms
thriving in moist situations in a deep
light soil. A bold group in flower has
a fine effect in July, and it is excellent
in the cut state, as the buds of the spike
open in the house.
C. Cusicki is a new species discovered a
few years ago in the Blue Mountains of
Oregon, and it was described in Garden
and Forest as the most vigorous species
yet found with large broad leaves, a stout
flower-stem growing 3 ft. high, and
flowers of a pale delicate blue, large and
spreading.
C. Fraseri (Eastern Quamask\—^
native of the States east of the Mississippi,
its flowers are rather smaller than those
of the western species ; about i^ ft. high,
the scape bearing a raceme of ten to
thirty pale-blue flowers, each about I in.
across. It is, however, later in flowering
than other Camassias, thriving in a light
rich soil. All Camassias may be pro-
pagated by dividing the bulbs or by
seeds.
C. Leichtlini ( White Camassid}. — This
often grows on sandy ridge-tops, and is
found in dry spots in ravines ; its bulbs
are generally deep in some stiff soil.
The flower-spike is large, being 9 in. long
by 4 in diameter, while in rich deep soils
it is sometimes compound, and contains
several hundred florets, creamy white and
about i in. in diameter, the stem often
3 or 4 ft. high. It is vigorous, but not so
handsome as the Quamash. British
Columbia.
CAMELLIA.— Handsome shrubs of
the Tea Order, mostly grown under glass
in our country, and those who live in
northern districts may well be sur-
prised to see this shrub healthy out-of-
doors, even if it does not flower well ; but
in the Isle of Wight and the southern
coasts of England and Ireland it is often
laden with as many flowers, as it is
in Madeira. Most people who have
Camellias in the open air find that they
flower well five out of every six years, and
that the plants are hardy — indeed, hardier
than many shrubs that make their new
growth early in the year. Their greatest
enemy is fierce winds, which beat them
about. Any one planting them out for
the first time will do well to plant first
some of the commoner kinds, and in
Alpine Hairbell in rock garden. Engraved from
.photograph by Ellen Willmott.
sheltered spots ; then, when these thrive,
to continue with more valuable ones.
The best aspect for Camellias is a south
or south-west one, sheltered by a bank or
wall, but in some districts they do best on
a north wall. Planting from pots may
take place at any period, but about July
is the best time, as the wood is then well
ripened. Duke of Devonshire, Halfida,
Chandleri, Florida, imbricata, elegans,
Alberti, Double White, Donckelaari,
Countess of Orkney, Mathotiana, and
Lady Hume's Blush are good varieties
for outdoor culture. The late Robert
462 CAMPANULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CAMPANULA.
Marnock, the landscape gardener,
wrote as follows to The Garden about
Camellias out-of-doors : " Permit me to
remind those who, like myself, have an
affection for the great beauty of the
Camellia, when in vigorous health in the
open air, that although it is true that the
plant will bear a greater degree of cold
than the Common Laurel, and other ever-
green shrubs which by common consent
have long been regarded as hardy, yet the
main stems and stouter branches of the
Camellia are, nevertheless, liable to injury
from severe frost. Now, all that is
necessary to protect the plant at this
weak point is to closely wrap the stem
with straw or hay bands ; and if a little
Fern or other loose material be laid over
the roots, so much the better. The
portions of the stems near the ground
are the most liable to suffer, while the
leaves and branches, if not exposed to
fierce gales, will bear much frost, provided
the stems are protected."
In Cornwall, the Camellia grows in a
most beautiful way at Tregothnan, Mena-
billy and many other places, flowering in
this county better than I have seen it in
warmer countries even. It is also grown
out of doors in home counties, though
not quite successfully ; still the plant is
hardy in many districts, even more hardy
than the common laurel and it will grow
even on the north side of walls.
At Scorrier House, Tremough, and
Pengreep, among the varieties that do
best are Mathotiana, the largest, ane-
uwnccflora, very profuse flowering,
Countess of Orkney, Donkelaari, which
comes very early, and the old japonica.
C. reticulata is the handsomest of the
Camellias, but needs a warmer and more
sheltered place than the varieties of the
Japan Camellia.
CAMPANULA (Hairbell, Bellflower).
— A large, beautiful, and most important
family for the flower garden. The alpine
species are charming for rockrgardens,
being as a rule not difficult to cultivate.
Some are very easy and free. A group
of kinds somewhat larger than the high
alpines adorn rocks and old walls on
themountaing,and maybe used for these in
our gardens. Some are pretty window-
plants, thriving in dry rooms ; numbers are
good border and edging plants of easy cul-
ture ; the tall and straggling kinds admir-
able for the wild garden, or rough woody
places or hedgerows, but these tall species
must not be used much in the flower
garden or mixed borders, as their time of
bloom is short and they are very apt to
overrun rarer plants. Some of the
annual kinds, if well grown, are showy.
The Canterbury Bell is one of the
finest of biennials, the tall chimney
Campanula a very handsome and precious
plant.
C. Allioni, an alpine kind forming
an underground network of succulent
roots, surmounted by stemless rosettes
of leaves, about an inch long, from
which arise stalkless erect flowers. Suc-
ceeds in exposed positions in the rock-
garden in a moist, free, and sandy
loam, but dislikes limestone. Division.
Alps.
C. alpina (Alpine /jfcwVte//).— Covered
with stiff down, giving it a slightly gray
appearance, 5 to 10 in. high ; flowers of
fine dark blue, scattered in a pyramidal
manner along the stems. Valuable for
front margins of mixed border, as well as
the rock-garden. Division or seeds.
Carpathians.
C. Barrelieri has prostrate one-
flowered stems and roundish heart-shaped
leaves and blue large flowers. On rocks
by the seaside about Naples ; a good
trailing rock-plant, which thrives also in
baskets or pots in windows.
C. caespitosa ( Tufted
charming and vigorous little plant, its
roots ramble very much, and it soon forms
large patches in any garden soil. Ex-
cellent for edgings and rocks, the angles
of steps in rock-gardens, and where
flagstones are used to form paths it is one
of the plants that run about among the
stones with very pretty effect.
C. carpatica (Carpathian Hairbell).—
A dwarf plant of free-flowering habit,
the light-blue flowers large and cup-
shaped, borne on foot-stalks 12 to 15 in.
high in July and August in succession.
There are pale and white forms of this
plant and the hybrid forms, none of them
better than the species though giving
variety.
C. cenisia (Mont Cenis Hairbell}. — A
high alpine plant growing among Saxifraga
biflora on the sides of glaciers, making
little show above ground but vigorous
below, sending a great number of runners
under the soil, and here and there it sends
up a compact rosette of light-green leaves,
with blue flowers. It should have a
sandy or gritty and moist soil on the
rock-garden. Division.
C. fragilis (Brittle Hairbell} is a
glabrous plant, except that the young
branches are coated with soft down ; the
flowering branches prostrate, 12 or 15 in.
long ; the flowers I in. or more in
diameter, delicate blue. If planted in
the rock-garden, a watchful eye must be
CAMPANULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CAMPANULA.
463
kept against snails. A variety C. hirsuta
is covered with stiff down, and looks
almost woolly. Division, cuttings, and
seeds.
C. garganica (Gargano Hairbell}. — A
compact and tufty plant. The flowers in
branching racemes, pale blue, towards
the centre shading off to white in summer,
Campanula carpatica.
thriving in a rock garden or a border ; but,
owing to its pendent flowering branches,
a good place for it is against a rocky
ledge, over which its masses of flowers
may hang. Division or by cuttings taken
in early spring.
C. glomerata (Clustered B ell flower}. —
A handsome plant about 2 ft. high, the
stemsterminated by dense clusters of pretty
flowers, intense purple. The pure-white
form is somewhat rare, and there are
various forms and allies. One of the
finest of all the Bellflowers.
C. grandiflora. See PLATYCODON.
C. isophylla (Ligurian Hairbell}.—^
very pretty Italian species ; the leaves are
roundish or heart-shaped, the flowers of a
pale but very bright blue, and with whitish
centre. A charming ornament for the
rock-garden, in sunny positions in well-
drained, rather dry fissures, in sandy
loam. The variety alba is a beautiful
form with white flowers. Seed and
cuttings.
C. macrantha.— The stems of this
handsome plant rise to a height of 5 ft.,
terminated by clusters of large deep-blue
flowers almost as large as Canterbury
Bells, but less contracted at the mouth
of the tube. It is a free vigorous perennial
from Russia, best fitted for naturalisation
in woody places.
C. macrostyla (Candelabra Bell flower}.
— A singular plant, having large flowers,
with blue netted veins on a white ground
which gets purple at the edges, and with
a huge stigma, wholly distinct from any
of the Campanulas in our gardens, and
well deserves culture. It is readily recog-
nised by its candelabra habit of growth.
A native of Asia Minor, and a fine annual
of easy culture.
C. Medium (Canterbury Bell\—^
familiar old plant having now varieties
of various colours bearing single flowers,
doubles, in which two, three, and even four
bells seem to be compressed into the outer
one ; and duplex flowers, in which one
bell grows in the other, the two com-
bined resembling a cup standing in a
saucer. There are many colours, such as
white, lavender, mauve, several shades of
purple, pink, rose, salmon, and blue. The
duplex strains have hitherto been confined
chiefly to white and blue, but other
colours are now being introduced. The
habit of the plants as a rule is compact,
when in bloom, ranging from 18 to
24 in. in height, and forming perfect
pyramids of flowers. The Calycanthema
section usually exhibits a taller and a
looser growth, and should be planted in
borders behind the double and single
kinds.
March or April is the best time to sow
seed in a warm spot in the open ground,
but it is much safer to sow some also
in shallow pans or boxes placed in a frame
Campanula hirsuta.
or on a shelf in the greenhouse. When
the seedlings are large enough to handle,
prick them out into some shady spot,
and keep them watered until well
rooted. From that time they may be
safely left to take care of themselves until
464
CAMPANULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CAMPANULA.
September, when they should be trans-
planted into their permanent places in
the flower borders, where they will get
well established before the winter and
develop blooming crowns for the next year.
Campanula pyramidalis.
C. persicifolia (Peach - leaved Bell-
flower}. — A beautiful species, the cup-
shaped flowers of which are fully 2 in.
across. The plant is \\ to 3 ft. high,
flowering in July and August.
Besides the double blue and white
forms there is an interesting variety
named coronata, in which the corolla is
doubled. All the varieties well repay
good culture, and there is a new and very
large form, maxime. Plants occasionally
divided and grown in rich beds give very
fine crops of flowers.
C. Portenschlagiana( WallHairbell\—
A dense tufted-evergreen species, with small
bright-green leaves, irregularly notched, so
dense as to obscure the foot-stalks, I in. or
more in length, by which they are sup-
ported. The flowers pale blue in August
or September. It spreads slowly by
underground stems, and succeeds in
crevices of the rock-garden. Dalmatia.
C. pulla (Austrian Hairbell\— This,
when well grown, is one of the most charm-
ing of Hairbells. It is a native of the
Austrian Alps, on high mountain pastures ;
if planted in the rock-garden, therefore, it
should have to itself a shelf of soil in
which a little peat and sand have been
mixed. After blooming the foliage dis-
appears and the plant goes to rest. An
excellent rock-garden plant. Division.
C. pusilla. — Smaller than C. caspitosa,
rarely exceeding 4 in. in height, the shining
green leaves heart-shaped and toothed,
the flowers pale blue, in racemes, in June
and July. Switzerland. Very gritty moist
loam in the rock-garden is best for it.
Syn. C. modesta.
'C. pyramidalis (Steeple Bell/lower).—
A vigorous plant, with thick and fleshy
flower-stems, rising to a height of 4 to 6
ft., with numerous broad ovate leaves ; the
flowers, close to the stem, giving the in-
florescence a steeple-like form. The flowers
are blue or white ; coming in succession,
over a considerable time, in July, August,
and September. Though not quite a
biennial, it is better in general cultivation
to treat it as such, as from seedling plants,
well grown on during the first year, the
finest stems arise. A border flower of
the highest merit in favourable soils ; so
important, indeed, that occasional batches
of seed should be sown to keep up a
Campanula turbinata var.
vigorous supply. It is often grown in
pots for the house both in England and
France.
C. Raineri (Rainess Bell flower). — A
dwarf, compact, sturdy plant, varying in
height from 3 to 6 in., each branch bearing
a large dark-blue flower. It thrives best
CAMPTOSORUS.
ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CANNA.
465
in sunny positions in loam freely inter-
mingled with pieces of stone, and well
watered in dry weather, and is a gem for
the rock-garden. Alps of N. Italy.
C. rotundifolia (English Hairbell\—
In this pretty wild pla'nt we have a true
type of the Hairbell. There is a white
variety, generally dwarfer, and there are
several forms all beautiful, and of easy
culture in any soil. These are all ex-
cellent border flowers, and also good for
the rougher parts of the rock-garden, and
I love to see the wild plant growing
in Grass on rough
slopes or places not
mown till autumn.
C. turbinata ( Tur-
ban Bellflower) is a
dwarf plant with
grayish-green leaves,
the flowers borne
singly on stems
about 6 in. long,
deep blue, and i|in.
across. Mountains
of Transylvania ; a
charming plant for
border or rock cul-
ture.
CAMPTOSORUS
(Walking- Leaf}.— C.
rhizophyllus is a cu-
rious N. American
Fern, remarkable for
its narrow fronds,
which taper into
slender prolonga-
tions, and take root
at the tips like run-
ners, giving rise
to young plants.
Thrives in gritty
loamy soil in a some-
what shaded position
in the rock-garden or
hardy fernery.
CANNA (Indian
Shot}. — Handsome
tropical plants of the
Ginger Order with
fine foliage. The tendency of most
half-hardy flower-garden plants is to
flatness, and the grace of the Cannas
makes them valuable, though our country
in many parts is too cool for their
fair development ; in the warmer south
and in sheltered gardens they may be
grown with profit. Another good quality
is their power of withstanding the storms
of autumn. Sheltered situations, places
near warm walls, and sheltered dells
are the best places for them. As to cul-
ture and propagation, nothing can be
more simple ; they may be stored in winter
under shelves in the houses, in the root-
room — in fact, anywhere, if covered up to
protect them from frost, in spring pulling
the roots in pieces and potting them
separately. Afterwards it is usual to
bring them on in heat, and finally to
harden them off previous to planting out
in the middle of May. The soil should
be deep, rich, and light. Cannas, pro-
tected by a coating of litter, have been
left out in Battersea Park through severe
winters, and attained a height of nearly
Canna iridiflora Ehemanni.
12 ft. ; but this was on raised beds in a
very warm and sheltered place. Wherever
they are grown as isolated tufts, in small
groups, or in small beds, it will be best not
to take them up oftener than every second or
third year, if the ground be warm and well
drained. These noble plants would also
adorn the conservatory, which is often as
devoid of graceful vegetation as the un-
happy flower gardens all over the country.
Few subjects would be more effective, and
none more easily obtained.
Cannas are pretty in pots when grown
H H
466
THE ENGLISH FLOWER CARD EX.
CARBliNIA.
with a few corms of gladiolus. The
flowers of the Gladioli nestle among the
foliage of the Cannas, and lend a charm
to groups.
LARGE-FLOWERED CANNAS.— This is
a race of Cannas for which we are
mainly indebted to M. Crozy, of Lyons,
France, who crossed the Iris-flowered
Cannabis saliva (Hemp Plant).
Canna with the older kind. Here, how-
ever, they are more valuable for the green-
house than the open air. The plants as a
rule are dwarfer than the old type of
Canna, the newer French varieties rang-
ing between \\ ft. to 4 ft. in height, the
leaves of many shades of colour.
In commencing the cultivation of these
Cannas, by far the best time to get them
is during the winter (say soon after
Christmas), when the rhizomes, then in a
dormant and well-ripened state, can be
sent by post. The list of varieties is now
a considerable one, so that a careful
selection is absolutely necessary, other-
wise some of them will be found to
greatly resemble each other, A few of
the finer ones are Paul Bert, Louise
Chretien, Geoffrey Saint-Hilaire, Capri-
cieux, Revol Massot, Lutea splendens,
Ulrich Brunner, Francois Crozy, Antonin
Crozy, Admiral Courbet, Felix Crousse,
Francisque Morel, and Antoine Chantin,
and there are many others.
CANNABIS (Hemp Plant}.— A well-
known annual of the Nettle Order, C.satii>a
being largely cultivated for its fibre. In
our country it is 4 to 10 ft. high, but
in Italy sometimes 20 ft. high. In
plants growing singly, the stem is
much branched, but in masses it is
generally simple. It is useful where the
tender sub-tropical plants cannot be easily
grown, well-grown plants looking graceful,
and are useful at the backs of borders ;
and a few look well as a separate group.
It should be sown in the open ground
early in April, and to get larger plants it
would be best to raise it in frames. It
loves a warm sandy loam, and is one of
the few plants that thrive in small London
gardens.
CAEAGANA (Siberian Pea-tree).—
A curious group of wiry bushes of the
Pea order which, as seen in gardens
generally, are not pretty enough to justify
their getting a place in this book, but as
the name occurs so often, and the wretched
appearance they usually present may be
in part owing to their being grafted, I
give them a place. They are mostly rock
or desert shrubs of arid regions in Central
Asia, and the species are C. arborescens
and its varieties, C. aurantiaca which is
the prettiest, and would, perhaps, be a
graceful rock shrub, C. chamlagu, C.
jubata, C. microphylla, C. pygmaa, and
C, spinosa. If we could get these curious
shrubs on their own roots the best place
for them would be the rock garden or dry
banks.
dicta is a handsome biennial, having bold,
deep-green leaves, blotched and marbled
with silvery white. It is useful for asso-
ciating with plants of fine foliage, but
must have good deep soil and plenty of
space. It grows freely and luxuriantly in
a thin shrubbery, or on any bank of rub-
bish. S. Europe. Syn. Cnicus bcncdictus
CARDAMINE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN-. CARPENTERIA. 467
C AED AMINE ( Cuckoo-flower or Lady's
Smock}. — Plants of the Wallflower Order,
few of which are cultivated, the best being
the native Cuckoo-flower in its double
form. This will grow well almost any-
Caragana Chamlagu.
where, although, like the wild plant, that
colours the meadows with its soft-hued
flowers, it delights in swampy ground.
The single kind is too common to need
cultivation ; the double kind is a pretty
subject for the spring garden and for
borders. Division. C. trifolia is a pretty
species, with white flowers, from Switzer-
land ; 9 to 1 2 in. high ; a border or rough
rock-plant. C. latifolia, C. asarifolia, and
C. rotundifolia are pretty dwarf plants
when in flower, but not popular in
gardens.
The Toothworts (syn. Dentarias) are
interesting spring-flowering plants. They
grow best in a light sandy or peaty soil
enriched by decayed leaf-mould. Their
flowers are welcome in early spring, and
remain some time in beauty, and they are
easily increased from the small tuber-like
roots. Some, like C. bulbifera (Coral
Root), bear bulblets on the stem, and from
these the plant may be increased. C. digi-
tata, a handsome dwarf kind, about 12 in.
high, flowers in April ; rich purple, in flat
racemes at the top of the stem. C.
maxima is the largest of the species,
being 2 ft. high, with many pale-purple
flowers, and is a native of N. America.
C. pinnata is a stout species at once dis-
tinguished by its pinnate leaves ; it is
from 14 to 20 in. high, flowering from
April to June, bearing large pale-purple,
lilac, or white flowers, in a cluster. It is
a native of mountain and sub-alpine woods
in Switzerland.
CAREX (SV^*).— Waterside grass-like
herbs well known in all northern and
temperate countries, but few have a place
in the garden.
C. paniculata is a very large Sedge,
something like a dwarf Tree Fera, with
strong thick stems and luxuriant masses
of drooping leaves, the roots forming
dense tufts, I to 3 ft. high, flowers in a
large and spreading panicle. A few tufts
are very effective in wet places. The
finer specimens are of great age, and are
found in the bogs where the plant is wild.
C. pendula.— A graceful British sedge,
growing in large tufts, with numer-
ous flowering stems and shoots from 3 to
6 ft. high, the leaves 2 ft. or more in
length. When in flower the graceful
pendent spikes, from 4. to 7 in. long, are
pretty, and the plant is very suitable for
the margin of water or for shady or moist
spots. Common in Britain in evergreen
patches in cool or marshy woods.
CARPENTERIA.— A lovely and dis-
tinct shrub of the Saxifrage Family C.
californica living out-of-doors against
walls in favoured situations. It is 6 to
10 ft. high, having long narrow pale-green
leaves, and great clusters of large white
fragrant flowers. The first account of it
in England was from Mr. Saul, of Wash-
Carpenteria californica in a Sussex garden.
ington, who sent specimens of it to The
Garden in 1880. It is nearly related to
the Mock Oranges, which it somewhat
resembles, but is handsomer : thrives in
light warm soil, and increased from
H H 2
468
CARPINUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CASSIOPE.
suckers, cuttings, or seeds. In cool dis-
tricts will require the protection of a
greenhouse.
CARPINUS (Hornbeam*}.— C. betulus
is a native tree, especially of the south,
sometimes attaining a height of 70 feet,
frequent in some woodlands, and in Epping
Hornbeam.
Forest. There are several varieties of
this tree, such as the fern-leaved, cut-leaved
and purple kinds, and also the never-
failing variegated kind. The common
kind is often used as a fence plant, and
also, in many continental gardens, to form
green walls and hedges. It is one of the
best of all woods to burn, and if we ever
go back to. the best of all ways of firing
for a dwelling-house in the country, a
wood fire, it should not be forgotten. It
is easily lighted, burns cheerfully and
equably, and gives a good heat. Other
species are C. caroliniana, cordata,
japonica, orientalis and Turczaninovii.
CABYA(/#Vvfo>j). — A very interesting
and distinct group of forest trees, little
planted in England in our own day, but so
valuable in their own country for their
wood, and some for bearing delicious fruit,
that they deserve a place in our choice
plantations. Mostly trees of North Eastern
America and usually hardy, they are some-
times well over 100 ft. high ; in their
own country inhabiting moist woods and
swampy grounds, and therefore likely to
be useful in ours in soil not thought good
enough for many trees. Among them
are : — C. olivcefprmis Pecdn, a tree which
sometimes attains to a height of over 150
feet with a trunk diameter of 6 ft., and
which bears a delicious nut. It has rather
a southern distribution, and therefore
would be best, no doubt, in good warm
soils in our country. C. amara, (the
bitter nut), a tree of about 100 feet in
moist woods, from Canada downwards,
ascending high on the mountains. C.
aquatica ( Water Hickory\ a swamp tree
sometimes nearly 100 ft. high in wet woods
and swamps from Virginia south and west-
wards. C. alba (Shell-bark Hickory) also
often over 100 feet high ; a native of
Canada and of the Western and Southern
States. C. sulcata (King-nut), a tall forest
tree over 100 feet high in the New
England States and westward. C. tomcn-
tosa (Fragrant Hickory) growing nearly
100 feet high and inhabiting the cold
regions of the West and New England.
C. microcdrpa (Small-fruited Hickory).
A tall tree of nearly 90 ft. high. New
England and westwards. C. porcina
(Pig-nut Hickory). — A very tall tree of
over loo ft. bearing very bitter seeds,
also a tree of cold northern regions.
They are trees of fine growth with walnut-
like leaves and the wood of some kinds
in its own country is most valuable.
Carya aquatica.
CARYOPTEEIS.— C. mastacanthus is
a small shrub with grayish foliage, distinct
in habit, and with purple flowers, not
quite hardy, perhaps, in all soils, but
pretty on warm banks and in warm gar-
dens. There is a white variety. It would
group well with the dwarfer shrubs, and
in cool districts and on cool soils it will
grow against warm walls. On good soils
it would come in well with borders of
grayish plants such as Lavenders, Carna-
tions, and the like.
CASSIOPE (Himalayan Heather}.
— Tiny alpine bushes, thriving in
peaty soil well drained, as they are
all impatient of stagnant moisture
about their roots, whilst absolute shade
from the midday sun is also necessary.
The best plan is to raise small banks of
peat, and plant them on the top, taking
care that they do not want for water both
at the roots and overhead. They are in-
creased by division, rooting freely when
pegged down. C.fastigiata is one of the
most fragile and beautiful of alpine
CASTANEA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CATALPA.
469
woody plants ; it may be grown without
much trouble with the more common C.
tetragona. Both are pretty for the rock
or bog garden.
Cassiope fastigiata.
).— Anoble
tree, native of eastern and southern Europe.
There are fine old trees in many of our
country seats in all parts of the south of
the country, though excepting in the
warmer counties, such as Devonshire, the
fruit is not as good as on the continent of
Europe. The Chestnut thrives best in
airy and warm situations, and upon stony
or free soils, not caring much for chalk
or heavy soils. There are various garden
forms of the Chestnut which are all in-
creased by grafting, but none of them are
so important as the common tree. As
regards its uses, it is common in our
underwoods and most effective, perhaps,
in all the instances we know of, grouped
on turf and occasionally as an avenue
tree, but in that case it ought to be planted
wide apart. It is easily raised from seed
planted directly where it is wanted to
grow. There are on the Continent, where
the tree is much more grown than here, a
good many varieties distinguished by the
value of their fruits. Variegated varieties
as usual are useless for the garden. There
are a few other species such as C. crenata
(Japan), de?itata (N. America), and the
dwarf C. pumila of the Southern states of
N. America, but these are of slight value
Castanea pumila.
compared to that of C. Vesca, the beauty
of old trees of which is very great, as seen
at Shrubland, Tortworth, Cowdray, and
many other places.
CATALPA. — Handsome flowering
trees of the Bignonia order, one of them
forming quite a beautiful tree even in
London gardens. The Catalpas thrive best
in warm ground and in sheltered positions,
the common kind often thriving by the
margin of water, though it is more liable
to be injured in severe winters in such
places.
C. bignonoides (Indian Bean}. — A
handsome tree, native of the Gulf States
of Eastern America, but hardy in southern
Britain and the kind which flowers so
well in London. There is no more
precious lawn tree giving good shade
and flowering at a season when all the
early trees are out of flower. It is best
propagated by seed and is not difficult
about soil. This tree has a number of
synonyms, the best known being C
syringcefolia .
470 CATANANCHE. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
CEANOTHUS.
C. speciosa (Catawba Tree).— This is
a forest tree in its own country in America,
rather westwards in Illinois and Missouri,
and is little known in our country yet,
though promising to be a handsome tree as
it reaches 1 20 ft. high in its own country.
It deserves a very good position among
the best flowering trees for lawn or for a
group. Syn. C. cordifolia.
C. Bungei and C. Kaempferi are two
other kinds known in gardens, both much
so pretty that they are often planted by
those who are fond of flowering shrubs.
Some, however, are hardy enough on
light soils in sunny places to withstand
our climate, even if fully exposed as
bush plants. The majority form beautiful
wall shrubs. In all the species the
flowers are small, but this is compensated
for by their abundance, as they come out
in succession during the greater part of
the summer. As wall shrubs it is neces-
Catalpa bignonioides.
inferior in size to the foregoing trees, and
less attractive unless where collections
are desired.
CATANANCHE (Blue Cupidone).—C.
scerulea is an old border plant, about 2 ft.
high, flowering in summer ; fine blue, and
growing freely in borders and margins
of shrubberies. There is a white variety
as common as the blue and a bicolor
one. It is easily grown in any soil, and
quickly raised from seed. Compositae.
Italy and S. France.
CEANOTHUS (Mountain Sweet}.—
Though these beautiful shrubs of the Buck-
thorn Family are not quite hardy, they are
sary to prune them in April, or as soon as
danger from frost is over ; and as all the
sorts flower on the shoots of the current
year's growth, from one to three eyes of
the preceding year's wood should be left,
reserving, or at most only topping, such
shoots as are required for filling up the
open spaces on the wall. All the species
are of free growth in warm garden soil, if
it is dry, and they will ripen their
wood best and flower most freely in
sunny exposures. As they are often
natives of a charming climate — the
Pacific slope of N. America — no one
should attempt their culture except in
CEDRELA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CEDRONELLA.
471
are distinct
Ceanothus azureus.
warm soil. The following
and pretty : —
C AMERICANOS (New
Jersey Tea}. — Though
one of the hardiest, this
thrives best against a
wall, and in a dry porous
soil ; the flowers, which
come in succession from
about the middle of June
till August, are white, and
numerous. E. America.
C. AZUREUS. — From
the temperate regions of
Mexico, where it grows
as a straggling bush about
10 ft. high. It is one of
our prettiest wall shrubs,
flowering abundantly in
dry sunny situations, the
flowers bright blue, from
June till September. C.
pallidus is a handsome
variety, with pale-blue
flowers. The result of
crossing with this species
may be seen in such lovely shrubs as C. Gloire
des Versailles, Arnoldii, Lucie Simon, Theodore
Froebel, Bertinii, President Reveil, Lucie
Moser, and others, all of which have flowers
in large plumy clusters, some white, others
rose, but mostly of some shade of blue.
C. DENTATUS is an elegant little evergreen
shrub, rarely higher than about 3 ft. The
flowers, which appear in May or June, are
deep blue, and continue the greater part of the
season.
C. DIVARICATUS grows as a dense broad
evergreen bush of about 10 ft. high. It is a
free-growing handsome wall plant, flowering
from May to autumn, the flowers a bright blue.
C. PAPILLOSUS is a pretty species from the
mountains of California, where it is a densely
branched straggling bush 6 to 10 ft. high. The
panicles of pale-blue flowers are borne on long
foot-stalks from the sides of the young shoots.
Like the other kinds, it loves the protection of
a wall, on which it blooms in summer.
C. RIGIDUS is a sub-evergreen, or in
sheltered places an evergreen, rarely exceeding
6 ft. in height, the branches stiff and wiry ;
the flowers, in clusters on the sides of the
young shoots, are deep purple, in April and
May.
C. VEITCHIANUS is one of the best kinds,
the flowers of a rich deep blue, in dense
clusters at the ends of leafy branches. — G.
C. VERRUCOSUS forms a thickly branched
evergreen bush about 6 ft. high. As a wall
plant it is of free growth, and has a good effect,
the flowers coming in May and during the
summer months, borne in corymbs along the
whole length of the young branches, often so
profusely as to hide the foliage.
CEDRELA. — C. sinensis is somewhat
similar to the "Tree of Heaven" (Ailan-
thus glandulosd). but this Chinese tree is
much more uncommon in gardens. In
some places, however, it might be a more
suitable tree, for whilst it has much the
same character of foliage and habit, it is
not so rampant a grower. The Ailanthus
is often somewhat of a nuisance through
its habit "of sending up root-suckers at
long distances from the stem. The
Cedrela has not this habit, although it
can, like the Ailanthus, be increased by
root-cuttings. The largest specimens
I have seen are about 30 ft. high. The
tree is chiefly noteworthy for the large
pinnate leaves it bears, these being, indeed,
amongst the most striking to be met with
in the large or medium-sized trees hardy
in this country. C. sinensis, which is the
Catananche coerulea.
only one hardy in Britain, was for a long-
time known as Ailanthus flavescens. It
has small yellowish flowers arranged in
great numbers in pendent clusters said
to be agreeably scented. Among the
trees of the genus there are some remark-
able for their uses, but they are tropical,
and we have no object in giving any
particulars of them in this book. As far
as we know C. sinensis it promises to
be a graceful lawn tree, but has not been
long enough in the country yet to speak
with certainty of its hardiness, although
we see it flourishing in unlikely places.
W. J. B.
CEDRONELLA (Balm of Gilead] is a
distinct half-bushy herb of the Sage order,
C. triphylla having leaves with a pun-
gent but grateful odour, in our coun-
try -2\ to 4 ft. high, varying much
according to soil, and not quite hardy,
but living out-of-doors most winters if in
dry free soil and planted against walls.
472 CEDRUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CEDRUS.
A few plants against a wall are worth
having where curious plants are cared for,
but the flowers are not showy Easily
raised from seed.
CEDRUS (Cedar}.— Noble trees of the
mountains of Asia Minor and India, some
hardy, and often planted on lawns and
within sight of the flowers. The India
Cedar (Deodar) is really a tender tree, and
though it may seem to promise well in
sea-shore and favoured districts, planters
Cedrela sinensis.
should not forget that it is to the Cedars
of the northern mountains they must look
— the Lebanon and Atlas Cedars, which
have been proved so hardy, and so well
fitted for our country. No finer things
can be within view of the flower garden,
but they should never be planted near
the house, or their great branches will
darken it, and in small flower gardens
they are sure to be in the way.
In books and catalogues a form called
C. Atlantica is considered distinct enough
to merit a separate name, but having
seen the trees on their native moun-
tains, I think the Atlas Cedar is the
same species as the Lebanon Cedar (C.
Lebani). There are varieties of each in
catalogues, rarely so valuable as the wild
tree, except the glaucous or silvery forms,
which are worth planting. The Deodar
(C. Deodari] is distinct from the N.
African Cedars, and differs so also in its
tenderness and unfitness for our country
generally.
The Cedars though
hardy in our country
are nevertheless the
victims of storm and
snow to an often
painful but partly
needless extent ow-
ing to the nearly
universal "speci-
men " way of plant-
ing these trees. The
pinetum is not only a
mistake from an ar-
tistic point of view,
with its stuck-about
trees, but it also is
so in the exposure
of the trees to all
the storms and ac-
cidents of weather,
including heavy
snowfalls. Naturally,
pines often grow to-
gether and shelter
each other, and
where this is so,
great falls of snow do
not harm them to the
same degree. The
lower boughs fall off
in due time, as is
their nature, the tree
often showing a bare,
mast-like stem be-
neath its crown of
leaves. Clearly, when
we isolate any tree
in the open, and in-
duce a tree which
naturally grows upright in a great moun-
tain forest to throw its limbs out in all
directions, we expose it to an unfair test ;
hence the Cedars of which we in England
are so proud are often swept down -in
numbers by heavy gales and snowfalls.
The idea that every choice tree in our
pleasure grounds should be set out by
itself like an electric lamp-post is deeply
impressed in the gardening mind, and we
have to pay dearly for it. Even where
the Cedars are naturally grown and
grouped very exceptional falls may do
CEDRUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
473
some injury, but nothing like what hap-
pens to the specimen trees. Think of the
weight that a Cedar of Lebanon, with its
great spreading arms, would have to carry
in a snowstorm, and how much more able
to bear it or to meet such a test are the
Cedars planted in woods and allowed to
group and grow mast-like shafts !
The cure for much of this loss and
waste of valuable trees lies in planting in
more natural ways and in grouping and
keeping the trees together.
With regard to soil and situation, each
planter seeks the best possible develop-
ment for his Cedars, and so selects the
best soil and position he has, and, pro-
bably, digs a big hole for each tree and
puts many loads of earth in. The result
of this is not good, in more ways than one,
first in creating a too rapid growth in the
young tree, and soft unresisting wood in
the old, and, secondly, any proof that the
natural soil and other conditions of the
Cedar of Lebanon.
place suit the tree is withheld from us by
the deep preparation of soil made, entirely
altering the natural conditions. Any one
who has seen the trees in their native
countries will know that the Cedar usually
inhabits high mountains, often on bare,
shaly slopes, in which they are happy
enough, though never so well developed
as when growing where a little soil col-
lects. That soil is always of a poor rocky
or pervious nature. Surely this points
out that in pleasure grounds and country
seats, instead of taking the very best soil,
we should plant on rocky or sandy places
where the tree will, though growing at
first slowly, eventually get a safer and
harder growth than it .ever would on rich
deep soil. This would not preclude us
from putting a group in the pleasure
grounds for the sake of shade, but holding
the trees together. Also, it would be well
to plant it in the ordinary woodland, in
which the trees would be drawn up with
a tall stem, very effective near drives or
in woods. The difficulty of dealing with
the Cedar is increased by its being made a
kind of fetish in our nurseries, always
being offered in the "specimen" state, so
that nowadays it is not easy to get a
nice healthy stock cf young plants of it,
and those offered are generally highly
priced as if they were some rare novelty
instead of a tree known for some centuries.
The seed of the tree is plentiful in Asia
Minor and North Africa, and it really
ought to be grown in forest nurseries and
offered among the other forest trees. The
seed being as easy to raise as that of any
other conifer, people should not buy the
tree in the " specimen " state but in the
smaller state, a much safer and better
way, especially where we group and hold
our trees together and where they can
shade the ground. This plan by no
means precludes us from sufficient thin-
ning in good time, so as to secure great
trees, always, however, holding to the
principle of letting the trees shade the
ground and shelter each other. W. R.
CELASTRUS (Staff Vine]. — C.
scandens is a shrubby climber from North
America, flourishing in any ordinary
garden soil, and valuable for its rapid
twining growth, which is excellent for
trailing over trellis-work and arbours, or
on a bank, or to run over other shrubs and
trees to a height of 12 or 15 ft. The
flowers are inconspicuous, and the fruits
orange-red, like those of the Spindle
Tree, to which order it belongs.
CELOSIA (Cocks-comb}.— Indian an-
nuals of the Amaranth family. They
are generally too tender for the open
air, though we have occasionally seen
them used with effect in bold groups.
For this purpose they should be sown
in pans in March, and kept near
the glass to prevent the seedlings being
drawn, and as soon as they are large enough
to handle they should be pricked off into
small pots, grown on fast in gentle heat
until the crowns are formed. Planted out
in June in rich soil, and liberally watered,
they continue in good condition for a long
time.
CELSIA (Cretan Mttllein\—C. cretica
is a pretty plant, allied to the mulleins, with
rich yellow flowers and polished buds,
may be treated as an annual. Well grown
in good soil, it is distinct and effective.
Candia, N. Africa.
CELTIS (Nettle tree}.— Trees of the
Elm order, natives of temperate countries,
much mentioned in books, and introduced
to Britain many years, but which have
never made much way with us, and are
less attractive to planters than other trees
of the same order. Among a cloud of
synonyms, the following are the names : —
474 CENTAUREA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CENTAUREA.
C. australis, caucasica,glabrata,japonica,
mississipiensis, occidentalis, and Tourne-
fortii. Some of the kinds are tropical,
and not hardy in our country.
CENTAUREA (Knapweed}.— Peren-
nial or annual herbs inhabiting Southern
and Middle Europe, some being good
garden plants, most of them hardy. Some
of the southern species require the green-
house in winter, but, making free growth
out-of-doors in summer, are freely used
for their silvery foliage.
C. argentea has elegant silvery Fern-
like leaves, and when planted out or
plunged in pots has a good effect ; for
bedding it must be plunged and partly
starved to bring out its whiteness.
C. babylonica.— A distinct perennial,
tall and with silvery leaves, hardy, and
when in good ground its strong shoots
with yellow flowers reach a height of
10 or 12 ft. The bloom, which continues
from July to September, is less attractive
than the leaves, but the plant is at all
times picturesque. A free sandy loam
suits it best. Seed. Levant.
C. Clementei. — A silver-gray-leaved
plant of fine form. Small plants from
seed are useful for edging bold beds, and
when too large for that purpose they may
be transferred to borders, or planted out
singly on Grass. The blossoms are best
picked off, as they detract from the beauty
of the plant.
C. Cyanus (Blue Cornflower). — A
beautiful native flower, an annual of easy
culture, often sowing itself. The young
plants stand our hardest winters, and flower
better grown thus than if sown in spring.
It is best sown in September, either where
it is to flower, or in beds to be trans-
planted. Self-sown plants too may be
transplanted, or allowed to remain where
they come up, as they are often the finest
plants. The many garden varieties range
through white, rose, sky-blue, striped, to
dark purple, the delicate tints of which are
most attractive. They are favourites in
the flower market, but by far the most
beautiful is the true wild kind. There
are also a number of double kinds.
The Cornflower will flourish in almost
any soil or position, but best, perhaps,
in strong soil.
C. dealbata. — A hardy perennial, with
graceful and somewhat silvery leaves, 15
to 1 8 in. high, flowering in summer;
rose-coloured. Borders. Division. Cau-
casus.
C. gymnocarpa.— A half-shrubby plant
from the south of Europe, nearly 2
ft. high, with hard, branching, bushy
stems, and elegantly cut leaves, covered
with short whitish-satiny down. Useful
as it is for edging or bedding, it is
when grown in fine single specimens
that its beauty is most seen.
C. macrocephala (Great Golden Knap-
weed}.— A strong plant from 4 to 5 ft.
high, with a great golden head of bloom.
In the back part of a herbaceous border,
or where herbaceous plants must com-
pete with the roots of trees and shrubs,
this robust plant deserves a place
Armenia.
C. montana (Mountain Knapweed}. —
A handsome border plant, i to 2^ ft.
high, with slightly cottony leaves, "and
flowers resembling those of the Corn-
flower. There is a white and a red
variety, all thriving in borders, margins of
shrubberies, or the wild garden in any
soil. This kind is somewhat coarse in
borders, and scarcely worth a place there-
in, but when cut, its flowers are pretty,
and larger than those of the Blue Corn-
flower. Division.
C. moschata (Sweet Sultan}.— A fra-
grant annual, of which there are two
shades — delicate purple and creamy
white, the first giving the finest flowers ;
but both are valuable. Aphides are
very partial to the young seedlings,
and unless the pests are quickly
cleared off the plants soon dwindle
away. The first essential is a cal-
careous soil, and any soil deficient
in lime should have lime rubble worked
into it. The best time to sow is about
the middle of April, in an open and sunny
place, sowing the seed where the plants
are to remain, as they do not move
well. Syn., Amberboa moschata. — J. R.
C. ragusina.— A showy silvery-leaved
plant, tender, but of rapid growth out-
of-doors in summer, and valued much
for summer-bedding". It thrives in
the coldest situation throughout the
summer. When taking cuttings, they
should not be cut away, but pulled
off with a "heel" so as to have
a firm base ; small firm shoots
should be preferred ; in taking them the
knife should be used very little, and each
cutting put singly into a small 2^-in. pot
filled with a mixture of loam, leaf-mould,
A cold frame from which frost can
be excluded is their best winter quar-
ters ; the leaves should be kept dry,
as they are rather liable to damp during
the short days, and every opportunity
should be taken for giving them air.
They also winter well in an airy vinery or
greenhouse. Old plants are sometimes
lifted and kept over the winter ; where
very large plants are required this is a
CENTAURIDIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CERCIS.
475
sure means of obtaining them ; but for
ordinary use autumn-struck cuttings are
the best.— J. M.
C. suaveolens ( Yellow Sweet Sultan\
—A pretty citron-yellow hardy annual
and favourite border flower, thriving
best in light dry soil. Sow in beds in
April, raising one batch in frames, and
sowing another in the open air in light
rich earth where it is to remain. Syn.,
Amberboa odorata.
CENTAURIDIUM.— A showy half-
hardy annual from Texas, C. Drummondi
being from i\ to 3 ft. high, and flowering
from July to September. It should be sown
in a frame on slight heat in April, and
planted out in May. It has large citron-
yellow flowers, much resembling those of
Centaurea. Composite?.
CENTRANTHUS,— C. macrosiphon is
a hardy Spanish annual of the Valerian
order with pretty rose-coloured flowers, is
useful for the rock-garden or flower
border. It may be sown in September
and pricked off into pots for winter for
transplanting in spring, or again in the
open ground in March and April, the
seedlings being thinned out about I ft.
apart. There are several varieties —
white, red, and two-coloured, and a
dwarf form.
C. ruber (Red Valerian}.— A handsome
hardy border plant from the Mediter-
ranean, and an old inhabitant of gardens,
often also naturalised. There are two
or three varieties — white, purple, and red
or crimson. It has stout stems, woody at
the base, and bold clusters of flowers,
blooming in June and through the
summer. It is often naturalised on walls,
ruins, and on rocky or stony banks.
Seeds, division, and cuttings.
CEEASTIUM (Mouse-ear Chickweed].
— Dwarf herbaceous or alpine plants of the
Pink order, containing few garden plants
of value, and these mostly used as edgings,
among the best being Biebersteini, tomen-
tosum, and grandiflorum, all hardy plants
of easy culture, and increase in ordinary
soil.
Cerasus. See PRUNUS CERASUS.
CERCIDYPHYLLUM.- A very beauti-
ful tree, so far hardy in Britain, and always
pretty for its graceful and distinct leaves.
It is a forest tree abundant in certain
parts of Japan on the slopes of hills and
mountains, reaching a height of between
80 and 100 feet, and forming a stately
and beautiful tree. We read that it can-
not be grafted, which is a blessing, as the
natural way of producing it is much better.
It is likely to make a beautiful lawn tree,
though the flowers are not conspicuous.
CERCIS (Judas Tree}. — Flowering-
trees of much beauty of bloom and form
of tree. Of the three different kinds of
Judas Tree in gardens, the most beautiful
is C. Siliquastrum from South Europe,
which for nearly 300 years has been a
favourite in English gardens. It is from
Celsia cretica (Cretan Mullein).
15 ft. to 30 ft. in height, and thrives in
a light deep loam soil. There are several
varieties, differing chiefly in the colour of
the flowers. It is of slow growth, and
though young specimens flower profusely,
only very old ones show the picturesque
growth of the tree. Other kinds are C. Chi-
nensis, and the better known canadensis^
CERINTHE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CHAMJEROPS.
or Red Bud, a handsome tree of the
American forests. Pea order.
CERINTHE (ffoneywort}.— Annual or
biennial herbs of the Borage family, of
which there are two or three interesting
plants. C. aspera bears many yellow
flowers, the tube of which is black at the
base. In C. minor the flower-stems arch
over considerably, so that at the apex of*
the stem the delicate yellow tube-shaped
bloom is hidden by the imbricated pale-
green leaves with which the stem is fur-
nished. C. retorta is a beautiful kind,
the floral leaves of a rich purple tint, and
from among them peep the yellow-purple-
tipped flowers in charming contrast.
There are various other species, but the
above are the best. Cerinthes are half-
Mountain Knapweed.
hardy annuals, requiring to be sown in
early spring on warm borders or in
frames, and afterwards to be planted out
in good soil. They are, however, not
likely to be much in favour, owing to their
quiet colours. Greece and Southern
Europe.
CETERACH (Stone Fern}.— This is
now placed with the Aspleniums, but is
known so well under its present name
that we retain it. C.officinarum is a distinct
and beautiful little native Fern, admirably
suited for rock or alpine gardens, as it
thrives best when planted between the
chinks of rocks or of stone walls. The
chinks and crevices should be filled with
.a mixture of sandy peat and pounded
limestone.
CH^INOSTOMA.— A small group of
the Figwort family, natives of the Cape.
They are naturally perennial, but in the
open air must be treated as half-hardy
annuals. C. fastigiatum is the prettiest.
It grows 6 to 9 in. high, forming a dense
compact tuft, with many small pinkish,
and sometimes white, flowers. The seeds
should be sown in warm frames in spring
or in August, when the seedlings require
to be wintered in a pit, and flowers are
borne from June to November. Other
species in cultivation are C. cordatum.
C. hispidum, C. linifolium, and C. poly-
ant hum.
CHATKLEBATIA ( Tarwee<t).—C.folio-
losa is a little shrubby plant of the Rose
family,remarkable for the Fern-like beauty
of its leaves. The flowers are white and
something like those of a Bramble. It
grows about I ft. high, forming a dense
spreading tuft, and covering the ground
in California, its native country. I have
seen it growing in mountain districts often
covered with snow, and believe it to be
worth trial in our rock-gardens. W. R.
CHAMJEPEUCE (Fish-bone Thistle}.—
Spiny-leaved plants allied to the Thistle,
often used in the flower garden, as their
foliage is handsome. C. diacantha has
foliage of shining green, marking with
silvery lines, and the spines are ivory
white. C. Casabona has deep-green
white-veined leaves with brown spines.
Both kinds grow in compact rosette-like
masses about 9 in. high, till the second
year, when the flower-stems grow 2 to 3
ft. high. They require light well-drained
soil and a warm position, and should
seldom be watered. Seed sown in
February will furnish good plants by May ;
but the best for immediate effect are those
sown in a border in the open ground in
September, potted up carefully, and given
greenhouse treatment during winter. Syn.
Cniciis.
CHA1VL£JROPS.— Handsome palms,
hardy, and some giving distinct effects
in the garden.
C. Fortune! (The Chusan Palm\—&
most valuable Palm, often confounded
with C. excelsa. It is stouter and has a
more profuse matted network of fibres
round the bases of the leaves ; the
segments of the leaves are much
broader, and the leaf-stalks shorter and
stouter, being from i to 2 ft. long, and
quite unarmed. It grows 12 ft. or more
high, and has a handsome spreading head
of fan-like leaves, slit into segments about
half-way down, and is perfectly hardy. A
plant in the garden at Osborne has stood
out for many winters, also at Kew, though
CHEIRANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CHEIRANTHUS. 477
protected in winter. On the water side of
the high mound in the Botanic Gardens,
Regent's Park, it is in even better health
than at Kew, though it has had no protec-
tion ; and severe frosts have not hurt it. If
small plants are procured, grow them on
freely for a year or two in the greenhouse,
and then turn them out in April, spreading
the roots a little and giving them a deep
grown in gardens. The Wallflower is a
native of Southern Europe, but naturalised
on old walls, in quarries, and on sea-cliffs.
It loves a wall better than any garden ; it
grows coarsely in garden soil, but forms a
dwarf enduring bush on an old wall if
planted in mortar, and grows even on
walls quite new. No variety is unworthy
of cultivation ; but the choice old garden
Chamaerops Fortune! in a Surrey garden.
loamy soil. Plant in a sheltered place, so
that the leaves may not be injured by winds
when they get large. A gentle hollow, or
among shrubs on the sides of some
sheltered glade, is the best place. C. hu-
milis is also hardy — at least on sandy soil.
CHEIRANTHUS ( Wallflower]. -
Beautiful cruciferous plants made familiar
by the favourite Wallflower (C. Cheiri\
which [is almost the only species much
kinds — the double yellow, double purple,
double orange, dark, &c. — are worthy of
a place among the finest border plants.
These are the varieties most worthy of a
place on dry stony banks near the rock-
garden, and also on old ruins, on which
the common kind is likely to find a home
for itself.
The superb dark crimson-marked kinds
grown around London need no description,
CHEIRANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CHENOPODIUM.
and .can be bought in the seed trade under
the designations of Harbinger and Covent
Garden Blood-red and Golden Yellow, all
good strains. The Belvoir Castle Yellow
is a close compact kind, with bright yellow
flowers, and suitable for spring bedding.
The Golden Yellow is as robust and tall
as the crimson kinds, and bears masses of
rich orange-yellow bloom.
The double perennials familiar to us
are the yellow, dark crimson, red, and
dwarf yellow. The yellow is most
common, and a beautiful clear-coloured
kind it is, a great favourite with cottagers,
who propagate it by putting in slips about
the time the plants are in flower. It can
be propagated freely by means of slips put
in under hand-lights in sharp sandy soil,
and the plants will flower the next spring.
The old dark crimson is now almost
extinct ; in colour the flowers are almost
black, and very striking ; the dwarf yellow
has flowers of a dull, almost buff tint ; the
Raby Castle variety is valuable and sturdy.
INCREASE AND CULTURE. — Many
persons sow seed too late — in June and
July, instead of April and May. If dry
weather follows close on the sowing, or
after the plants have grown 2 or 3 in.,
they receive a check, and, instead of
being dwarf, vigorous, and bushy, they
are thin and poor. The winter will some-
times injure the Wallflower severely,
especially when very severe frost follows
close on heavy rains, and the stronger
and better rooted the plants are, the
more likely are they to stand the weather.
The plants used for filling beds should
have been once transplanted at least,
because the moving induces them to
throw out fibry roots near the surface,
and they can be lifted with soil adhering
to them. When the Wallflower is allowed
to grow where it is sown, a strong tap-
root is formed, which strikes deep into
the soil, and but few surface roots are
put forth. In transplanting from the
seed-beds, it is well to pinch off the tap-
root, and thereby induce fibry roots.
In London market-gardens, where the
Wallflower is well cultivated, seed is sown
in the open ground early in February ;
the young plants are put out into their
permanent quarters in May, and by
Christmas, if the winter be mild, they
bloom, and are so large that they could
not be covered by a bushel basket. Some
market-growers sow seed late in summer,
allow the young plants to remain in the
seed-bed all the winter, plant out in
March, and, if the season be favourable,
reap a good crop of flowers all through
the next winter.
Save seeds from plants with the best
branching habit and the darkest blossoms.
When the plants are in flower, place a
stake by each possessing those qualities, so
as to mark it. Allow the plants to remain
undisturbed until the seed is ripe ; they
may then be pulled up, roots and all, and
housed in a dry place until a convenient
season for threshing out the seed. Cut-
tings of the double kinds may be put
in as soon as they can be got after the
plants go out of bloom. Put them in firm
sandy soil under a hand-light, and, when
struck, plant them out. Cuttings put in
in August, September, or October strike
freely without any protection, in a shady
border, or in pots or boxes of sandy soil/
Besides the Wallflower there are several
perennial species of doubtful hardiness,
such as C. arbiiscula and mutabilis,
natives of the Canary Islands, which
therefore, though pretty pot plants, cannot
be recommended for general open-air
culture. Besides- these there are vari-
ous hybrids, such as Marshal '//', the
finest of the hybrid kinds, from 9 in. to
1 ft. high, with many bright orange-scented
blossoms, and is a brilliant border plant,
and good for groups in spring.
All these perennials prefer dry soil
during winter, or a place on rough stone
walls. Propagation is by cuttings, and
top dressing with fine soil often induces
the summer wood to root freely, and by
autumn a good stock can be had.
CHELONE ( Turtle - head}. — North
American plants nearly allied to Pentste-
mon, the species in cultivation are hand-
some border plants, flowering in late sum-
mer and in autumn. C. Lyoni grows from
2 to 3 ft. high, forms a dense mass
of stems, with deep-green foliage, from
July to September bearing dense clusters
of showy pink blossoms. C. obliqua is
taller and more slender, but the colour of
the typical form is a richer pink, and
there is a white-flowered variety. Both
are of easy culture, thriving in open
borders of good deep soil, and increased
by seeds, cuttings, or division of the
roots. These plants, though bearing
pretty flowers, and free in growth, are
not of high garden value.
CHENOPODIUM (Goose foot).— Few of
these plants of the Spinach order are of
much garden value, except C. Atriplicis,
a vigorous Chinese annual, with erect
reddish stem, slightly branched, over
3 ft. in height, and with its young
shoots and leaves covered with a rosy-
violet powder, pretty in foliage, in any soil.
C. scoparium (Belvedere) is a curious and
graceful annual plant, like a miniature
CHIMAPHILA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHRYSANTHEMUM. 479
Cypress in form, and worth a place among j
curious annual plants. C. Blituin capita-
turn (Strawberry-blite] is a hardy
annual, growing from \\ to 2 ft. high,
the flowers small, followed by high-
coloured fruit calyxes resembling small
Strawberries. Sow in April in'the open air.
CHIMAPHILA (Pipsissewa*).— Small
shrubby plants of the Heather order, j
natives of the dry woods of N. America. !
C. maculata (Spotted Wintergreen) has
small leathery leaves variegated with
white, 3 to 6 in. high, and is pretty for !
a half-shady and mossy, but not wet, }
place in the rock-garden, with such !
plants as the dwarf Andromeda and i
the Pyrola, and succeeds best in very !
sandy leaf-soil. C. umbellata, with glossy
unspotted leaves and somewhat larger
reddish flowers, is also suited for like
positions.
CHIMONANTHUS ( Winter-Sweet).
— C.fragrans is a lovely shrub, which in
our country enjoys a wall, flowering in
December and January ; beautiful, and
of delicious fragrance, the flowers coming
upon young wood after the leaves have
fallen, brownish-yellow, marked with
purple inside ; and precious for gathering
for the house. The best variety is grandi-
ftora, its flowers being longer and more j
open, but the shrub varies a little from ]
seed, in which way it is often raised in j
nurseries. This shrub does best on a wall
with a southern or western aspect. A i
few shoots with blooms upon them placed
in a room last a long time, and diffuse ,
their pleasant fragrance, and little harm j
need be done by cutting these twigs, as
in the ordinary course they would be j
pruned away after their flowers have
faded. In fact we may in cutting with
some care the precious shoots for the
house prune the bush. Layers and seed.
Japan. Calycanthacea.
Chionanthus virginica.
CHIONANTHUS (Ftinge Tree).— A
beautiful small hardy tree of the Olive
family ; in some old English gardens there
are fine specimens, but it is rarely met
with in modern gardens. Fully grown
in this country, in sandy loam or warm
soil, it is a dense bush about 12 ft. high,
but in its native country it is a tree. In
early summer it bears long clusters of
white flowers, with petals long and nar-
row like a fring'e. N. America. A newer
species is the Chinese C. retusus, which
is not so pretty, though its flowers are
white and fringed.
CHIONODOXA (Glory of the Snow}.
— Among the most beautiful of our early
spring-flowering bulbs, and a precious
addition to our garden flora. Their great
hardiness, beauty, and the rapidity with
which they increase in ordinary soils
make them great favourites.
C. Luciliae. — A plant variable in size
as well as in the form and colour of its
flowers, but of usually a pretty blue and
white. Newly imported bulbs as a rule
give small and few flowers, but when well
established size and number are almost
doubled. It is one of the hardiest bulbs
we possess, flowering during March and
April. There is a white-flowered form,
but it is rare. C. grandiflora is more
robust, the flowers larger and more
numerous and of a distinct soft violet-
blue with a small white centre. C.
Sardensis is a charming kind, the flowers,
fine Gentian blue. The bulbs were found
close to the ruins of the ancient town of
Sardis, at 4000 to 5000 ft. above sea level.
There are various other names, but the
above are distinct and the best of the
family.
CHOISYA (Mexican Orange -flower).
— A handsome shrub, of the Rue order,
C. fernata in the south and west often
thrives with the shelter of a wall and a
southern or western aspect, and often
in high ground, at least, thriving as a
bush. It is fast-growing, the flowers a
lovely contrast to the deep rich green
foliage.
CHRYSANTHEMUM. - Perennial
and annual plants, some of which are
valuable for the garden.
C. arcticum. — A good plant for the
rock-garden about a foot high, flowering
all the summer, white tinged with lilac or
rose.
C. carinatum (Tricolor Chrysanthe-
mum}.— A showy annual from N. Africa,
which varies much in cultivation, and is
valuable if only for its yield of flowers
for cutting. There are double white and
yellow forms ; and the showy ones known
as C. Burridgeanum. Dunnett's varieties
of the same plant are also good. They
are propagated from seeds sown in April
480 CHRYSANTHEMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CHRYSANTHEMUM.
in open beds or borders where the plants j
are to flower ; or they may be sown
earlier in pans or boxes of light rich
earth in a pit or frame, from which they
can be transplanted after all danger from
frost is over. Plant singly in rich soil
in an open and sunny position.
C. coronarium (Crown Daisy}.— A bold
and handsome annual 2 to 3 ft. high in its
\vild form in S. Europe and X.
Africa, and, in cultivation, breaking
into a number of forms, few of them
so pretty as the single wild flower,
pale yellow or buff, treated as a half-
hardy annual, and sown in good ground
in April or early in May.
C. frutescens (Paris Daisy, Mar-
trying to secure them where the soil and
climate are not unfavourable.
The following varieties will make a
capital display out of doors : Lady Fitz-
wygram, Mdme. C. Desgrange, G.
Wermig, Comtesse Fouchier de Careil,
La Vierge, Gustave Grunerwald, Roi des
Precoces, Ryecroft Glory, Vicomtesse
d'Avene, Maria, Mrs. Gifford, Montague,
Mdme. Eulalie Morel, Florrie Parsons,
Strathmeath, Arthur Crepey, Carrie
Denny, Mdlle. Renee Cohn, October
Yellow.
In many well-kept gardens there are
open spaces on the walls, and the
question is often asked, What can be
done to hide them ? The answer is,
Chionocloxa snrdensis.
}. — A vigorous half-hardy plant
from the Canary Isles ; the foliage
glaucous ; the flowers large, pure white,
with a yellow centre, and appearing from
June until cut down by frost. It is a
fine Daisy-like plant, and several forms
or allies are also valuable, such as the
yellow Etoile d'Or and Comtesse de Cham-
bord. These are of easy culture and
propagation, being for the outdoor garden,
treated as half-hardy plants and put out
in May.
C. indicum. — This is a native of China
and Japan, and from it has originated
the numerous varieties of the Chrysan-
themum. Although in our country, gener-
ally, open air culture will often be im-
practicable, nevertheless, the outdoor
kinds are so pretty that it is worth while
train Chrysanthemums upon them ; if
well nailed in they take up but little room,
and afford a pleasing background to the
other occupants of the borders. Strong
cuttings or suckers, or, what is better still,
the old roots or stools that flowered in
pots the previous season, planted at the
foot of the wall 3 ft. apart early in March,
in soil similar to that just recommended,
will make remarkably rapid growth,
and, if kept neatly nailed in and all the
side-shoots removed as they appear, will
soon cover a wall of ordinary height.
Should it be desirable to protect the
blossoms from wind and weather it can
! be effectually done by nailing a 12-in.
board on the top of the wall, so as to
form a coping. This, supported by a
few poles in front, is all that is required,
CHRYSANTHEMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CICHORIUM.
481
and, if practicable, a canvas covering
fastened in front when the nights are
cold will generally prove sufficient
protection ; with these simple precau-
tions the duration of the flowers will
be greatly prolonged. The varieties
named below are best for wall culture.
Many early-flowering Japanese and re-
flexed kinds are included, as they are more
suitable than the incurved section, the
natural form of the petals being less likely
to hold water from night dews and rains.
White.— Eynsford White, Lady Sel-
borne, Mdlle. Lacroix, Elaine, Fair Maid
of Guernsey, Mrs. Forsyth, Felicity, Ava-
lanche. Yellow and Orange. — G. Glenny,
Jardin des Plantes, Sunflower, Butter-
cup, Mrs. Horril, President Hyde,
"Paris Daisy (C. frutescens).
Phoebus. Blush and Rose. — Bouquet Fait,
Princess of Teck, Venus, Maiden's Blush,
Peach Christine, Christine, Etoile de Lyon,
Annie Clibran, Viviand Morel. Crimson.
— E. Molyneux, Cullingfordi, W. Holmes,
King of Crimsons, M. Mousillac, M. Henri
Jacotot, and Progne. Red and Brown. —
Triomphe du Nord, Gloire du Rocher,
Val d'Andorre, Felix Cassagneau, Wm.
Robinson, Julie Lagravere, and Source
d'Or. Purple and Amaranth. — Dr. Sharpe,
M. Bernard, Alberic Lunden, and Mrs.
Nisbet.
Pompons. — These are useful for wall
covering ; they grow compact and flower
freely. The following is a good selection :
White.— Sceur Melanie, Mdlle. Marthe,
La Purete, White Perfection, Snowdrop.
Yellow.— Golden Circle, St. Michael,
Primrose League, William Westlake,
Nelly Dainford. Red and Brown. — Black
Douglas, Prince of Orange, Tiber, Vulcan,
Victorine, Prince Victor, James Forsyth,
Fremy, Eleonore. Purple. — President,
Comte de Morny, and Pygmalion.
Single-lowered Varieties are very use-
ful for covering walls. The best are —
White. —White Perfection, The Virgin,
Exquisite. Yellow. — Yellow Jane, Golden
Star, Prince of Yellows, Canariense, and
Charming. Blush and Pink. — Florence,
Mary Anderson, America, and Crushed
Strawberry. Red. — Lady Churchill, Souv.
de Londres, Scarlet Gem, David Windsor,
and Effie.
Summer and Early Autumn Flowering
Kijids. — This is an important class, furnish-
ing a number of varieties that are valuable
for cutting from, and they enliven the
borders when other hardy flowers are on
the wane. But there are many good early
autumn flowers, and setting chrysanthe-
mums much before their natural season
is a practice of doubtful value in the
flower-garden. Some are very dwarf
and of various shades of colour, and for
the open air are of much value. — A. S.
C. latifolium is the largest of the
Ox-eye Daisies, with fleshy, coarsely
serrated, broad leaves. The seeds have
large flower-heads, 3 in. to 4 in. across ;
a strong growing species requiring plenty
of room. Division and seeds. A number
of varieties of this and the following
species have been raised which have some
value as border plants and for cutting.
C. maximum is nearly allied to
C. pallens, from which it is distinguished
chiefly by its involucre and larger flowers.
The leaves of C. maximum are bluntly
serrated, stems more or less branched,
each carrying a single white flower, leaf-
less towards the flower-heads, the in-
volucre flattish, composed of numerous
narrow bracts. Maritime Alps.
C. Zawadskii, of tufted habit, bears
numerous rose-tinted flowers all through
the summer months. — D.K.
C. segetum (Corn Marigold}. — A showy
yellow native plant, as worthy of cultiva-
tion as many an exotic, and in certain
cases worth growing for cutting. Treat as
a hardy annual, preferring autumn sowing.
Chrysobactron Hookeri. See ANTHER-
ICUM.
Chrysurus. See LAMARCKIA.
CICHORIUM (Chicory).—^ pretty
native plant, from 2 to 5 ft. high, C. Intybus,
bearing in summer and autumn handsome
blue flowers. It is worth introducing as a
wild plant into localities where it is not
common. It is a rampant grower, and will
take care of itself under almost any con-
I I
482 CICHORIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CIMICIFUGA.
ditions. The seed may be sown on | Baneberry. They are tall herbaceous
rubbish heaps and in stony places, old I plants ; one at least is handsome — C.
quarries, and by roadsides. racemosa (Black Snakeroot), 3 to 8 ft. high,
Chrysanthemum Mdme. Desgrange, grown in the open air.
CIMICIFUGA (Bugbane\— Plants of
the Crowfoot Order, nearly allied to the
with feathery racemes of white blossoms
i to 3 ft. long, which, being slender, droop
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN'
CLARKIA.
483
gracefully ; but the plants generally are
not of much garden value. They are of
easy culture in rich soil, and may be used
as groups in the wild garden. The
flowers have an offensive odour. Division.
N. America and Asia.
Cineraria maritima. See SENECIO.
Cissus. See VITIS.
CISTUS (Rock Rose).— Ite Rock Roses
are amongst the most beautiful of flower-
ing shrubs, but in our country it is only on
the lightest and warmest soils and on
walls that they may be trusted to survive
our winters. Most of the species have
Chicory.
been at one time or another in cultiva-
tion in this country, but their value is
greatly lessened by the recurring severe
winters which kill unprotected plants of
so many of the kinds. All the
species are Old World plants, most
of them being natives of South-western
Europe ; some extend to North Africa
and Asia Minor, and one to the Canary
Islands. Many of the species vary
a good deal in colour, size of leaves,
and not a few appear to hybridise
freely. In spite of the fugacious
character of the flowers (they do not
last, more than one day), their bright
colours and the profusion in which a
succession is kept up for a considerable
time render the Cistuses amongst the
most welcome of garden shrubs during
the summer months. They prefer a dry
sandy soil, and, although some grow freely
enough in almost any garden soil, they
are much more likely to suffer during
winter in rich ground. The positions
best for them are sunny banks on warm
sandy soil, and something may be done
by protection and frequently raising and
propagating the plant ; but the question
as to whether such labour would not be
better bestowed on some family of shrubs
quite hardy in our climate, may be
worth considering save by those who seek
collections in face of all difficulties.
There are many natural hybrids, some
confusion of names, and many more
names than distinct plants, this, and the
fact that these sun-loving bushes from
the south are tender over a large area of
our islands makes us limit the species
named here to the more distinct and
hardier kinds.
Among the more distinct species are : —
albiduS) corbariensis, crispus, cyprius
hirsutus, ladaniferus, laurifolius, longi-
folius, lusitanicus, monspeliensis, parvi-
florus, purpureus, salvifolius, Thureti,
villosus, with many hybrid forms, one
of the best of these being C. Flore?itinus.
CLADIUM. — C. Mariscus is a vigorous
native fen plant, 2 to 6 ft. high, in flower
crowned with dense, close chestnut-
coloured panicles, sometimes 3 ft. in
length, the leaves glaucous, rigid, and
often 4 ft. long. Worthy of a place on
the margin of water.
CLADRASTIS, the Yellow-wood of
N. America. C. tinctoria is a pretty lawn
tree of medium size and symmetrical
growth, but not a good flowering tree. Its
leaves, in autumn, turn to a rich yellow,
and remain bright for weeks until cut off
by frosts. The white pea-shaped flowers
are borne in loose clusters. Syn. Virgilia
lutea. C. amurensis is a shrub introduced
a few years ago from the Amoor Valley.
Its leaves resemble those of the Yellow-
wood, but are of thicker texture,
not so large, and of a duller green.
In late summer it produces a plentiful
crop of flowers, even when only a few
feet high. The spikes are dense, the
blossoms white, and inclined to yellow,
and endure a long time. Small bushes
flower freely. It is hardy in sandy loams.
Leguminosce.
CLARKIA.— These Cahfornian plants
of the Evening Primrose and Fuchsia.
Order are among the prettiest of hardy
annuals, robust, of easy culture, and flower
for a long time. There are two species
from which the numerous varieties now
I I 2
484 CLARKIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CLARKIA.
in cultivation have been obtained. C.
elegant grows 2 ft. high, erect, much
branched, and bears long leafy racemes
of flowers with undivided petals, varying
from purple to pale red or a salmon
colour. The principal varieties of this
normally, but there is every variation
between deep purple and pure white, and
there are also several double-flowered
forms. Many varieties are mentioned
in seed lists, most of which are distinct
from each other, and well worth
Chrysanthemum
species have double flowers, and two-
Purple King (deep purple) and Salmon
Queen (salmon-pink) — have flowers pro-
duced freely on strong branching plants,
and are very effective border flowers.
The other species, C. pulchella, varies in
height from about I ft. in the Tom Thumb
sorts to 2 ft. It has magenta flowers
; Cottage Pink.J
growing where annuals are much
grown.
CULTURE. — Their growth is much
affected by the nature of the soil. Like
all other hardy annuals, they may be
sown either in autumn or spring, and by
sowing in the beginning of September the
seedlings gain strength before the winter,
CLAYTONIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CLEMATIS
485
and flower well in early spring, but these
autumn sowings are liable to accident, and
should only be tried on warm soils. The
first spring sowing should take place in the
middle of March, when the plants would
flower in July. Until about the middle
of June other sowings may be made for
flowering later. The best soil is ordin-
ary garden mould, not too rich or
dry. — G.
CLAYTONIA.— A small group of the
Purslane Order, of which three species
are pretty garden plants. C. caro-
liniana is a spreading dwarf species bear-
ing in spring loose racemes of pretty rose
flowers, and C. virginica (Spring Beauty)
is a slender erect plant, with pink
blossoms. Both are suitable for warm
spots in the rock-garden in loamy soil,
but C. sibirica, also a dwarf species with
pink flowers, requires a damp peaty soil
like an artificial bog.
CLEMATIS ( Virgin's Bower.}— Beau-
tiful climbing shrubs and herbs from north-
ern and temperate regions and of the
highest value for gardens. Among hardy
climbers there is no group of plants that
equals the Clematis in variety and num-
ber, or perhaps in beauty.
The Clematis vary in habit from her-
baceous plants little more than i ft. high
to woody climbers with stems 50 ft. or
more in length. Most of the climbing
species support themselves by means of
the leaf-stalks, which curl round twigs or
other slender objects near. The Clematis
flower possesses no true petals, but in
their place a coloured calyx consisting of
usually four, but sometimes as many as
eight sepals.
The Clematis like an open loamy soil,
which should always be fairly rich, and
in the case of the largest-flowered kinds
even very rich in vegetable humus and
fertilising material. All of them appear
to succeed best in a chalky soil, and in
gardens naturally devoid of chalk or lime
it is well to supply it. An annual mulch-
ing with rotted manure given about
November is of benefit, especially on poor
soil. Such pruning as may be necessary
for these wild types should be done in
February. The stronger growers stand
pruning well, and if they grow up their
supports too high and form a thick
heavy tangle at the top, they may safely
be cut hard back. The weaker ones
rarely need pruning at all. The Clematises
may be used to cover walls, mounds, ar-
bours, pergolas and fences, and in the
open, where no other support is available,
rough Oak branches may be used for
them, either singly or several set together
to form a pyramid, while the more vigorous
species will run over trees.
C. sethusifolia.— A graceful climber,
vith slender stems and branches. The
flowers have not bright colour, but are
gracefully borne and pendulous, from half
an inch to three-quarters of an inch long,
bell-shaped or tubular, the sepals yellow-
ish white. Like most of the Clematis,
this varies a good deal in shape of leaf,
and one form has been considered dis-
tinct enough to receive the name of
latisecta.
C. alpina (Alpine Clematis]. — A very
pretty plant flowering in spring. The
flowers are nodding, the four large sepals
being soft blue with a whitish margin, or
sometimes almost entirely white. The
Cistus florentinus.
flower is 2 ins. or more across. Syn.,
Atragene austriaca.
C. apiifolia. — A vigorous climber with
ternate leaves, growing 10 ft. high, flower-
ing in August and September in panicles
dull white. Japan and China. Closely
allied to this is C. brevicandata.
C. aromatica is closely allied to C.
Viticella, and if it be a hybrid, as it is
supposed to be, that species must be one of
the parents. It is a slender plant, 6 or 7 ft.
high. The solitary flowers are about 2 ins.
in diameter, and of a rich purplish blue,
and have a sweet, delicate, and slightly
aromatic odour.
C. campaniflora (Bell-flowered C.} —
This has rather small bell-shaped flowers
each about i in. in diameter, with the
pointed tips of the sepals recurved. Pale
violet or almost white. The plant 10 to
1 5 ft. high. The flowers are very freely
borne, and against the deep green, often
finely-divided foliage they are very
effective.
C. calycina ( Winter flowering C.} (C.
balearica of Richard).— A native of
486
CLEMATIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CLEMATIS.
Minorca and Corsica, evergreen with dark
brown angled stems, and during the
winter the foliage acquires a fine bronzy
hue. The flower is about 2 in. across,
yellowish white, stained inside with ob-
long, irregular, reddish-purple spots.
December to April. In the London dis-
trict it ought to have the shelter of a
wall to flower well. From its near ally,
the following species, it differs in its
narrower and more divided foliage.
C. cirrhosa (Evergreen C.}(C. balearica
of Persoon). This evergreen species has
been much confused with. C. calycina
C. cirrhosa however, if it comes from the
Balearic Islands at all, is not confined to
them, but is a native also of various
< somewhat leathery and over an inch long.
| A larger-flowered variety is known as
major, and various hybrids have been
| raised by crossing this and other
| species.
C. connata. — This species is found on
I the Himalayas. It is a climber with
| stout woody stems with leaflets 3 to 5 in.
I long, coarsely toothed, or sometimes
more or less three-lobed. The bell-
shaped flowers appear during autumn and
are of a clear light yellow, pointed tips re-
curved.
C. crispa (Frilled C.)— This name
applies to a number of plants alike in all
essential characters, but differing in the
shape of the leaves and in the size and
Cistus formosus.
parts of Spain, and is found also in
Algiers and on the mountains of N. Africa.
The flowers are dull white or cream
coloured, downy outside, smooth within,
and about \\ in. in diameter. In South
Europe it climbs over big trees, but it
grows only some 8 or 10 ft. high in these
colder latitudes.
C. coccinea (Scarlet C.)— A distinct
and beautiful species. Its stems grow
some 6 to 10 ft. high, and as a rule in
this country die back to the ground in
winter. It is a native of Texas, the
flowers vary in colour from rosy carmine
to scarlet ; they are swollen at the base,
but narrow towards the top, where, how-
ever, the tips of the four sepals are re-
curved. These sepals are very thick and
colour of the flower. The leaf consists of
three, five, or more leaflets, which vary in
outline. The calyx is cylindrical or bell-
shaped, and from i to 2 in. long, the upper
part of each sepal spreading. The
colour is purple margined with white, or
in some forms pale lilac. The flowers are
fragrant and appear in June, continuing
up to autumn; Some of the forms are
bright in colour and pretty, but others are
amongst the least effective of the shrubby
Clematis, the thick, heavy sepals being of
a dull purple (N. America).
C. Douglas! (Douglas's C.)—A Rocky
Mountain species discovered by David
Douglas, and at present scarcely known in
English gardens. The flower is bell-shaped,
i inch long, the sepals being recurved at
CLEMATIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CLEMATIS.
487
the tips and of an intense purple inside,
paler without.
C. flammula (Fragrant Virgin's Bower}.
— A vigorous grower, its leaves are of
a rich dark green and remain fresh till
well into the winter. The flowers are
small (half-inch to three-quarters of an
inch across) and appear in late summer
creamy white and the tuft of stamens
purple. There is a double-flowered vari-
ety and others with violet or blush-tinted
flowers (Japan).
C. Fremonti. — This has herbaceous
stems i to 2 ft. high, rarely branched, and
carrying numerous leathery leaves, 3 or 4
in. long, without stalks ; the purple flowers
Cistus ladaniferus.
and autumn fragrant, creamy-white,
the fruit white and feathery. This is a
variable species, in the size and shape of
the leaflets and in the flower panicles, some
of which are large and with numerous
blossoms, whilst in other forms the panicles
are few-flowered and scarcely branched.
C. florida. — A distinct species, grows 9
to 12 ft. high, the flowers 2 to 4 in. across,
flat when fully expanded, sepals of a
drooping with recurved tips. The tails
of the fruits are downy when young rather
than feathery (N. America).
C. fusca. — A sub-shrubby or nearly
herbaceous species, with prostrate rather
than climbing steins. When given sup-
port, however, it grows 6 to 8 ft. high.
The bell-shaped flowers are covered with
a short, very thick, brown wool, the sepals
being a reddish brown colour. The fruit
488 CLEMATIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CLEMATIS.
forms a thick globular head, I in. across,
of plumose tails (N. Asia).
C. Henderson! (Henderson's Virgin's
Bower], — This is considered to be a
hybrid between C. Viticella and^C. integri-
folia, and was raised in 1835 by Mr.
Henderson, at Pine-apple Place, St. John's
Wood. The plant grows to a height of 8
or 10 ft. The flowers, which have a faint
sweet perfume, are over 2 in. across and
of a deep bluish purple, appearing from
June to September.
C. Heracleaefolia (David's Virgin's
Bower}.— A dwarf, sturdy plant under 2 ft.
high, with large leaves and short-stalked
corymbs of flowers of a Hyacinth-like shape
and of a purplish blue colour. Much supe-
rior to it as a garden plant is the variety
Davidiana, which often ranks as a species.
Its stems are about 4 ft. long, but are
rarely strong enough to stand erect
without support. The largest leaflets
often measure 6 in. in length by nearly as
much in width, and are thus the largest of
any of the cultivated Clematises. The
bright lavender blue flowers are in dense
heads, borne on long stalks in early
autumn, but they also frequently appear
in short, closely packed clusters right in
the axils of the leaves. Each flower is
three-quarters of an inch long, the points
of the sepals reflexed and resembling a
Hyacinth blossom (N. China).
C. integrifolia.— Herbaceous, 2 to 3 ft.
high, its erect steins furnished with leaves
2 to 4 in. long and stalkless, or nearly so.
The blue, drooping flowers are on the top
of the stem and from the axils of the
uppermost leaves from June to August.
(Europe).
C. lanuginosa (Great flowered Virgin's
Bower). — A noble Chinese species 5 or 6
ft. high, the leaves covered beneath with
greyish wool, the flowers the largest of
any of the wild kinds, 6 in. across and the
sepals flat and overlapping and of a pale
lavender colour. It is to this species
more than to any other that the beauty
of the garden hybrids of Clematis are
due. Its flowers range in colour from
pure white to deep rich purple, and
appear from July to October.
C. ligusticifolia. — The flowers of this
(male and female ones of which are borne
on separate plants) appear in panicles
white, three-quarters of an inch across.
The variety californica is distinguished
by its smaller, tomentose leaves. It is
one of many examples that occur in the
North American flora, where a widely-
spread species is found to be glabrous on
the eastern side of the continent, but
tomentose or even woolly on the drier
and hotter western side. This plant will
climb to a height of 30 ft.
C. montana ( White Indian Virgin's
Bower]. — This is one of the most beauti-
ful of all the Clematis, and when covered
with its white flowers during May,
which bear a strong resemblance to a
white Anemone, is one of the loveliest of
all hardy climbers. It is quite hardy and
vigorous and may frequently be seen
covering walls to a great height.
C. ochroleuca. — A herbaceous species
confined to the eastern side of North
Clematis lanuginosa alba growing through Azara.
America, whilst the other is purely
western. Its stems are I to 2 ft. high,
its leaves silky beneath, especially when
young. The flowers are yellow outside,
cream-coloured within.
C. orientalis ( Yellow Indian Virgin's
Bower]. — A vigorous climber growing 12
to 30 ft. high, flowering abundantly in
August and September, the four sepals
being of a yellow colour, tinged with green,
and having a sweet but not very strong-
fragrance. The fruit heads are handsome
with the silky tail attached to each seed
vessel (Mountains of India and N. Asia).
CLEMATIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CLEMATIS. 489
C. paniculata. (Japanese Virgin's
Bower). — A vigorous climber, growing to
a height of 30 ft. or more. The flowers
have a hawthorn-like fragrance, the four
sepals being of a rather dull white. It is
hardy in Britain and flowers during
September, but with nothing like the
profusion that makes it so beautiful a
climber in America. By planting it
against a sunny wall its best qualities
would perhaps be brought out.
C. patens.— Next to C. lanuginosa,
this is perhaps the most important of the
wild types of Clematis. It is a native of
Japan (having been found on the isle of
Nippon), and possibly of China also. It
was introduced about sixty years ago by
Siebold, who obtained it in the gardens
near Yokohama, where it had, no doubt,
been long in cultivation. The sepals are
from six to eight in number, narrow in
the form originally introduced, and of a
delicate mauve colour, but the varieties
subsequently obtained from it under cul-
tivation have flowers much larger, the
colours varying from white to deep violet
and blue. Its value as one of the parent
species of the garden Clematis is due not
only to its beauty, but more especially to
its flowering as early as May and June.
C. Pitcher!.— The flowers of this are
pitcher-shaped, being broad and swollen at
the base, narrow at the centre where the
sepals press closely round the bunch of
stamens, but have the tips expanded and
recurved. They are I in. long and three-
quarters of an in. wide at the swollen
base, of a purplish blue outside, and in
the typical form the recurved tips of the
sepals are yellowish. The fruits are of
a reddish purple colour (Colorado and
Western America).
In the variety lasiostylis the sepals
have but little of the yellow colour seen
in the type, the recurved portion of the
sepals being of a deep purplish blue.
The fruits, too, are larger and of a richer
red colour.
C. recta (White Herbaceous Virgin's
Bower}. — This is one of the best
herbaceous species, its tufted stems
growing about 3 ft. high and producing
from June to August numerous white
flowers sweetly scented, and each about
i in. across. A handsome double-
flowered variety, and in its own country
the plant varies much (S. Europe).
C. Robertsiana (Roberts Virgin's
Bower). — The nodding flowers of this
are of a pale lemon-yellow, and are 3 to
5 ins. in diameter. The flowers have
none of the petals or antherless stamin-
odes of the Atragene group, but otherwise,
both in flower and foliage, the species
bears a resemblance to the Alpine Cle-
matis.
C. stans. — An herbaceous plant, grow-
ing 4 or 5 ft. high, with dark green leaves;
the flowers are not borne in such dense
heads as in L'Abbe David's Clematis,
but often in a large terminal panicle,
Clematis Lady Caroline Nevill.
frequently also in clusters close in the
leaf axils. In early autumn each flower
is about three-quarters of an inch long,,
pale blue, and of the hyacinth-like form
common to this group of Clematis (Japan).
C. verticillaris (Atragene ameri-
cana\ — A climber with woody stems 8 to
10 ft. high or more. The flowers bluish
purple and from 2 to 3 ins. in diameter
(N. America).
C. Viorna (the Leather Flower}. — Al-
though this is one of the oldest of the
American Clematises in cultivation
(having been introduced in 1730), it is not
a common plant, being, indeed, one of the
least attractive in the genus. It is not
490 CLEMATIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CLETHRA.
very vigorous in habit, growing 8 or loft,
high. The flower is pitcher shaped and
very thick and leathery with sepals of a
dull reddish purple colour appearing in
summer (Eastern United States).
C. virginiana (American Virgiris
Bower). — The common Virgin's Bower
of the United States and Canada. The
Clematis Davidiana.
flowers are borne in flat panicles, the
sepals thin, and dull white, and although
hardy enough, is not in Britain so strong
and woody a grower as our native Travel-
ler's Joy.
C. Vitalba (Travellers Joy}.— There is
no climber native to Britain that gives so
near an approach to tropical luxuriance of
vegetation as this. Even in winter when
destitute of foliage its naked stems are
ornamental. The numerous dull white
flowers are each three-quarters of an inch
or so across, with a faint odour resembling
that of Almonds. It is, perhaps, most
beautiful when covered with its white
fruits, the seeds having long feathery tails.
C. Viticella(/Vr//te Virgin's Bower}.—
A graceful climber, from 8 to 12 feet high ;
its flowers in summer \\ inches to 2 inches
in diameter, the sepals blue, purple, or rosy
purple, and the fruits have only short tails,
which are devoid of the plumose covering
so often seen in this genus. There are
now numerous varieties of the species
superior to it in size of flower, and offering
also a variety of shades, some very pretty.
-W. J. B.
Hybrid Clematis.— Among the best
of the many hybrids raised both abroad
or in England are Alba magna, Ascotensis,
Beauty of Worcester, Belle of Woking,
Blue Gem, Countess of Lovelace, Countess
of Onslow, Duchess of Albany, Duchess of
Edinburgh, Duchess of York, Fair Rosa-
mond, Fairy Queen, Gem, Gipsy Queen,
Henryi, Jackmani, Jackmani superba,
Jackmani alba, John Gould Veitch, Lady
Bovill, Lady Caroline Neville, Lucie
Lemoine, Mme. Grange, Mine. Edouard
Andre, Mme. Van Houtte, Miss Bateman,
Miss Crawshay, Mrs. Geo. Jackman, Mrs.
Hope, Otto Froebel, Princess of Wales,
Purpurea elegans, Rubella, Sir Garnet
Wolseley, Star of India, Stella, The Queen,
William Kennett. It has been usual in
treating of these and other Clematis to
throw them into groups, a misleading and
useless plan from a garden point of view ;
the best way is to regard the species each
1 separately, as they differ so much in vig-
j our and in their use : the hybrids also are
better to look at as a class apart, fitted
more for flower-garden use than some of the
species. The hybrid kinds are all grafted,
! and this is no doubt the reason why they
| die off like flies, and why these fine plants,
of which hundreds have been raised, are so
rarely seen well grown in gardens. The
stock used is C. Viticella, very different in
its nature from the fine species from China
and Japan, and though a vigorous growth
is obtained at first an early death too often
follows.
CLERODENDRON.— Tropical or sub-
tropical trees or shrubs, only two species
of which have any claim to hardiness,
C. trichotomum, a Japanese plant, and C.
fcetidum, a native of China, an old garden
plant usually seen in greenhouses, but
hardy enough for open-air culture in all
southern and warm parts. In southern
gardens, especially near the sea, it grows
5 ft. high and
is handsome
for the several
weeks it is in
bloom. The
other speciesis
less common,
and is a free-
growingshrub,
6 ft. high or
more, bearing
large loose
clusters of
flowers, the
corollas white,
the calyces a
deepbrownish-red,bloomingin September.
CLETHRA (Sweet Pepper Bush\-
Shrubs and small trees of the Heath Order,
Clethra alnifolia.
CLIAXTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
COLCHICUM.
491
the hardy species natives of North
America. The Alder-leaved Clethra
(C. aim folia) in the wet copses of
Virginia reaches a height of loft, or more.
With us it grows from 3 to 5 ft., makes a
dense bush, bearing in summer white
sweet-scented flowers in feathery spikes.
C. acmninata has more pointed leaves, and
it also has spikes of white scented flowers ;
it is quite a small tree in the woods of
the Alleghanies. Both are valuable
shrubs for moist peaty places.
CLIANTHUS (Glory Pea}.— Brilliant
plants seldom seen out-of-doors in the
London district or home counties, but one
kind is quite free as a wall plant in Irish
and west-country gardens, and should be
more frequently planted in sea-shore and
warm places. It is C. puniceus a native
of New Zealand, and as handsome a
shrub when in bloom as one could wish
to see, its splendid crimson blooms
borne in large bunches during summer.
Cuttings.
Clintonia. See DOWINGIA.
Cnicus benedictus. See CARBENIA.
COB-5IA (Cups and Saucers].— In
favourable localities in the southern and
western counties C. scandens, a well-known
greenhouse plant, thrives against an
outside wall, and will cover a con-
siderable space of trellis-work during
summer. It should be planted in light
rich soil, and if watered liberally during
the growing season will soon cover a large
space and flower freely. With some
protection it will survive an ordinary
winter.
CODONOPSIS.— Interesting and some-
times pretty plants of the Bellflower
Order, easy to cultivate in light and warm
soils, C. ovata being a fine bushy plant.
They are suited for warm borders. Some
are annuals, but most are hardy peren-
nial flowers from the mountains of India.
COLCHICUM (Meadow Saffron). -
Hardy bulbs, some handsome in autumn.
The individual flowTers do not, as a rule,
last long, but, as they come in succession,
there is a long season of bloom. The
flowers are often destroyed through
being grown in bare beds of soil, where
the splashing of the soil in heavy rains
impairs their beauty. In the rock-
garden among dwarf plants Col-
chicums thrive, and make a pretty show
in autumn, when rock-gardens are often
flowerless. They look better in grassy
places or in the wild garden than in any
formal bed or border. Their naked
flowers want the relief and grace of Grass
and foliage. There are about thirty kinds,
though only about half of them are in
cultivation, and among these the
differences are often slight. Though
there are so many names to be found
in catalogues, the distinct kinds are
few, and there is such a striking similarity
among these that they may be con-
veniently classed in groups. The best
known is
C. autumnale, commonly called the
autumn Crocus. The flowers appeal-
before the leaves, rosy purple, in clusters
of about six, 2 or 3 in. above the surface,
flowering from September to November.
There are several varieties, the chief
being the double purple, white and
Colchicum in Grass.
striped ; rose-lilac ; rose-lilac, striped
with white ; pale rose ; and pure white.
C. Parkinson!.— A distinct and beautiful
492 COLEUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
COLUTEA.
plant, readily distinguished from any of
the foregoing by the peculiar chequered
markings of its violet-purple flowers.
Its flowers come in autumn and its
leaves in spring. Similar kinds are
Bivonce, variegatum, agrippinum, chio-
nense, tcssellatum, all of which have
the flowers chequered with dark purple
on a white ground.
C. speciosum, from the Caucasus, is
large and beautiful, and valuable for the
garden in autumn, when its large rosy-
purple flowers appear nearly I ft. above
the ground. Like the rest of the Meadow
Saffrons, this is as well suited for
the rock-garden as the border, thriving
in any soil ; but to have it in perfection,
choose a situation exposed to the sun,
with sandy soil — in fact, a spot likely to
dry up during summer.
COLEUS.— A few kinds of these pretty-
leaved plants, of the Sage Order,
succeed in the open air in summer,
and, when used judiciously, give a fine
effect. In some of the London parks
Collet ia cruciata (C. bictoniensis).
they are arranged by themselves in
large masses, generally of one kind only.
Though there is a host of varieties, few
succeed in the open air. Mr. Wildsmith,
of Heckfield, wrote : " We have tried at
least a score of varieties for bedding-out,
with the result that the first kind recom-
mended (Verschaffeltt) is still the only
one that succeeds well. The culture of all
the varieties is of the simplest nature ;
cuttings strike freely in any sandy soil, in
a moist heat of 70°.
COLLETIA. — Curious shrubs of the
Buckthorn Order from Chili, some species
of which are hardy enough for the open air
in all but the coldest parts of the country,
in free sandy soils. They have spiny
branches with a few minute leaves. C.
cruciata is the commonest ; its stems are
armed with stout flattened spines, its
flowers white and small, making a bush
about 4 ft. high. C. spinosa has its
spines round or awl-shaped, the white
flowers, though small, are very numerous
in summer. Under favourable conditions
it makes a formidable hedge in the
southern counties, where it flourishes.
COLLINSI A.— Pretty N. American an-
nuals. If sown in autumn, they will, on
some soils, survive the winter, and flower
much better than spring-sown plants, the
flowers coming early. They are of the
easiest culture. Plants from seed sown in
spring flower in twelve weeks. There
are from nine to a dozen species or
varieties in cultivation and enumerated
in the catalogues, the only one requiring
special treatment being C. verna, which
must be sown in autumn. The prettiest use
for these plants is for the spring-garden
in beds, or occasionally as abroad edging.
COLLOMIA. — C. coccinea is a bright an-
nual,! ft. to 1 8 in. high, flowering in summer
and autumn. Sow it in April in open
ground ; or else in a frame in autumn
and protect it during winter, if good
plants are desired either for pots or plant-
ing out. On warm soils it grows best
and sows itself every year, surviving the
winter, and growing much stronger.
GGI33TEJL(BladderSenna).— The Blad-
der Sennas cannot be called choice flower-
ing shrubs, but theyare very useful for poor
hungry soils, particularly for dry sunny
banks where few other plants can exist.
Like the Gorse and a few other shrubs of
the Pea family,
they delight in a
dry sandy soil,and
when in flower,
which is during
several weeks in
late summer and
in autumn, they
have a pretty ap-
pearance, their
foliage being light
and elegant.
They have num-
erous names, but
there are only one
or two distinct
kinds. The com-
monest is C. ar-
borescens, which, under favourable con-
ditions, grows 6 or 8 ft. high, has large
flowers, varying in different varieties from
Colute.i arboi'escens.
COMMELIXA.
ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CONVOLVULUS. 493
yellow to a deep reddish-yellow. C. cntcnta,
C. halepica and C. media — all natives of
Europe — are smaller, and have bright
yellow flowers ; but all have much the
same aspect.
COMMELINA (Blue Spiderworf).—^
charming old garden plant with flowers
of a fine blue, C. Cozlestis delights in
light, warm soils. The roots are fleshy,
and in some districts it is well to cover
them with coal-ashes on the approach of
winter. In cold wet districts the roots
may be lifted, and stored in dry leaf-mould.
On some warm or stony soils, and in
districts near the sea where light soil
prevails, it grows like a weed. It is so
fine in colour that a group or small bed is
always welcome. There is a white form
(Mexico).
Comptonia. See MYRICA.
CONANDRON.— C. ramondioides is a
small Japanese plant allied to Ramondia,
having thick wrinkled leaves, in flat tufts,
from which arise erect flower-stems some
6 in. high, bearing numerous lilac-purple
and white blossoms. Though said to be
quite hardy, it requires a sheltered posi-
tion, such as is afforded by a snug nook in
the rock-garden. Plants placed between
blocks of stone thrive if there is a good
depth of soil in the chink and the soil is
moist.
CON V ALL ARIA (Lily-of-the-V alley*).
— C. majalis is a beautiful plant found in
mountain copses sheltered by shrubs,
and in the forest, and the best situation
for it is partial shelter and shade from
wall, fence, or trees. It is well to have a
plantation of Lilies-of-the-Valley upon a
south aspect, for the sake of earliness and
of producing them in succession, for by
this means flowers may be gathered a
fortnight or three weeks earlier than
otherwise. The best places are those
under shady walls. Give liberal surface-
dressings of rotten manure, and an
abundant supply of moisture throughout
active growth. Frost is destructive to
the blooms, which appear with the leaves.
A few Spruce or other evergreen branches
placed sparsely over the beds are a
protection, and encourage growth. Prefer-
ence should be given to a soft loamy
soil well enriched with rotten manure
and with plenty of sand, though fine Lilies
may be grown in rather heavy loam.
Whatever the soil, it should be moder-
ately firm before planting.
The best time to plant is early in
autumn, immediately after the foliage
decays, selecting the crowns singly and
dividing them. For beds likely to remain
undisturbed for several years, the crowns
may be planted 2 or even 3 in. apart, as they
do not become crowded so soon as to re-
quire thinning out. Cover the surface after
planting with i or 2 in. of rotten manure,
thorough maturity being only insured by
repeated applications of water — weak
manure-water being the most effective.
Treated thus, with annual surface-
dressings of manure, the beds will keep
in good condition for years, and bear fine
blossoms in abundance. When the plants
become crowded with shoots they should
be thinned out, or, better still, lifted and
replanted. It is now largely forced into
flower early, the roots being usually im-
(Lily-of-the-Valley).
ported from the Continent, where they are
grown and prepared for the purpose. 1 1 may
be naturalised, too, on anyplace sufficiently
moist and shaded, and soon spreads into
broad masses. There is a variety with
gold-striped foliage, and another with
double flowers, but this is not pretty. The
finest form is called Fortin's, which is
more robust than the common kind,
having larger flowers.
CONVOLVULUS (Bindweed).— Hand-
some climbing herbs ; very hardy, and
where properly used effective.
C. dahuricus (Dahurian C.) — A showy
twining perennial, bearing in summer
rosy-purple flowers. Excellent for cover-
ing bowers, railings, stumps, cottages,
&c., and also for naturalisation in hedge-
494
CONVOLVULUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CORDYLINE.
rows and copses. It grows in almost any
soil, and, like its relation the Bindweed,
is readily increased by division of the
roots, which creep. Syn. Calystegia
(Caucasus).
C. major. See IPOMCEA.
C. mauritanicus (Blue Rock Bind-
weed).— A beautiful prostrate twining
plant from N. Africa, with slender stems.
The flowers blue, I in. across, with a
white throat and yellow anthers. The
rock-garden, and raised borders ; sup-
posed to require sunny positions, in sandy,
well-drained soil, but I find it fine on
stiffish cool soils, and even hardy on them.
Division or cuttings.
C. pubescens fl.-pl. (Double Bindweed}.
— Handsome and useful for clothing
trellises, stumps, porches, and rustic-work.
It grows rapidly to the height of 6 ft.
The flowers are large, double, and of a
pale rose, appearing in June and onward.
The Double Bindweed likes a light rich
soil and a warm aspect. It may be
grown in large pots, tubs, or boxes, and
prettily used for forming small bowers
on balconies, to hide low fences, or to
climb round posts. Division. (China).
C. Soldanella (Sea Bindweed}.— A dis-
tinct trailing species with fleshy leaves ;
flowering in summer, pale-red, and hand-
some in the rock-garden, if planted so that
its shoots droop over stones. Also suited
for borders, in ordinary soil. Division.
Europe and Britain.
C. sylvaticus. — No plant forms more
beautiful and delicate curtains of foliage
and flowers than this, which grows vigor-
ously in any soil. The wild garden is the
place where it is most at home, and
where its vigorous roots may ramble
without doing injury to other plants.
Among bushes or hedges, over railings,
or on rough banks, it is charming, and
takes care of itself. The rosy pink form
incarnata is supposed to be a native of
N. America, but is naturalised in some
parts of Ireland. Native of S. Europe and
N. Africa.
C. tricolor. — One of the most beautiful
of hardy annuals, too well known to need
description. There are numerous varieties,
varying more or less in colour of flowers
or in habit of growth. The flowers of the
type are blue, yellow, and white, but there
are varieties entirely white, and almost
every variety is worth growing. The plant
being perfectly hardy, may be sown in the
open ground in September for flowering in
spring, or sown in February, in a heated
frame, for transplanting in May for mid-
summer flowering, and in the open ground
from April to the end of May for flower-
ing in late summer and autumn. Syn.,
C. minor.
COPTIS (Gold Thread].— C. tri folia is a
little evergreen bog plant 3 or 4 in. high
with trifoliate shining leaves, deriving
its common name from its long bright
yellow roots. Northern parts of America,
Asia, and Europe, flowering in summer ;
white. Easily grown in moist peat or
very moist sandy soil. Division.
CORDYLINE (Club Palm}.— Although
these fine-leaved shrub plants are common
in greenhouses, it is only in the mildest
parts of England and Ireland that they
can be grown well in the open air. In
the Isle of Wight, and from thence
along the shores of Devonshire and
Cornwall to the Scilly Isles, they succeed
well, forming a fine feature even in cottage
Convolvulus sylvaticus.
gardens, whilst in some larger gardens
whole avenues are planted. But, in far
less favoured places, it is often seen
thriving for years in the open air, though
it is not worth trying in cold, high, and
inland places, especially on clay soils.
The true C. indivisa is distinct, and a
large number of plants have at different
times been in cultivation ; owing, how-
ever, to their being treated as tropical
plants, they usually proved short-lived.
One of the finest specimens in the country
is in Mr. Rashleigh's garden at Menabilly,
Cornwall. C. i. lineata is a fine variety,
with leaves much broader than those of
the type, and sometimes 4 in. across,
coloured with reddish pink at the sheath-
ing base. There are many forms. At
Knockmaroon Lodge, near Dublin, a plant,
1 6 ft. high, with a stem some 6 in. in dia-
meter, annually flowered and bore an
abundance of seeds, from which seedlings.
COREOPSIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
COREOPSIS.
495
were easily raised in a cold frame. In the
Scilly Islands the plant becomes a great
tree, in the warmth and moisture from the
Gulf Stream. The fact that in Dublin young
plants annually flower and ripen seed is
sufficient proof of its hardiness and of its
prospects of success in many districts. It
is readily increased also from pieces of the
stem and offsets. If a plant is cut down
close to the ground, there soon spring up a
number of young shoots, which can be
taken off as cuttings, and which strike
soil. C. tenuifolia is a pretty plant,
with elegant feathery foliage and rich
golden-yellow blossoms from summer
till autumn. C. verticillata is similar to
it, and is also a showy border plant.
Neither of these is so robust as the
taller kinds, and they therefore require
more select spots, such as the front rows
of a mixed border in the rougher parts
of the rock-garden. The annuals are
among the showiest summer flowers ;
being hardy, they make a fine display in
Cordyline australis, Bosachan, Cornwall.
with freedom. Recent severe winters
may have hurt it in many places ; but
after so many years' success no one in a
likely district will give up its culture. — B.
COREOPSIS ( Tickseed}— Showy North
American herbs, perennial or annual ;
the annuals being pretty summer flowers,
and the perennials valuable late-blooming
plants. One of the best of the perennials
is C. atiriculata, about 2 ft. high, with a
spreading growth, and bearing, in autumn,
abundance of rich yellow blossoms on
slender stalks. Nearly allied and similar
to it is C. lanceolata, an equally showy
plant, also delighting in a rich damp
spring from seeds sown in September ;
while an almost continuous bloom may be
had from July to October by sowing
successively from early March till the
middle of June in ordinary garden soil —
that of a moist description being prefer-
able for the spring sowings. The follow-
ing are the principal annuals : C. aristosa,
2 to 3 ft. high, with large golden-yellow
blossoms ; C. Atkinsoniana, I to 3 ft. high,
flowers orange-yellow spotted with brown
in centre ; C. coronata, orange-yellow,
with a circle of brownish crimson in
centre ; C. Drummondi, I to li ft. high,
golden-yellow ; C. tinctoria, i to" 3 ft. high,
496 CORIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CORNUS.
flowers crimson-brown tipped with orange-
yellow.
C. grandiflora is a very fine showy
plant. It fully deserves its name, as its
flowers are very much larger than those
of any other Coreopsis grown in gardens.
Even if we eventually come to treat it
entirely as an annual, this will not de-
tract from its value, for it is a graceful
flower and worthy of special care. Rais-
ing a batch of seedlings once a year is
easily done. The seed may be sown at
any time in spring, and strong plants be
ready to put out into their flowering-
quarters in autumn. Its handsome
flowers are borne on strong stems 12
to 1 8 in. in length. In the garden the
flowers are brilliant and long-lasting,
and they are also valuable for cutting. —
A. H.
^yyKSA(Montpeli€T C.)—C. monspelien-
sis is a pretty dwarf plant of the Primrose
order, about 6 in. high, usually biennial in
our gardens, thriving on dry sunny parts
of the rock-garden, in sandy soil, and
among dwarf plants. South of France.
Seed.
CORNUS (Dogwood: Corner—Most
of the Dogwoods known in .cultivation are
shrubs or small trees. Many of the
Cornels are pretty shrubs, and useful in
the park and pleasure-garden, or along
watercourses, and in wild unkept spots,
the shoots of some giving fine colour in
winter ; and there are two very dwarf
species pretty for the bog.
C. alba, the white-fruited Dogwood, is a
native of Asia, growing to a height of from
5 to 10 ft., with slender branches clothed
with bright-red bark, giving a charming
effect all through
the year, either
in a mass or as a
specimen plant
on a lawn or in
the shrubbery.
The flowers,
white or cream-
coloured, are in
crowded cymes,
followed by
whitefruits. The
variety Spathi is
one of the finest
— in our climate,
at any rate — of
shrubs with col-
oured leaves. In
spring the leaves are bronzy, in summer
deeply and irregularly margined with gold.
The habit of the plant is vigorous, the
variegation constant, and the foliage does
not scorch in bright sunlight, as is the case
Cornus alba.
in not a few plants with golden variegated
leaves.
C. alba sibirica is dwarfer in habit
than typical C. alba, but has still brighter-
coloured bark. Nothing is definitely
known of the origin of this charming
shrub. Apparently the first mention of it is
in Loddiges' catalogue for 1836. There is
a form of this variety with variegated leaves,
but it is not so desirable as the type.
C. canadensis (the dwarf Cornel or
Bunchberry) is a pretty little herbaceous
plant with creeping underground rhizomes
and upright simple stems from 4 to 8 in.
high, the leaves in a whorl of four or six near
the summit of the stems ; the true flowers
are minute, but the four rather large white
or cream-coloured bracts conspicuous.
The berries are red and show well above
the short stems : in taste they are sweet
and palatable. This species grows in
Japan and Manchuria, and across the
continent of N. America, and is one of the
prettiest plants for the bog garden or the
cool parts of the rock-garden.
C. capitata (Strawberry-tree). — This
plant is more widely known under the name
of Benthamia fragifera. It is a sub-ever-
green tree, a native of N. India and China.
Unfortunately, it is not hardy in this coun-
try, except in Devon and Cornwall, where
some remarkably fine specimens exist.
In the gardens of Mr. R. G. Lake, Tre-
varrick, St. Austell, some trees are about
40 ft. high, and the trunk of one is 5 ft. in
diameter at 5 ft. from the ground ; these
are believed to be the largest in this
country. There are numbers of fine
specimens at Trelissick, and also in the
gardens of Mr. J. Rashleigh. The large
bracts, white tinged with pink or rose,
make this one of the most beautiful trees
when in flower, and the large clear red
fleshy fruits, somewhat resembling a
Strawberry in appearance, make it equally
attractive when in fruit.
C. circinata. — This is conspicuous by
reason of its large round leaves, which
are 4 or 5 in. long and 3 in. or more
wide, and its clusters of bright-blue
fruits, each being about the size of
a Pea. It is 3 ft. or more— rarely
reaching 10 ft. — in height, and has rather
rigid erect stems covered with warted
bark, which is at first pale green, and later
becomes light brown or purple. The
flowers are small, yellowish white in colour.
A native of the Eastern United States.
C. florida (the Flowering Dogwood) is
very showy in flower, scarcely less so in
fruit, and very beautiful in autumn when
the leaves change colour before falling.
Unfortunately, we do not obtain sufficient
CORN US.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CORYDALIS.
497
summer heat to thoroughly ripen the
wood, and so the flowering of this species
in Britain is a rare occurrence, although
it was one of the earliest amongst North
American shrubs to find its way to British
gardens.
C. Kousa is a native of Japan, and a new
species, quite hardy, but needs to be
thoroughly well established and several
years old before it really shows to advan-
tage. The white flowers appear in May
and June. Syn. Benthamia japonica.
C. Mas (Cornelian Cherry or Jew's
Cherry}. — Although the individual flowers
of this species are small, they are borne so
freely by old trees that, perhaps with the
exception of the Witch Hazels, there are
no large shrubs flowering in February or
March which can vie with it, the
clusters of bright-yellow flowers being
very conspicuous on the leafless twigs.
Old trees fruit freely, and bear fruit half
an inch long or more, bright red and
individually as handsome as a Cherry.
On the Continent in many places selected
varieties are grown for the sake of the
fruit, which is excellent for preserving.
Amongst the forms are some with yellow,
bright blood-red, and violet-coloured
fruits, and another with fruit much
larger than that of the wild plant.
The Cornelian Cherry is a native of
Central and Southern Europe, and some-
times attains 20 ft. in height. There
are many fine-leaved varieties ; the best
are C. Mas variegata, a pretty shrub with
white variegated leaves, and C. Mas
elegantissima, with gold and green leaves
often suffused with red.
C. Nuttalli is the western representa-
tive of the eastern C. florida, and is even
a more beautiful tree, in its native habitats
50 or 60 ft. high. Generally it has six
large, broad white bracts 2 in. or 3 in. long,
so that the so-called flower measures 4
in. or 6 in. across. It is one of the most
beautiful trees in the forests in many parts
of California and Oregon, and has
been recently introduced to European
gardens, and no difficulty is experienced
in its cultivation.
C. stolonifera (Red Osier Dogwood] is
widely distributed throughout the North-
ern United States. It spreads and multi-
plies freely by prostrate or subterranean
shoots, and grows 6 or 8 ft. high ; the
leaves light green above and paler be-
neath ; fruit varying from white to lead
colour. In winter the growths, especially
those of the previous season, are of a bright
red-purple colour. In its native habi-
tats it affects wet places, but in Britain
I have seen it do well in dry ground.
C. suecica is a native of Northern and
Arctic Europe, Asia, and America, in
Britain occurring on high moorlands from
Yorkshire northwards, and ascends to
3000 ft. It is a charming little plant,
flowering in July and August, with con-
spicuous, rather large white bracts, fol-
lowed by red drupes. It should be
grown in light soil or in peat in partial
shade in the bog garden. — N.
CORONILLA. — Flowering shrubs of
the Pea family, consisting chiefly of shrubs,
but containing at least two really good
herbaceous plants, which are valuable
for the rock-garden and the mixed border.
They are C. iberica and C. varia.
C. Emerus (Scorpion Senna). — An
elegant loose bush, 3 to 6 ft. high, with
small pinnate leaves, which, in mild
seasons, remain green through the winter.
The flowers are reddish when first ex-
panded, but become quite yellow. It
blooms freely in early sum-
mer, and flowers again in
autumn. This is the only
bushy Coronilla that can
be well grown in the open
air generally, but in mild
districts C. glatica, a
beautiful shrub with glau-
cous foliage and yellow
flowers, usually grown in
greenhouses, may be
grown out-of-doors. S.
Europe.
C. iberica is about i ft. high, and has
a dense tuft of slender stems that trail on
the ground or fall gracefully over the
ledge of a rock. It makes a pretty show
in early summer with its bright-yellow
blossoms, resting on deep-green foliage.
Its place is the rock-garden, where it
delights to send its roots down the side of
a big stone, to plenty of good soil, not less
than 1 8 in. deep. It also does well on
the margins of borders, but not so well as
on a bank or in the rock-garden. Cuttings,
inserted in early spring. Asia Minor.
C. varia. — A handsome plant, with
pretty rose-coloured flowers ; found in
stony places and on many railway banks
in France and Northern Italy, forming-
low dense tufts, sheeted with rosy pink,
their beauty marking them among the
weeds. Seeds.
CORYDALIS (Fumitory}. — A numer-
ous family, of the Poppy order, not many
of the species worth cultivation, though
some are important.
C. bulbosa (Bulbous Fumitory}. — A com-
pact tuberous-rooted kind, 4 in. to 6 or
7 in. high, with dull purplish flowers in
April, and a solid bulbous root, quite
K K
Coronilk
498
CORVLOPSIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
COTON EASTER.
hardy, and of easy culture in almost any
soil. A pretty little plant for borders, for
naturalising in open spots in woods, and
also for the spring garden. It is natural-
ised in several parts of England, but its
home is in the warmer parts of Europe.
Syns., C. solida and Fumaria solida.
C. Ledebouriana (Ledeboufs Ftimi-
tory}. — Distinct on account of its peculiar
glaucous leaves, arranged in a whorl about
half-way up the stem, 9 to 12 in. high.
Flowers are a deep vinous purple, with pink-
ish spurs. It is early and hardy. Siberia.
C. lutea (Yellow Fumitory}.— This
well-known plant has graceful masses
of delicate pale-green leaves dotted with
spurred yellow flowers. It is pretty
in borders, and grows to perfection on
walls, and the tufts, when emerging from
some chink in a fortress wall where
rain never falls upon them, are often as
full of flower as when planted in fertile soil.
A naturalised plant in England. Seeds.
C. nobilis (Noble Fumitory). — A dis-
tinct and handsome plant, 10 in. or I ft.
high ; the flower-stems are stout and
leafy to the top, and in summer bear a
massive head of rich golden-yellow flowers
with a small reddish-chocolate protuber-
ance in the centre of each. It is easy of
culture in light borders, but is rather slow
of increase. Division. Siberia.
CORYLOPSIS. — A small and little-
known group of hardy shrubs, allied to the
Witch Hazel (Hamamelis), from China,
Japan, and N. India. They are thin and
dwarf, have ribbed leaves resembling the
Hazel, and bear flowers in drooping
racemes. The oldest and best known
is the Japanese C. spicata, 3 or 4 ft. high,
with cowslip-coloured and cowslip-scented
flowers, in spikes produced before the
leaves in spring, like those of the Witch
Hazel. As these are early spring-flowering
shrubs, they should be planted in spots
sheltered from cold winds.
CORYLUS (Hazel-nut}. - A small
group of European and Asiatic trees, re-
presented in our country by the Hazel,
C. avellana, which is precious in its nut-
bearing forms for our gardens. There
are varieties, including a weeping one,
pendula, and cut-leaved and nettle-leaved
forms. Other species worth growing are
C. americana, heterophylla, mandshurica,
and maxima, with its very fine variety
atropurpurea, and other forms, among
them the varieties of cobs and filbert nuts
grown for their fruits. It is a very pleasant
way to plant a group of the best fruiting
Hazel in the pleasure ground, or to form
what is called a Hazel walk. This used
to be done in old times, and where there
is sufficient room is often worth doing, for
the sake of the fruit as well as the as-
sociations of the trees.
COSMOS. — Mexican plants of the
Composite family. One species, C. bipin-
natus, is a handsome annual, 3 ft. to 5
ft. high, having finely divided feathery
foliage, and large Dahlia-like bright-red-
purple blossoms, with yellow centres. It
requires to be treated as a tender annual,
sowing the seeds in February or March
in a heated frame, and the seedlings
transplanted in May in good, rich, moist
soil with a warm exposure. It flowers
from August to October is good for group-
ing with bold and graceful annuals, and
Corylus avellana.
better than many more popular ones.
C. atropurpurea, called the "Black
Dahlia," is a handsome plant with nearly-
black Dahlia-like flowers and does well in
ordinary soil.
COTONEASTER (Rockspray).— Valu-
able rosaceous rock-shrubs and low trees
of much variety. Some of the rock-trailing
kinds are common, but the bright-berried
low trees from the mountains of India are
little used. These might give good effects
if grouped here and there on rough banks,
and they are very hardy and easy to
grow. The trailing kinds are excellent
rock and wall plants of very easy culture
and propagation.
C. buxifolia.— A free-growing bush that
at times attains the height of 6 ft., form-
ing a rather wide-spreading bush, the
branches clothed with deep-green box-
like leaves ; the crimson berries, nestling
in profusion among the leaves, are pretty
in autumn.
C. frigida.— A low tree reaching 20 ft.
or more. During mild winters some of
the leaves will be retained throughout the
year, while if the weather is very sharp it
will become quite bare, the showy fruits
being of a bright crimson. If untouched
by birds, the berries retain their beauty a
long time ; but, if the weather be severe,
they soon disappear. Mountains of India.
The berries of this Cotoneaster are when
ripe of an orange-scarlet tint, and the long
CRAM BE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CRATVEGUS.
499
shoots are in many cases crowded with
them for some distance. It is useful for
grouping here and there, its main value,
however, being from the beauty of its
berries. Himalayas.
C. horizontalis (Plumed C.).— In this
the branches are frond-like and almost
horizontal, while the small leaves are
regularly disposed along the thick sturdy
branches. A charm of this species is the
manner in which the leaves die off in the
autumn : frequently the leaves will be of
a glowing red colour, with the exception
of those on the tips of the shoots. The
berries are very showy, bright vermilion,
and the flowers large and pretty. China.
C. microphylla (Wall C.).— An ever-
green clothed with tiny deep-green leaves,
in spring crowded with whitish blossoms,
the berries crimson, and, if untouched,
remaining on the plants for a long time.
There are some well-marked varieties of
C. microphylla, one of which — thymifolia
— is smaller in all its parts, while congesta
is even more of a procumbent habit. C.
microphylla is useful for sloping banks or
like positions, while it will cover a wall
with such a dense mass that nothing else
can be seen. Again, in the larger parts
of the rock-garden a place may be found
for it ; and its variety, congesta, is more
at home when draping a large stone than
in any other way. On the lawn the
spreading shoots dispose themselves in a
very pretty way when planted as a small
group. Himalayas.
C. rotundifolia is like the preceding,
but with thicker branches and rounder
leaves. The berries are of a brighter
tint. Both these species may, where a
group of the larger Cotoneasters is planted, I
be used for the outskirts of the clump.
CRAMBE. — One of the finest of j
hardy and large-leaved herbaceous
plants, as easily grown as the common :
Seakale, and in rich ground having [
many stout leaves and dense sprays of
small white flowers. C. cordifolia may be
planted wherever a bold type of vege-
tation is desired. C. juncea, a dwarf
kind, has white flowers and much-
branched stems, the ramifications of
which are elegant, but it is not so valuable
as C. cordifolia.
CEAT^SGUS (Thorns). — Beautiful
hardy flowering trees, of which some of the
most beautiful kinds are seldom seen out-
side botanical gardens : many are charm-
ing for their flowers, others for their
pretty fruits, while in a few the habit is
picturesque. Perhaps the most beautiful
of all is C. Oxyacantha, the Hawthorn or
Whitethorn, and its varieties have every
gradation of tint from deep crimson,
through pinks, to the snowy whiteness of
the double sort. Paul's Double Scarlet,
the double pink, double white, the single
scarlet (Punicea), rose (Carminata or
Rosea), and various others are precious
for the garden. Some varieties, like the
graceful Pendula, are remarkable for their
habit, others have distinct foliage, and a
few differ as regards fruit, there being
white and yellow-berried varieties.
Other species deserving of a place in
gardens are many. A selection of the best
includes : The Cockspur Thorn (C. Crus-
galli), from North America, usually about
10 ft. high, is remarkable for peculiar
growth, especially the variety pyracanthi-
folia. In this the branches spread out
like a table, and the older the tree be-
comes the more pronounced the table-like
growth. Other distinct sorts of the Cock-
spur Thorn are nana, linearis, ovalifolia,
and prunifolia. The Scarlet-fruited Thorn,
also North American, is beautiful both
when covered with white bloom in early
summer or with scarlet fruits in autumn.
The Tansy-leaved Thorn (C. tanaceti-
folia) is distinct in foliage, with cut leaves
of a whitish hue, and it is one of the
latest Thorns to flower. C. Azarolus,
Aronia, and orientalis are all natives of
the Levant, and they are so beautiful in
autumn, with fine-coloured fruits as big
as Hazel nuts, that they deserve a place.
One specimen of any of these on a lawn
would be sufficient in a small garden, as
they are spreading, and in good soils 1 5
or 20 ft. high. The Washington Thorn
(C. cordata) flowers when all the others
are past ; hence its value. C. glandulosa,
also known as C. flava, has yellow fruits.
C. Douglasi has dark-purple haws, and C.
melanocarpa and C. nigra have black
haws. The Pyracantha (C. Pyracantha),
so common as a wall climber, is a favourite
K K 2
500 CREPIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CROCUS.
because of its orange-scarlet berries and
evergreen foliage. It is suitable for
planting in the open, and some beautiful
effects may be made by making its
spreading and trailing growth serve as a
margin to groups of taller Thorns, or
other small trees. The variety Lselandi
fruits more freely than the common Pyra-
cantha when planted as a bush, and
another variety, Pausiflora, is dwarfer and
closer in habit, and, in France, where |
these shrubs are much grown, is found to
be the hardiest.
CREPIS (HawKs-beard). — Of this
genus of Compositae few, save B. rubra, the j
Red Hawk's-beard, are worthy of culture,
It is a hardy Italian annual, bearing :
pretty pink flowers about the size and I
form of the Dandelion, and should be
sown in spring or autumn like other hardy
annuals in any ordinary garden soil. It
flowers from June to September, and is
suitable for borders or beds of annual
flowers. There is also a variety with white
flowers. C. aurea is a perennial, 6 to 12
in. high, with small orange blossoms, but
seldom more than one to each slender
stem. C. incisa is a good species for
border, owing to its compact habit and
large showy light-purple flowers, as is also
indica, a dwarf species, free-flowering and
pretty. Division and seed.
CRINUM. — Afew South African species
of these are hardy, and very beautiful.
One of the best-known and the hardiest
is C. capense, a handsome bulbous plant,
2 to 3 ft. high, flowering late in summer,
the large funnel-shaped pink blossoms in
umbels of ten or fifteen blooms on a stout
stem. There are several varieties-
album, pure white ; riparium, deep
purple ; fortuitum, white ; and striatum,
striped pink and white ; and fine hybrids
have also been raised — all good in borders
or small beds, with groups of hardy plants,
especially those that flower in late summer
and early autumn ; or for grouping and
massing near the margin of water. Few
plants repay better for a sheltered and
warm position, and deep rich soil, with
abundance of water in summer, and in
very cold situations a little pile of leaves
may be placed over the roots in winter ;
by planting the top of the bulbs 6 in.
deep there need be no fear of the weather.
Division and seed.
C. campanulatum is also hardy, but as
it scarcely ever flowers it is not worth
growing in the open. C. Moorei and
ornatum are in warm districts hardy, and
certain hybrids of recent origin may prove
hardy.
CROCUS.— Of a genus of nearly seventy
species, it is surprising that only three or
four are generally used for garden decora-
tion ; and these — C. aureus and C. vernus
and their varieties, and perhaps one or
two other species — have been in culti-
vation at least three hundred years.
Crocuses flower at a time when every
flower is of value ; and we do not doubt
that ere long species recently introduced
will add largely to our means of garden
decoration during the dull months from
late autumn to early spring.
CULTURAL DIRECTIONS seem almost
superfluous ; but there are a few points
to which it may be convenient to refer.
The genus must be viewed as in succes-
sion, from the beginning of August till
April ; but of these only the earlier
autumnal, or the distinctly vernal, species
can be relied upon for open-air decoration.
Although all are hardy, those that flower
in November, December, and January are
Crinum Moorei album.
so liable to injury by frost and rain that
they are practically worthless.
Crocuses are easily multiplied by seed,
which should be sown in July as soon as
ripe, though germination will not take
place till the natural growing period of
the species. Seedlings take from two
to three years to arrive at maturity, and
should be left for the first two years un-
disturbed in the seed-bed, and then
taken up and replanted. Holland, with
its rich light alluvial soil, and Lincoln-
shire, with its "Trent warp," have for
many generations been the sources from
which the English market has been
supplied with the varieties of the three or
four species grown in English gardens.
The last five or six years have put us in
possession of nearly the whole of the
known species, and we must commend
them to the Dutch and Lincolnshire bulb-
growers.
For the less robust and less flonferous
CROCUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CROCUS.
501
species a brick pit is necessary. The
bottom of this should be well below the
level of the ground, and it should be filled
up with about I ft. in depth of fine river
silt or sandy loam, the surface of which
should be a little below the level of the
adjacent ground. Proper drainage is
essential, but Crocuses delight in a uni-
formly moist subsoil during their period
of growth. It is convenient to separate
the different species by strips of slate or
tiles, buried below the surface, the corms
being planted about 3 in. deep. A
mulching of rotted Cocoa-nut fibre or
finely sifted peat keeps the surface moist,
and prevents the loam from clogging or
caking on the surface. At the time of
the maturity of the foliage, generally
about the end of May, water should be
withheld and the bed covered up and
allowed to get quite dry till the end of
July, when a copious watering may be
given, or the pit may be exposed to rain.
Of the earlier autumnal species suitable
for the open border the following may be
enumerated for successional flowering : —
C. Scharojani, orange ; early in August.
„ vallicola, straw-coloured ; late in
August and early in September.
„ nudiflorus, blue ; September.
„ pulchellus, lilac ; Sept. and Oct.
„ speciosus, blue ; Sept. and Oct.
„ iridiflorus, blue ; Sept. and Oct.
„ Salzmanni ) lilac or blue ; October
„ Clusi / and November.
„ cancellatus \
„ Cambessidesi [-in the early autumn.
„ hadriaticus }
These are succeeded by a long series of
late autumnal, winter, and early vernal
species, which are grown to best advantage
in a brick pit.
Of the vernal species suitable for the
border, the earliest is C. Imperati, flower-
ing in February, followed by
C. susianus, or Cloth of Gold, in Feb-
ruary,
biflorus
etruscus
suaveolens
versicolor
vernus
Tommasinianus
dalmaticus
banaticus
Sieberi and var. versicolor
chrysanthus
aureus
sulphureus
vars. pallidus and striatus
stellaris
Olivieri
minimus
Flower-
ing from
the end
of Feb-
ruary to
the first
week in
April.
Of the Crocuses recently introduced,
many vernal species will probably be
suitable for the spring garden, but, as they
are rare and scarcely procurable, we give
those more generally known and easy to
obtain.
C. alatavicus.— The flowers of this new
Asiatic species are white, yellow towards
the throat, the outer surface of the outer
segments being freckled with rich purple.
It is a free-flowering species, but from its
early-flowering time, January and Feb-
ruary, it can only be grown to advantage
under a cold frame. A white variety
without external purple freckling is not
uncommon. The leaves are produced at
the flowering time in early spring.
C. aureus. — A handsome plant from the
Banat, Transylvania, European Turkey,
Greece, and Western Bithynia, generally
at low elevations, flowering in February.
It was one of the first introduced to
cultivation, and is the parent of our yellow
garden or Dutch yellow Crocus, and of a
number of old varieties — lacteus, sul-
phureus, pallidus, striatus, &c., the history
of which is unknown ; they are not found
wild, and are sterile. The wild plant
varies considerably, from unstriped orange
to varieties striped with gray lines, like
those in the Dutch yellow Crocus. The
stigmata are short, unbranched, pale
yellow, and much shorter than the anthers ;
in the Transylvanian plant the stigmata
are occasionally orange. The anthers are
wedge-shaped, tapering towards the point,
and notably divergent. The unstriped
form readily produces seed when in cul-
tivation, but the striped Dutch yellow is
sterile, though effete capsules are occasion-
ally formed. C. Olivieri resembles C.
aureus. but is smaller.
C. banaticus. — Common in the Banat,
Hungary, and Transylvania, where it takes
the place of C. vernus, to which it is allied.
It is highly ornamental ; the flowers are
a deep rich purple, occasionally varied
with white, with a darker purple blotch
near the end of the segments. The throat
is glabrous, which easily distinguishes it
from C. vernus. It is cultivated in several
Continental and English gardens under
the name of C. veluchensis — a distinct
species. Flowers in February and March.
C. biflorus. — The Scotch, or Cloth of
Silver, Crocus is a large variety of the
typical form, and is abundant throughout
a large portion of Italy. The segments
vary from white to a pale lavender, the
outer surface of the outer segments being
distinctly feathered with purple markings.
In var. estriatus, from Florence, the
flowers are a uniform pale lavender,
Crocus blflorus pusillus
Gocus leucorkyncKjus
Crocus reLculatus
CROCUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CROCUS.
503
orange towards the base. In var. Weldeni,
from Trieste and Dalmatia, the outer
segments are externally freckled with
bright purple. In C. nubigenus, a very
small variety from Asia Minor, the outer
segments are suffused and freckled with
brown ; C. Pestalozzas is an albino of this
variety. In C. Adami, from the Caucasus,
the segments are pale purple, either self-
coloured or externally feathered with dark
purple. C. biflorus is an early-flowering
spring species, and is highly ornamental
for border decoration.
C. Boryi. — Flowers white, but bright
orange at the throat. Abundant at Corfu
and in the neighbourhood of Patras,
flowers in October, but it does not bloom
freely in cultivation, and requires the pro-
tection of glass for the development of its
flowers.
C. byzantinus. See C. iridiflorus.
C. cancellatus. — A beautiful autumnal
species, varying from white to pale bluish-
purple. The flowers are generally veined
or feathered towards the base of the
segments. They appear without the
leaves, which come in spring. The
flowering time is from the end of October
to December. A robust species, easy of
culture, but, like many late autumnal
species, is seen to best advantage under
a cold frame. It is known as C. Schim-
peri, C. Spruneri, C. cilicicus, and C.
damascenus. The western forms are nearly
white, and the eastern are either blue or
purple ; but the differences of colour are not
sufficient to distinguish them as species.
C. chrysanthus.— A vernal Crocus,
flowering from January to March accord-
ing to elevation, which varies from a
little above the sea-level to a height
of three or four thousand feet. The
flowers are smaller than those of C.
aureus, and are usually of bright orange,
but occasionally bronzed and feathered
externally. A white variety is also found
in Bithynia and on Mount Olympus above
Broussa ; this species also varies with
pale sulphur-coloured flowers, occasionally
suffused with blue towards the ends of
the segments dying out towards the
orange throat. There are four varieties
of this Crocus, distinct in colouring ; they
are fusco-tinctus, fusco-lineatus, albidus,
and ccerulescens.
C. Imperati.— One of the earliest
vernal species, abundant south of Naples,
and said to extend to Calabria. Lilac.
Very variable in colour and markings.
Two varieties occur near Ravello — a
self-coloured white and a clear rose.
The outer surface of the outer segments
is coated with rich buff, suffused with
purple featherings. Its robust habit and
early flowering make it one of the most
valuable species for spring gardening.
It flowers a fortnight and three weeks
before C. vernus. Similar to it is C.
minimus, abundant on the west coast of
Corsica, the neighbouring islets, and in
parts of Sardinia ; it flowers from the
end of January to March. The flowers
resemble those of C. Imperati in minia-
ture, but are of a darker purple and
heavily suffused with external brown
featherings. Although perfectly hardy,
it is not robust enough for gardens. C.
suaveolens is also closely allied to C.
Imperati, and flowers in February. The
flowers are somewhat smaller and the
segments more acute than in C. Imperati.
It is hardy and free-flowering, and under
bright sunshine is a good ornament to the
early spring garden.
C. iridiflorus. — The Banat and Tran-
sylvania. Bears in September and October
bright-purple flowers before the leaves.
Remarkable for purple stigmata and the
marked difference between the size of
the inner and the outer segments of the
perianth. This beautiful plant should be
secured if possible. It is often sold as C.
byzantinus.
C. laevigatus.— A pretty species from
the mountains of Greece and the Cyclades.
The flowers vary from white to lilac, being
distinctly feathered with purple markings.
Its usual flowering time is from the end of
October to Christmas, but through the
winter to March under cultivation. It
does not flower freely in cultivation, and,
like the allied species, it is seen to best
advantage under a cold frame.
C. longiflorus. — Abundant in the south
of Italy, Sicily, and Malta ; flowers in
October. The flowers are light purple,
yellow at the throat. In general aspect it
somewhat resembles C. sativus, especially
in the stigmata, which are usually bright
scarlet and entire, but occasionally broken
up into fine capillary divisions. In Sicily
the stigmata are collected from the wild
plant for saffron. It is free-flowering, and
very ornamental.
C. medius. — A beautiful purple autumn-
flowering species, limited to the Riviera
and the adjacent spurs of the Maritime
Alps. The flowers are produced in
October before the leaves, -which appear
in the following spring, and rarely
exceed two or three to a corm ; the
blossoms are bright purple, veined at the
base ; the stigmata bright scarlet and
much branched.
C. nudiflorus. — A pretty and well-
known species. Pyrenees and North of
504 CROCUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CUCURBITA.
Spain. Naturalised at Nottingham and
elsewhere in the midland counties. Its
large bluish-purple flowers are produced
in September and October before the
leaves. Where established it is difficult
to eradicate ; the corms produce long
stolon-like shoots, which form inde-
pendent corms on the death of the
parent, and the plant soon spreads to
considerable distances.
C. OChroleilCUS bears many creamy-
white flowers, with orange throat, from
the end of October to the end of
December. It well deserves a cold
frame, to preserve its showy flowers from
frost and rain.
C. pulchellus.— An autumnal species,
invaluable for the garden. The pale
lavender flowers, with bright yellow throat,
are freely produced from the middle of
September to early in December. Seed.
C. serotinus. — S. of Spain. Flowers
in November. The blossoms are more
or less distinctly feathered with darker
purple. C. Salzmanni is closely allied
to C. serotinus, but is of larger stature,
flowering with the leaves in October and
November. It is robust and readily
multiplied. As the flowers are liable to
injury by frost and snow, it is seen to
best advantage under a cold frame. C.
Clusi closely resembles C. serotinus, and
flowers with the leaves in October.
C. Sieberi. — A vernal species common
in the Greek Archipelago and the moun-
tains of Greece. The flower is usually
bright lilac, orange at the base, but the
form found in Crete and the Cyclades
presents a great variety of colour, from
white to purple, and these colours are
mottled, intermixed, and striped in endless
variety, contrasting with the bright orange
throat. The Cretan variety is of excep-
tional beauty. It flowers in cultivation
from the end of February to the middle
of March.
C. speciosus. — Among the handsomest
autumn Crocuses, flowering at the end of
September and early in October. Ranges
from North Persia, through Georgia, the
Caucasus, and the Crimea, to Hungary.
The perianth segments, 2 in. high, are
rich bluish -purple, suffused with darker
purple veins, with which the bright orange
much-divided stigmata form a beautiful
contrast. It has been long in cultivation,
and readily multiplies by small bulbels at
the base of the corm.
C. susianus. — The well-known Cloth
of Gold Crocus, an early importation
from the Crimea. Both the orange and
bronzed susianus are among the earliest
vernal Crocuses, flowering in the open
border in February. C. stellaris is an
old garden plant somewhat resembling C.
susianus. The flower is orange, dis-
tinctly feathered with bronze on the outer
coat of the outer segments. It is sterile,
and never produces seed. It flowers
early in March.
C. vernus (Spring Crocus]. — One of
the earliest cultivated species. Alps,
Pyrenees, Tyrol, Carpathians, Italy, and
Dalmatia. Naturalised in several parts
of England. Remarkable for its range
of colour, from pure white to deep purple,
endless varieties being generally inter-
mixed in its native habitats, and corre-
sponding with the horticultural varieties of
our gardens. Flowers early in March at
low elevations, and as late as June and
July in the higher Alps. The parent of
nearly all the purple, white, and striped
Crocuses grown in Holland.
C. versicolor. — This well-known spe-
cies has long been in cultivation. The
flowers present a great variety of colour-
ing, from purple to white, and are variously
striped and feathered. It differs from
the two preceding species in having the
whole of the perianth segments similarly
coloured, and the external buff coating of
C. Imperati and C. suaveolens is absent.
Its flowering time is March.
C. zonatus. — Mountains of Cilicia.
Bright vinous-lilac flowers, golden at the
base, abundant about the middle of Sep-
tember. It is highly ornamental and free-
flowering, and easy of culture. The
flowers come before the leaves, which do
not appear till spring. It has been in
cultivation about fourteen years.
This account of the genus is condensed
from an article in The Garden of 28th Janu-
ary 1882, by Mr. Geo. Maw, of Benthall
Hall, near Broseley. The article contains
a full account of the family with descrip-
tions of species not in cultivation, giving
botanical authorities, and fuller technical
descriptions.
CKYPTOMEEIA.— C. japonica is a
graceful and famous Japanese and Chinese
tree much planted in Britain, but rarely
thriving except under the genial influence
of the sea, and even there never attaining
to the noble dimensions which it does in
Japan. It has a number of synonyms
and some varieties, elegans being the
most popular. This, which looks well in
the nursery state, is not a hardy or a good
tree, suffering much in cold and snow,
and is really a "sport" rather than a
true form, such sports rarely or never
forming good trees.
CUCUEBITA (Gourd].— There is no
Order more wonderful in the variety and
CUCURBITA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CUPRESSUS.
505
shape of its fruit than that to which the
Melon and Cucumber belong. From the
writhing Snake Cucumber, which hangs
down 4 or 5 ft. long from its stem, to the
enormous round Giant Pumpkin or Gourd,
the variation in colour, shape, and size is
marvellous. There are some pretty little
Gourds which do not weigh more than ^oz. ;
while, on the other hand, there are kinds
as large as a barrel. Eggs, bottles, goose-
berries, clubs, caskets, folded umbrellas,
balls, vases, urns, balloons, all have their
likenesses in the family. Those who have
seen a good collection will understand
Nathaniel Hawthorne's enthusiasm when
he says : " A hundred Gourds in my
garden were worthy, in my eyes at least,
of being rendered indestructible in marble.
If ever Providence (but I know it never
will) should assign me a superfluity of
gold, part of it should be expended for a
service of plate, or most delicate porcelain,
to be wrought into the shape of Gourds
gathered in my garden. As dishes for
containing vegetables they would be
peculiarly appropriate. Gazing at them,
I felt that by my agency something worth
living for had been done. A new sub-
stance was born into the world. They
were real and tangible existences which
the mind could seize hold of and rejoice
in." They may be readily grown in this
country, and there are many ways in
which they may be grown with great
advantage — on low trellises ; depending
from the edges of raised beds ; the smaller
and medium-sized trained over arches or
arched trellis-work, covering banks, or
growing on the level -earth. Isolated, too,
some kinds would look very effective ; in
fact, there is hardly any limit to their use.
They cover arches, and the large leaves
make a perfect summer roof. A cool
tent might be made with free-growing
Gourds, and it would have the additional
merit of suspending some of the most
singular, graceful, and gigantic of fruits
from the roof. A bold and effective use
may now and then be made of them on
walls and on the roofs of sheds or out-
houses, as the roofs " carry " the large
leaves and showy fruit so well.
A SELECTION OF GOURDS.— Amongst
the most beautiful are the Turk's-cap
varieties, such as Grand Mogul, Pasha of
Egypt, Viceroy, Empress, Bishop's Hat,
&c. ; the Serpent Gourd, Gooseberry
Gourd, Hercules' Club, Gorilla, St. Aig-
nan, M. Fould, Siphon, Half-moon, Giant's
Punchbowl, and the Mammoth, weighing
from 170 Ibs. to upwards of 200 Ibs. ;
while amongst the miniature varieties the
Fig, Cricket-ball, Thumb, Cherry, Striped
Custard, Hen's-egg, Pear, Bottle, Orange,
Plover's-egg, £c., are very pretty examples,
and very serviceable for ornament. All
these are well suited to our climate, and
there are many others equally suitable.
Mr. W. Young, indeed, exhibited a collec-
tion of 500 varieties, all English-grown,
the greater number of which had been
sown where grown, and had come to
maturity without protection. The ground
being manured and dug one spit deep,
the seed was sown the second week in
May. Many of the plants had no water
through the season, but others had it in
various quantities, and the more the water
the larger, freer, and better the produce.
Sowing in a frame at the end of April,
and exposing the plants to the air during
the day to prevent their being drawn, and
then removing the frame altogether to
harden them off before planting out, is the
best way to secure an early growth. Sow-
ing in the open ground under hand-lights
would do, but not so well. Where there
are waste heaps of rubbish or manure it is
a good plan to cover them with Gourds.
Although they grow under the conditions
described above, they do best with plenty
of manure, and should be mulched or well
watered if the soil be not deep and rich.
CUPHEA.— Pretty plants, of which C.
platycentra (Cigar-plant) is useful for the
summer flower garden. It is a dwarf
plant, about 12 in. high, with vermilion
tube-shaped blossoms. Easily propagated
by cuttings taken in September or April,
and put in slight heat, and also raised
from seed sown in heat in spring. C.
strigulosa is a pretty variety, useful for
planting out as single plants in the mixed
border for cutting from, but chiefly used
as a pot plant for the autumn greenhouse.
C. Zimapani is a most useful annual, grow-
ing about \\ ft. high, with flowers of
a rich deep purple bordered with a lighter
hue, resembling those of a Sweet Pea,
and of about the same size. They are
well fitted for cutting, as the branches
lengthen and the flowers expand a long
time in water. Other kinds are C.
eminens, Galeottiana, miniata, ocymoides,
purpurea, Roezli, and silenoides, all of less
importance for the flower garden than
those before named.
CUPRESSUS (Cypress}. - Graceful
evergreen trees, forming charming
backgrounds, but not many really
hardy, save in seashore and in warm
southern districts, and even there they
often perish in hard winters. The Mont-
erey Cypress is beautiful in Ireland
and in the western coast gardens, but
there it even perishes in hard winters.
5o6
CUPRESSUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CtTKESSUS.
The beautiful Eastern Cypress, so fine in
the Italian and Eastern landscape, is
worth planting under the best conditions ;
so distinct a tree would, if hardy, have
been everywhere planted long ago. I have
seen very fine specimens of it here and
there, as at White Knights.
Many know the beauty of a few of j
these trees in the small state, but few !
realise their dignity and beauty as forest
trees, such as the great Japanese
Cypress, and if we take the trouble to
grow and group them well there are no
more effective trees in their perennial
verdure. But the system of increasing
them adopted in nurseries by which these
trees, being very free in growth, lend them-
selves to increase from cuttings like
verbenas and geraniums, does not help
to the possession of the trees in all their
dignity. Trees we should raise always in
the natural way, i.e. from seed, and I
find some of these cypresses and their
allies break into a number of stems and
lose the tree form, the result of this
cutting propagation, so entirely needless
in the case of forest trees of the highest
beauty which some of these are. In the
case of the numerous variegated and
other garden varieties, cuttings or graft-
ing must be followed in order that one
particular variety may be preserved. In
the tree this is quite needless and wrong ;
but once started on the path of disease
and novelty-hunting, and artificially in-
creasing what are often mere " states " of
the conifer, it is not so easy to return
to more natural ways unless the planter
protects himself by raising the tree from
seed, or by insisting upon seedling plants.
In the case of the Lawson Cypress there
are, without end, variegated (i.e. merely
diseased) forms, and many others with
pompous Latin names, not only worthless
themselves, but filling the catalogues with
a pretence of sham science, chaotic lists of
long and absurd names, the laughing stock
of the learned. Unhappily the public is
likely to think one name as good as another,
and the really good points of a noble tree
are obscured by the system of giving a
name to every trifling " form " that hap-
pens to occur in a nursery.
C. FUNEBRIS (Chinese Funeral Cypress}. —
A hardy picturesque tree in its own country, and
sometimes reaching a height of nearly 50 feet.
Robert Fortune described it as having a beau-
tiful effect in the Chinese landscape ; but, un-
happily, it is not hardy in our country, though
here and there it may be seen in sheltered and
warm places.
C. GOWENIANA (Gowen Cypress). — A low
growing tree from the neighbourhood of Mon-
terey, in California, and of doubtful hardiness in
our country. It may be classed with a group,
unhappily, many of them tender in this
country. It is known from the Monterey
Cypress by its spreading, slender, and pendu-
lous habit and small cones.
C. LAWSONIANA (Lawson Cypress). — A tall
and beautiful tree of the Pacific coast of N.
America, 100 feet high and very free in our
climate. Unfortunately, I think, owing to
propagation from cuttings insteau of in the
natural way from seed, the tree often breaks
into a number of stems which interferes with
its natural habit and beauty. It varies very
much into what is called "sports," and which
is really often a manifestation of disease,
especially when they take the variegated form.
There are a number of fastigiate forms of
which, perhaps, the best is Waterer's ; but
they are mere malformations, and as they get
old the branches are pressed so closely to-
gether that they die, unless we take the trouble
to tie or wire them up in some
way to prevent them falling
about. The spreading varieties
are not so liable to this, but
many of them go back, as they
get older, towards the natura'.
form of tree of which they are
mere states. For the pendulous
ones there is perhaps a little
excuse — for the globular ones
none at all ; and the multiplicity
of Latin names for these things
in catalogues does harm in weak-
ening the interest in the natural
tree.
C. LUSITANICA (Cedar of
God). — A name well known
through books and lists, and a
graceful tree of uncertain origin, cupressus sem-
but not succeeding in our pervirens.
country,. save in seashore gar-
dens and very mild districts. It is naturalised
in temperate countries like Spain and Portugal.
C. MACNABIANA (Macnatfs Cypress). — A
California!! tree, rather dwarf and without
much of the grace of the Cypress generally.
Compact, glaucous, not more than 10 feet
high ; coming from a cold country the true
plant is quite hardy.
C. MACROCARPA (Monterey Cypress). — A
very graceful and often stately tree, much
planted and succeeding well near the sea
coast. It is described in catalogues and even
in books on Forestry as hardy, but it is not so,
perishing in severe winters, even near the
coast. Like many other conifers, it has
varieties of little value.
C. NOOTKATENSIS (Yellow Cypress). —
Really a most distinct tree, and I think
the most precious of the whole family for our
country, being quite hardy. It is a native of
the Northern Pacific coast and British Colum-
bia, and has various synonyms and several
variegated varieties of no value compared with
the wild tree. I have found it to thrive in
cold ordinary soils, and it is a pleasure to see
CYANANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CYCLAMEN.
507
it at all seasons. The English name of Yellow
Cypress was given by the colonists of Van-
couver's Island from the fresh wood being
yellow in colour. Syn : Thuiopsis borealis.
C. OBTUSA (Great Japanese Cypress}. — A
very beautiful evergreen tree of the mountains
of Japan, better known in our gardens under
the wrong name of Retinispera. It has many
forms and so-called varieties which are really
states of growth only, and which are nearly
always grown in nurseries under the name of
' ' Retinospera. " The confusion of names in
this plant and its varieties has caused its great
value as a tree to be overlooked. It grows
nearly 100 feet high,' and is very handsome.
In its own country it is much used to form
avenues. It has many varieties with Latin
names, but few of them of real value as they
grow old.
C. PISIFERA (Peafrnited Cypress}. — Here,
as with C. obtusa, there is much confusion of
names and giving of Latin ones to mere
Cupressus thyoides.
varieties and states of growth. It is a much
smaller tree than the great Japanese Cypress,
but a hardy and useful one. Syn., Re-
tinospora.
C. SEMPERVIRENS (Eastern Cypress}. — One
of the most graceful of all evergreen trees,
giving distinct and good effects in many parts
of the East and Northern Africa, spreading
into Northern India also. In some North
Italian gardens it grows well over 100 feet,
as in the Giusti Garden at Verona, and there
are very old trees in Rome and many other
parts of Italy. In Algeria and Tunis I have
seen it forming noble shelters for the orange
gardens, far better than any clipped tree could
do. Unhappily, it is not generally hardy in
England, though it has some chance near
ihe sea in mild districts.
C. THYOIDES (Southern White Cedar}. —
This is a tree of the North American woods,
sometimes reaching nearly 100 feet high in its
best state, inhabiting wet places and swamps
in New England, westward and southward,
rather near the coast, and forming very dark
woods. Coming from a very cold country it is
hardy, and may be planted in wet and marshy
places. There are several varieties, one varie-
gated and of no value. ( W. R.
CYANANTHUS (Lobed C.).— A pretty
Himalayan rock-plant, about 4 in. high,
flowering in August and September ; C.
lobatus has purplish-blue flower, with a
whitish centre, and thriving in sunny
chinks in the rock-garden. It grows best
in a mixture of sandy peat and leaf-mould,
with plenty of moisture during growth,
and is increased by cuttings. The seed
requires a dry season ; in wet weather the
large, erect calyx becomes filled with
water, which rots the seed-vessel. Cam-
panulaceae.
C. incanus. — This flowers more freely
than C. lobatus ; like that species, it
should be planted in a dry, sunny, well-
drained position, as, if the situation be
too damp, the fleshy root-stock is liable
to rot. It is even a good plan to place
something over the plant during the
resting season. The flowers are not so
large as those of the other species, but
are more charming in colour, their beauty
enhanced by the white tuft of silky hairs
in the throat of the corolla. Campanu-
laceas.
CYATHEA (Silver Tree-fern).— This
very handsome Fern, C. dealbata, known
in N. Zealand as the Silver Tree-fern, has
a slender, almost black stem, 4 to 8 ft.
high, ending in a fine crown of fronds,
dark-green above and milk-white below.
It may be placed in the open air, in the
southern and milder districts, from the
end of May till the end of September.
CYCAS. — C. revoluta is a tropical
plant, with a stout stem, sometimes 6 to
10 ft. high, from the top of which issues a
beautiful crown of superb dark-green
leaves 2 to 6 ft. long. It is one of the
most valuable greenhouse plants, that
may be placed out from the end of May
till October, and is particularly graceful
in the centre of a bed of flowering plants,
or isolated with the pot or tub plunged to
the rim in the turf, always in a warm
position. It is increased by seeds, or
separation of suckers, which are occa-
sionally thrown up.
CYCLAMEN (Sowbread}. ~ Except
the Persian, Cyclamens are as hardy as
Primroses ; but they love the shelter and
shade of low bushes or hill copses, where
they may nestle and bloom in security.
In the places they naturally inhabit there
is usually the friendly shelter of Grasses
or branchlets about them, so that their
large leaves are not torn to pieces by
wind or hail. The Ivy-leaved Cyclamen
is in full leaf through winter and early
spring, and for the sake of the beauty of
the leaves alone it is desirable to place it
so that it may be safe from injury. It is
easy to naturalise the hardier Cyclamens
in many parts of the country. Good
5o8
CYCLAMEN.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CYCLAMEN.
drainage is necessary to their open-air
culture, as they grow naturally among
broken rocks and stones mixed with
vegetable soil, grit, &c., where they are
not surrounded by stagnant water. Mr.
Atkins, of Painswick, who paid much
attention to their culture, thought that
the tuber should be buried, and not ex-
posed like the Persian Cyclamen in pots.
His chief reason was that in some species
the roots issue from the upper surface of
the tuber only. They enjoy plenty of
moisture at the root at all seasons, and
thrive best in a rich, friable, open soil,
of-doors. As soon as they begin to
appear, which may be in a month or six
weeks, gradually remove the Moss.
When the first leaf is fairly developed,
they should be transplanted about I in.
apart in seed pans of rich light earth, and
encouraged to grow as long as possible,
being sheltered in a cold frame, but
always allowed abundance of air. When
the leaves have perished in the following
summer, the tubers may be planted out
or potted, according to their strength.
There appears to Jiave always been
great difficulty in defining the species of
.
Head of Cycas revoluta.
with plenty of well-decayed vegetable
matter in it. They are well suited for the
rock-garden, and enjoy warm nooks,
partial shade, and shelter from dry,
cutting winds. They may be grown on
any aspect if the conditions above men-
tioned be secured, but an eastern or south-
eastern one is best. We have seen them
under trees among Grass, where they
flowered profusely every year without
attention.
They are best propagated by seed sown,
as soon as it is ripe, in well-drained pots
of light soil. Cover the soil after sowing
with a little Moss, to insure uniform
dampness, and place them in shelter out-
Cyclamen, from the great variation in
shape and colour of the leaves both above
and below. Too much dependence on
these characteristics has caused confusion
and an undue multiplication of species.
Some of the varieties become so fixed,
and reproduce themselves so truly from
seed, as to be regarded as species by some
cultivators. The following are the more
important species and varieties.
C. Atkinsi. — A hybrid variety of the
Coum section. The flowers are larger
than in the type, varying in colour from
deep red to pure white, and are plentiful
in winter.
C. Coum (Round-leaved Cyclamen). —
CYCLAMEN.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CYCLAMEN.
509
This, like the others of the same section,
is perfectly hardy, and frequently in bloom
in the open ground before the Snowdrop ;
yet, to preserve the flowers from unfavour-
able weather, the plants will be better for
slight protection, or a pit or frame in
which to plant them out. Grown in this
way during the early spring, from January
to the middle of March, they are one
sheet of bloom. When so cultivated, take
out the soil, say i^ to 2 ft. deep, place at
the bottom a layer of rough stones 9 to 12
in. deep, and cover them with inverted
turf to keep the soil from washing down
and injuring the drainage ; then fill up
with soil composed of about one-third of
good free loam, one-third of well-decayed
leaf-mould, and one-third of thoroughly
decomposed cow manure. Plant i^ to 2
in. deep ; and, every year, soon after the
leaves die down, take off the surface as
far as the tops of the tubers, and fresh
surface them with the same compost, or
in alternate years give them only a surface
.Cyclamen Coum.
dressing of well-decayed leaves or cow
manure. During summer, or indeed after
April, the glass should be removed, and ,
they ought to be slightly shaded with !
Larch Fir boughs (cut before the leaves I
expand) laid over them, to shelter from I
the extreme heat of the sun. As soon
as they begin to appear in the autumn,
gradually take these off. Do not use the
glass until severe weather sets in— at all |
times, both day and night, admitting air
at back and front— and in fine weather I
draw the lights off, remembering that the j
plants are hardy, and are soon injured if '
kept too close. They do not like frequent
removal. There is a pretty white variety
of C. Coum. Syn. C. hyemale.
C. cyprium.— This well-defined species
has rather small heart-shaped leaves of
dark green, marbled on the upper surface
with bluish gray and of a deep purple
beneath. The flowers, which are pure
white, tinted with soft lilac (the restricted
mouth being spotted with carmine-purple)
are well elevated above the foliage. This
distinguishes it from most of its allies
except C. persicum, and its foliage distin-
guishes it from that at a glance. It is one
of the most chaste and beautiful of the
hardy kinds. Cyprus and other places in
South Europe. It is found on shaded
rocks in mountainous districts. Syn. C.
neapolitanum.
C. europaeum (European Cyclamen}.—
The leaves of this species appear before
and with the flowers, and remain during
the greater part of the year. Flowers
from June to November, or, with slight
protection, until the end of the year.
The flowers are a reddish purple. Some
of the southern varieties, by attention to
cultivation under glass, may even assume
a perpetual flowering character. C. Clusi,
littorale, and Peakeanum are varieties of
this section. The flowers are much
longer, and of a more delicate colour,
often approaching peach colour, and are
almost the size of those of C. persicum ;
pure white are rare, but pale ones are not
uncommon : they are very fragrant. C.
europaeum thrives freely in various parts
of the country in light, loamy, well-
drained soil, as a choice border and rock-
garden plant. Where it does badly in
ordinary soil it should be tried in a deep
bed of light loam, mingled with pieces
of broken stone. In all cases it is best to
cover the ground with Cocoa fibre. It is
very desirable on account of its fragrance
and long succession of flowers. It
luxuriates in the debris of old walls and
on the mountain side, with a very sparing
quantity of vegetable earth to grow in.
The bulb varies considerably in size and*
shape ; sometimes it is elongated and
irregular, and the plant is then the C.
anemonoides of old authors. Syn. C.
odoratum, C. asstivum.
C. hederaefolium (Ivy-leaved Cycla-
men].— Switzerland, South Europe, and
the north coast of Africa. Tuber not
(infrequently i ft. in diameter, and
covered with a brownish rough rind
which cracks irregularly so as to form'
little scales. The root-fibres emerge from
the whole of the upper surface of the
tuber, but principally from the rim ; few
or none issue from the lower surface. The
leaves and flowers generally spring direct
from the tuber without any stem (there is
sometimes, however, a small stem, especi-
ally if the tuber be planted deep) ; at first
they spread horizontally, but ultimately
become erect. The leaves are variously
marked ; the greater portion appear after
the flowers, and continue in great beauty
the whole winter and early spring, when,
if well grown, they are one of the greatest
ornaments of borders and rock-gardens.
Often these leaves are 6 in. long, 5^ in
510 CYCLAMEN.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CYI'KII'KDIUM.
diameter, and 100 to 150 spring from one
tuber. They are admirable for table
decoration during winter. The flowers
continue from the end of August until
October, and are purplish red, frequently
with a stripe of lighter colour. There is
a pure-white variety, and also a white one
with pink base or mouth of corolla ; these
reproduce themselves tolerably true from
seed. Strong tubers will produce 200
to 300 flowers. Some are delightfully
fragrant. They are quite hardy, but are
worthy of a little protection to preserve
the late blooms, which often continue to
spring up till the end of the year. This
species is so perfectly hardy as to make it
very desirable for the rock-garden and
the open borders. It will grow in almost
any soil and situation, though best in a
well-drained rich border or rock-garden,
which it well deserves. It does not like
frequent removal. It has been naturalised
on the mossy floor of a thin wood, on very
sandy poor soil, and may be naturalised
almost everywhere. It would be peculi-
arly attractive in a semi-wild state in
pleasure-grounds and by wood walks. C.
graecum is a very near ally, if more than
a variety, and requires the same treatment.
The foliage is more like C. persicum, or
the southern form of C. europaeum. C. afri-
canum (algeriense macrophyllum) is hardy
in warm sheltered situations. It is much
larger in all parts than C. hederaefolium,
but otherwise is very nearly allied.
C. ibericum (Ibeiian Cyclamen).—
Belongs to the Coum section. There is
some obscurity respecting the authority
for the species and its native country.
The leaves are very various. It flowers
in spring, the flowers varying from deep
red-purple to rose, lilac, and white, with
intensely dark mouth ; and are more
abundant than those of C. Coum.
C. vernum (Spiing Cyclamen). — The
leaves rise before the flowers in spring ;
they are generally more or less white
on the upper surface, and are often
purplish beneath. Though one of the
most interesting species, and perfectly
hardy, it is seldom cultivated successfully
in the open border or rock-garden ; it is
impatient of excessive wet about the
tubers, and likes a light soil, in a rather
shady nook sheltered from winds, its
fleshy leaves being soon injured. The
tubers should be planted deep, say not
less than 2 to 2^ in. below the surface.
C. vernum of Sweet is considered by
many as only a variety of Coum, and it
is known as C. Coum var. zonale. It is
also known as C. repandum. There is a
white-flowered variety.
Cyclobothra. See CALOCHORTUS.
Cydonia. See PYRUS.
CYNARA (French Artichoke}.— This
plant, C. Scolymus, much grown for cook-
ing, has as a foliage-plant much beauty ;
its long silvery deeply divided leaves,
height (4 to 5 ft.), purplish flower-heads,
and habit render it very suitable for the
rougher parts of pleasure grounds, grass,
&c., which are often occupied by fine plants
far less handsome.
CYPERUS (Galingale\—k water plant
of fine form from 2 to 3 ft. high, C. longus is
crowned by a handsome, loose, umbellate
panicle of chestnut-coloured flower-spikes,
at the base of which there are three or
more leaves, often I or 2 ft. long, the lower
ones of a bright shining green arching
gracefully. The root-stock is thick and
aromatic, and was formerly much used as a
tonic. A rare native plant, suitable for
the margin of water.
CYPRIPEDIUM (Lady's Slipper].—
Handsome Orchids, embracing several
beautiful perfectly hardy species, of which
the Mocassin-flower (C. spectabile) is the
finest cultivated hardy kind. The follow-
ing are a few of the cultivated kinds.
C. acaule (Stemless Lady's Slipper).—
A dwarf species with a naked downy
flower-stalk, 8 to 12 in. high, bearing a
green bract at the top, flowers early in
summer, large, solitary purplish with a
rosy-purple (rarely white) lip, nearly 2 in.
long, which has a singular closed fissure
down its whole length in front. Northern
States of North America in woods and
bogs. Thriving in moist peaty or sandy
soil or leaf-mould.
C. Calceolus (English Lady's Slipper].
— The only British species and the largest
flowered of our native Orchids, i to if ft.
high, flowers in summer, solitary (some-
times two) large flowers of a dark-brown
colour, with an inflated clear yellow lip
netted with darker veins, and about I in.
in length. North Europe, and occasion-
ally in the northern counties of England,
where, however, it is now almost exter-
minated. Very ornamental for the rock-
garden, where it should be planted in
sunny sheltered nooks of calcareous soil,
or in narrow fissures of limestone rock, in
well-drained, rich, fibrous loam, in an east
aspect.
C. guttatum (Spotted Lady's Slipper],
— A handsome kind, seldom seen in gar-
dens, 6 to 9 in. high, flowers in summer,
solitary, rather small, beautiful, white,
heavily blotched, or spotted with deep rosy
purple. Found in Canada, N. Europe (near
Moscow), and N. Asia, in dense forests
amongst the roots of trees in moist,
CYPRIPEDIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. CYPRIPEDIUM. 511
black vegetable mould. Requires a half-
shady position in leaf-mould, moss, and
sand, and should be kept rather dry in
winter.
C. japonicum (Japanese Lady's Slip-
per}.— About i ft. high, and its hairy
stems, which are as thick as one's little
finger, bear two plicate fan-shaped leaves
of bright green, rather jagged round the
margins. The flowers are solitary, the
sepals being of an apple-green tint ; the
present rare plant grows best in pure
loam of a heavy nature. Siberia.
C. pubescens.— A dwarf species with a
pubescent stem, seldom more than 2 ft.
high, flowers early in summer, on each
stem one to three flowers ; scentless,
greenish yellow, spotted with brown, with
a pale-yellow lip from \\ to 2 in. long,
and flattened at the sides. America, found
in bogs and low woods, from Pennsyl-
vania to Carolina. Does well on dry
Mocassin-flower (Cypripedium spectabile).
petals, too, are of the same colour, but are
dotted with purplish crimson at the base ;
the lip large, and curiously folded in front,
as in the better-known C. acaule, to which
it seems most nearly allied ; the colour of
the lip is a soft creamy yellow, with bold
purple dots and lines.
C. macranthum (Large Lady's Slip-
per].— This bears a considerable resem-
blance to C. ventricosum, but has lighter-
coloured flowers, large, of a uniform
purplish rose with deeper-coloured veins ;
early in June. Lip globose, inflated,
and finely marked with deep purple
reticulations. This handsome and at
sunny banks, among loam, stones, and
grit.
C. spectabile (Moca>ssi?i-floiver). — The
most beautiful of this group ; 15 in. to 2^
ft. high, flowers in summer, one or two
on each stem (rarely three), large, with
inflated, rounded lip, about \\ in. long,
white, with a large blotch of bright rosy
carmine in front. A variety (C. s. album)
has the lip entirely white. In America
it grows in open boggy woods, moist
meadows, and also in peaty bogs in the
Northern States. Good native specimens
produce from fifty to seventy flowers on a
single tuft, 3 ft. across, formed on a thick
512
CYSTOPTERIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DAHLIA.
mat of fleshy roots. The plant is hardy,
and succeeds if planted out in a deep,
rich peaty soil, with a few nodules of sand-
stone or rough sandstone grit mixed with
the soil. It also thrives in turfy loam on
a moist bottom ; in any case, however,
deep planting is necessary, as the roots
are then cool and moist during the hot
weather, and do not suffer from frost in
the winter.
CYSTOPTERIS (Bladder Fern).— The
cultivated kinds of this native group are
small elegant Ferns of delicate fragile
texture. They grow on rocks and walls,
chiefly in mountainous districts. The
best-known are : C. fragilis, which has
finely cut fronds about 6 in. hig'h. It
is of easy culture, succeeding in an
ordinary border, though seen to best
advantage on shady parts of the rock-
garden in a well-drained soil. There are
two or three varieties, Dickieana being
the best. C. alpina is much smaller, and
when once established not difficult to
cultivate or increase, but more affected
by excessive moisture than C. fragilis.
A sheltered situation in a well-drained
part of the rock-garden suits it. C. mon-
tana is another elegant plant requiring
the same treatment as C. fragilis.
CYTISUS (Broom}.— The few kinds of
hardy Cytisus are all valuable ornamental
shrubs. Common as the British Broom
(C. Scoparius) is, it should certainly be
in gardens in places where it does not
grow wild ; and in company with Heath
and Furze it is
most useful for
dry sandy banks
where other
shrubs would
fail. It is easily
raised from seed.
C. Andreanus is
a hands ome
form of the com-
mon Broom well
worth growing,
and coming fair-
ly true from seed.
The White Por-
tuguese Broom
(C. albus) is well
known as one of
the finest of all early-flowering shrubs.
A strong bush, particularly in light soils,
and frequently 10 ft. high. Towards the
end of May every slender twig is wreathed
with small white flowers. The Spanish
Broom is a handsome and distinct shrub,
often flowering a long time on dry banks.
C. nigricans is also a beautiful shrub.
The purple Broom is naturally a long
Cytisus nigricans.
trailing shrub with purplish flowers, but is
generally seen grafted mop fashion on
Laburnum stems. It is really an alpine
shrub, and its place is among' rocks and
boulders, where its wiry branches can fall
over and make dense cushion-like tufts.
The foregoing are the most important
kinds. Others, suitable fora fuller collec-
tion, are C. austriacus, biflorus, sessilifolius,
capitatus, monspessulanus, purgans, and
C. Ardoini. The last is a pretty alpine
shrub a few inches high, and suitable for
the rock-garden ; its tufted growth is
covered in summer with yellow flowers.
There is a great number of names and
synonyms, but the above are the most
generally accepted and embrace the best
varieties.
Dabcecia. See ERICA.
DACEYDIUM (Huon Pine).— A tree of
the Pine order of exquisite grace, but not
hardy in Britain except in the Cornish and
Devon gardens, and others of the south of
England and Ireland, where it is occa-
sionally very beautiful. In other parts of
the country if people want them they
must be grown in the cool greenhouse or
winter garden, but in the face of the
number of beautiful hardy Pines we have
that is a doubtful practice except in botanic
gardens. There are two species, D. Frank-
lint (Huon Pine] and D. cupressinuni
New Zealand Cypress), a common New
Zealand tree attaining nearly 100 feet in
height, like the other kind.
DACTYLIS (Cocks/oof). — The varie-
gated forms of this native Grass are attrac-
tive to those concerned much with bedding
out, D. glomerata variegata being one of
the most useful of edging plants, and
easily increased by division in autumn or
spring, thriving in almost any soil, but if
the soil be too poor the plant is apt to
look rusty in dry autumns. There are
several other variegated forms graceful as
edgings to beds, as carpets or mixtures,
or as tufts in borders. The graceful
leaves should not be clipped.
DAHLIA.— The Dahlia group is not a
large one, so far as wild plants go, and
every species is a native of Mexico. It
is valued chiefly for the many beautiful
varieties that have been raised from seed,
the garden varieties being separated in
various classes. When well placed in
the garden the Dahlia is superb, its pro-
fusion of bloom creating fine masses of
colour in the late summer and autumn
months, especially when the best forms
of the Cactus sectipn are used. Distinct
beds of Dahlias present a fine aspect, if
the colours are well contrasted, and
many otherwise good effects are spoilt by
DAHLIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DAHLIA.
513
mixing up tall and dwarf bushy kinds
indiscriminately. A mass of one colour
looks well, especially if backed by dark-
leaved shrubs, whilst distinct beds are a
welcome feature in the flower garden,
being gay far into the autumn when the
weather is not frosty.
CLASSES. — The recognised classifica-
tion of Dahlias is convenient, but not
very distinct. A few years ago the two
leading classes were the Show and Fancy
Dahlias — distinctions confusing to some,
as a White or Yellow Dahlia, edged or
tipped with a dark colour, was classed as
an edged, tipped, or laced Dahlia, and
included among the show flowers ; but if
the disposition of colour w7as reversed,
and dark-coloured flowerets were tipped
with a light colour, the plant was classed
as a Fancy Dahlia. All the kinds with
Carnation-like stripe were Fancy Dahlias.
The catalogues abound with names of
varieties, and the grower can make his
own selection, especially as new forms
are often raised. Varieties that do not
conform to the stiff ideal of the hard-shell
florist sometimes please the artist or the
gardener best.
SHOW AND FANCY DAHLIAS. — These
are not so much grown in gardens as
formerly, but are still seen at the ex-
hibition, Dahlias being shown in a far
freer way than was usual a generation
ago, and the Cactus and Single classes
have, to some extent, overshadowed the
formal Show and Fancy varieties. The
reason why these are less valuable than
many other kinds of Dahlia in the garden
is because of the weight of the flowers.
There is little graceful beauty about
them, the stems being bent with the
burden of a too heavy blossom, hence
the greater popularity of the many lovely
Cactus varieties.
Show Dahlias. — Agnes, Alexander Cra-
mond, Bendigo, Colonist, Crimson Globe,
Canary, Eclipse, Ethel Britton, George
Gordon, George Rawlings, Glowworm,
J. T. West, John Walker, Harry Keith,
John Wyatt, Mr. Harris, Mrs. W. E.
Gladstone, Mrs. S. Hibberd, Nellie Cra-
mond, Queen of the Belgians, Richard
Dean, R. T. Rawlings, Shirley Hib-
berd, J. T. Saltmarsh, W. H. Wil-
liams, W. Garratt, Wm. Keith, Wm.
Rawlings.
Fancy Dahlias.— Buffalo Bill, Charles
Wyatt, Comedian, Duchess of Albany,
Frank Pearce, Gaiety, General Gordon,
H. Eckford, H. Glasscock, Fanny Sturt,
Mrs. Ocock, Mrs. Saunders, Peacock,
Rebecca, Rev. J. B. M. Camm, Sunset,
T. W. Girdlestone.
POMPON OR BOUQUET DAHLIAS are
not so popular as either the Cactus or
single forms. They seem to have gone
out of cultivation to some extent, though
they are useful for cutting. The tendency
of recent raisers has been to increase the
size of the flowers, but they should be
quite small, as the name Pompon sug-
gests, not like a Show or Fancy Dahlia.
Although many additions have been
made to this section, the pure-white
variety White Aster, still retains its
popularity, and it is grown largely for
cutting, and also for its effect. The
Pompon Dahlias are very free-blooming,
throwing their charming flowers well
above the leaves.
Pompon Dahlias. — Admiration, Arthur
West, Countess von Sternberg, Coquette,
Crimson Beauty, Cupid, Darkness, Dove,
E. F. Jungker, Eurydice, Eva, Fairy
Tales, Gem, German Favourite, Glow-
worm, Golden Gem, Hedwig Pollwig,
Juno, Lilian, Little Bobby, Little Ethel,
Marion, Midget, Pure Love, Tommy
Keith, Vivid, White Aster.
SINGLE DAHLIAS.— D. coccinea (D.
Mercki), D. variabilis, and others formed
the foundation, so to say, of this group.
The value of Single Dahlias as beautiful
garden flowers was not considered until
a reaction set in against the show blooms,
and then the elegant single kinds became
popular. It is so easy to cross them and
raise seedlings that the earlier varieties
were quickly improved upon in colour
and habit of growth, until we have now
a delightful group of garden plants, free,
and making a continuous display through
the late summer and early autumn
months. In the best kinds the flowers
are carried erect above the foliage, the
growth bushy, and the flowers abundant.
No summer flower gives a greater variety
of brilliant colours, rich selfs and delicate
hues of mauve and rose to pure white.
With all this choice, one, unfortunately,
sees much of the striped kinds, too often
praised, for the reason perhaps that they
are well shown at some exhibition, but a
new Dahlia should be seen in the garden
to judge of its merits. The striped kinds
are also sportive, like striped Carnations,
and depend in a large measure for their
peculiar colour upon the weather. This
class must not be confounded with those
that have flowers boldly margined with
colour. As the round-flowered form of
Single Dahlia is declining in popularity
one sees less of the big saucer-shaped
blooms, so large that it was necessary to
support them when gathered. These
flabby varieties won few friends, and the
L L
DAHLIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DAHLIA.
more recent kinds are far smaller and
better.
Single Dahlias. — Annie Hughes, But-
terfly, Chihvell Beauty, Conspicua, Duke
of York, Duchess of Westminster, Eclipse,
Evelyn, Gulielma, Jack, James Scobie,
Miss Glasscock, Midget Improved, Mik-
ado, Magpie, Nellie Ware, Paragon,
Rose Queen, Yellow Boy, Yellow Satin.
"CACTUS" DAHLIAS. — These origin-
ated from D. Juarezi, which was
introduced from Mexico about 1879,
and they retain the characteristic shape
of that species, the petals twisted, so to
say, and reminding one of those of some
of the Cacti. The earlier Cactus Dahlias
had one fault — hiding the flowers amongst
the leaves ; but this is to a large extent
changed, so that we have now a beautiful
race of garden plants for summer and
autumn, with flowers of bold form and
charming and varied colours. A new
group is formed by the single Cactus
kinds. The flowers are quite single,
about as large as those of a good single
Dahlia of the ordinary type, and with
twisted petals.
Cactus Dahlias. — Beauty of Eynsford,
Bertha Mawley, Cannell's Own, Countess
of Gosford, Countess of Radnor, De-
licata, Ernest Cannell, Juarezi, Kentish
Invicta, Kynerith, Lady Penzance, Match-
less, Mrs. Francis Fell, May Pictor,
Professor Baldwin, Robert Cannell.
TOM THUMB DAHLIAS.— This is a very
dwarf race, the plants forming little
bushes, but they are not satisfactory, as
they appear not to bloom with great free-
dom, whilst the growth does not retain
its true dwarf character. When true,
the habit is compact, dense, and the
single flowers borne well above the mass
of leaves. Fortunately the colours of
the flowers are for the most part simple,
and raisers should steer clear of the
ugly striped kinds. Dwarfing any flower
naturally tall and graceful is a doubtful
practice.
BEDDING DAHLIAS.— This is the name
given to a small list of dwarf varieties,
which are used for massing, blooming
profusely. One kind named Rising Sun
has the flowers brilliant scarlet, and used
with good effect in the London parks.
SPECIES.— Amongst these we may note
the following : —
D. coccinea, .a tall plant with bright-
scarlet flowers that rarely vary. Nearly
related to it, and differing only in some
slight points, is D. Cervantesi, also with
showy scarlet flowers.
D. glabrata is a beautiful plant of
dwarf spreading growth, more slender
than any of the other species. The
flowers are smaller than those of other
kinds, and vary from pure white to deep
purple. It is hardier than any other
Dahlia, and plants left in the ground
are generally uninjured throughout the
winter. Its dwarf growth adapts it for
positions unsuitable for the latter kinds,
and it has a good effect in masses, its
colour being unlike that of any other
Dahlia. It is known also as D. Mercki,
repens, and Decaisneana.
D. gracilis is a distinct and graceful
plant, with slender stems and finely
divided foliage, which gives it a freer
habit than any other Dahlia. The
bright-scarlet flowers are of the ordinary
size.
D. imperialis has large and graceful
much-divided leaves, and flowers of a
beautiful French white, thrown up in
a great cone-like mass. It rarely flowers
in the open air, but it is of service both
in the flower garden and conservatory.
Planted in rich soil, and placed in a
warm, sheltered position in the open air
at the end of May, it grows well in
summer, and its large and graceful leaves
make it an ornament worthy of being
used as a " fine-foliaged " plant. Similar
to this, but not so fine, is D. Maxi-
miliana.
D. Juarezi is now well known. It is
the more desirable because of its easy
culture, as it requires no different treat-
ment from ordinary Dahlias. It is not
quite double, but is very fine in form and
brilliant in colour, though it flowers some-
what sparsely.
D. variabilis is the supposed parent of
all the garden varieties. The wild plant
has scarlet flowers like coccinea, and is
of similar growth. A packet of seed,
however, will yield plants with flowers
of all shades, from crimson to white and
yellow.
CULTURE. — To get a good result it is
essential to have rich, deep, and moist
soil, and to put out strong plants as early
as may be safe, so as to secure a good
growth or autumn bloom. Where weak
plants are put a little too late they may
only give a few poor blooms before the
frost comes. If planted in May and
frost is feared, protect the young plants
at night by turning a garden pot over
them. If the soil is not deep, rich, and
moist, manure-water should be used.
Watering is usually necessary in early
growth, afterwards it is not so in moist
districts where the plant is well treated
as regards depth and quality of soil. In
dry places water is essential in most
DAHLIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DAHLIA.
515
seasons. Staking and tying out the
shoots must be attended to, as the stems
are brittle and break under little wind-
pressure. Earwigs are great enemies to
Dahlias, but can be trapped in small
round troughs which may be got from
any pottery. They may also be caught
on pieces of Hemlock stem, 6 in. long,
by leaving a joint at one end, and stick-
ing the pieces here and there through
cuttings every two or three days. These
may be taken off even as early as
March, close to the crown, without how-
ever injuring it, as others will come up
at the base of those removed. The cut-
tings must not be too long before they
are taken from the tubers, as then they
flag. When the crowns have supplied
all the cuttings that can be got from
them they may be divided, and therefore
Cactus Dahlia " Juarezi.
the Dahlias. Small pots, with a little bit
of dry Sphagnum Moss inside, inverted
on the tops of stakes, also form good
traps.
INCREASE. — The usual practice is to
take up the roots and store them in a dry
frost-proof cellar in winter. Dahlias may
be propagated by cuttings, root-division,
and seed, the last way being used only
where new kinds are sought. Cuttings are
the best means of propagating Dahlias,
though division of the roots is usually
practised. If started in February or
March in a temperature of 60° to 70° F.,
each crown will produce three or four
nothing is lost. Cuttings may be success-
fully struck during the summer months ;
but this is unusual except in the case of
choice varieties. Three-inch pots are
best for putting the cuttings into, six
cuttings being put in each pot. They
should be plunged in a brisk bottom-heat,
covered with hand-glasses, and shaded
from bright sunshine. In less than a
fortnight they will be all rooted, and may
be potted off singly into large 3-in.
pots. Harden them off gradually until
planted out in May
To raise seedlings sow the seed in heat
in February, and treat the young plants
L L 2
DAPHNE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
in the same way as cuttings. To propa-
gate from layers the lowest branches of
the plant should be pegged down. If
the soil be sandy they will root freely, but
in the absence of sandy soil a quantity
of leaf-mould with a mixture of sand
may be laid down for them to root into.
Pure white sand alone is best suited for
striking them in, and a mixture of leaf-
mould and sand is very good to start the
crowns in.
WINTERING. — As long as the weather
keeps mild Dahlia roots are best in the
soil, and need not be taken up till the end
of November ; but should sharp frosts
be followed by heavy rain they should
be promptly removed from the ground.
Lift the roots on a dry day, and cut off
the stems to within 2 or 3 in. of the
crown. Remove the greater portion of
the soil from the tubers and lay the
latter out in the sun to dry before storing.
The floor of a greenhouse where frost
can be excluded, or a dry cellar, is a
good place to store the roots in. A little
ventilation is necessary to keep them
from getting mouldy ; but a hot dry
atmosphere must also be avoided, as the
tubers might shrivel in it. By lifting the
roots with some soil adhering to them,
they are kept plump during the winter,
which is best when they are required for
early forcing. They will generally keep
well on the floor of a greenhouse, as it
is light and airy, and during mid-winter
much water should not, as a rule, be
given. The tubers of some sorts are
more difficult of preservation than others,
and choice varieties are frequently bad
keepers.
The species of Dahlia are natives of Mexico
and adjacent regions : I, arborea ; 2, astrantiae-
flora ; 3, coccinea ; 4, excelsa ; 5, gracilis ;
6, imperialis ; 7, Maximiliana ; 8, Mercki ;
9, platylepis ; 10, pubescens ; n, scapigera ;
12, variabilis ; 13, Juarezi.
DAPHNE (Garland-flower']. — Beauti-
ful dwarf flowering shrubs. There is a
group of small-growing species among
them that claims a place in the
rock-garden. The best-known and the
most popular Daphne is the old Mezereon
(D. Mezereum), whose leafless branches
are often wreathed with fragrant blossoms
before winter is past. The common sort
has reddish-purple blooms, but there are
pink and white, single and double-flowered
forms. It is indispensable for every
garden, and should always be planted
where its beauty can be enjoyed in early
spring, and it does best in an open sunny
place in almost any soil. In some seasons
it flowers from the end of January until
April. The pretty D. Cneorum (the Gar-
land-flower) is a favourite little shrub, 6
to 12 in. high, more suited for the rock-
garden than the shrubbery. The deep-
pink flowers are deliciously fragrant, and
appear in dense clusters at the tips of the
snoots, the unopened buds being crimson.
It flowers in April and September, often
twice a year, the fragrant flowers being
borne in dense terminal umbels. It is a
native of most of the great mountain chains
of Europe, and is suitable for the rock-
garden, for the front margin of the mixed
border, or as an edging to beds of choice
low shrubs, being of trailing growth, and
forming dense cushion-like masses of ever-
green leaves a few inches high, thriving
best in an open situation in sandy peaty
soil. Increased by layers. D. rupestris
(Rock Daphne) is a neat little shrub,
with erect shoots forming dense, com-
pact tufts, 2 in. high and I ft. or more
Garland-flower (Daphne Cneorum).
across, which are covered with bloom
which sometimes almost eclipses the
plant. Its colour is a soft-shaded pink
or rose, and its flowers are larger and
more waxy than those of D. Cneorum,
but form clustered heads in the same
way. It is essentially a rock-plant,
growing wild in fissures of limestone in
peaty loam. In cultivation it is of slow
growth, and it takes some years to form
a moderate-sized tuft, but the plant is a
gem worth waiting for. It seems to
thrive in very stony and peaty earth with
abundance of white sand, and should be
planted in a well-drained but not in a
dry position. D. Blagayana is a beauti-
ful dwarf alpine shrub, 3 to 6 in.
high, also suitable for the rock-garden.
It is of straggling growth, the leaves
forming rosette-like tufts at the tips of the
branches, and encircling dense clusters of
DAPHN1PHYLLUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DATURA.
517
fragrant white flowers. It blooms in
spring for several weeks, and is of easy
culture, thriving in the rock-garden in well-
drained spots surrounded by stones for
its wiry roots to ramble among. It is
hardy, and in open spots thrives in any
good soil ; increased by layers pegged
down in spring and separated from the
plants as soon as roots are emitted.
Another Daphne is the Japanese D.
Genkwa, introduced about twenty years
ago, but still uncommon. In spring,
before the leaves appear, it bears freely
large lilac fragrant flowers. D. Fortunei,
from China, is similar to it. The foregoing
are the best hardy Daphnes ; others in
cultivation are : D. alpina, a dwarf
deciduous shrub, about 2 ft. high, with
clusters of fragrant white flowers ; D.
collina, from South Europe, a dwarf
evergreen form, 2 or 3 ft. high, bearing
clusters of fragrant pink blossoms during
the first half of the year ; D. neapolitana,
from Italy, similar to this, and probably
only a variety of it ; D. altaica, with neat
growth, like that of D. Mezereum, has
white scentless flowers ; D. pontica and
Laureola are good Evergreens, although
not remarkable for blossom ; while the
pretty D. odora and its variety Mazeli are
scarcely hardy enough for open-air culture.
Such a beautiful family deserves the best
attention. The following is a list of the
species, to which some beautiful things, it
is hoped, will be added from the often little-
known lands some of the species inhabit
Species. — D. alpina, S. Europe and Himalayas
altaica, Siberia, aurea, Orient. Blagayana, Car
niolia. cannabina, Himal. cancasica, Caucas. Cham
pioni, China. Cneonun, S. Europe, decandra, Java
Genkwa, China, glotnerata, Caucasus, gnidioides
Asia Minor. Gnidium, S. Europe, involncrata, India
jasminea, Greece, jezoensis, Japan. Kuisiana, Japan
Laureola, Europe. linearifolia, Syria. Mazeli
Japan. Mezereutn, Europe and N. Asia, odora
tapan. oleoides, S. Eur. Asia Minor. pendula
urma. petreea, Tyrol, pontica, Asia Minor, pseudo
inezerenm, Japan. Rodriguezi, Minora. Roumea,
China, sericea, S. Eur. and Asia Minor. Sophia
Asia, striata, S. Europe, tangutica, China, tenui
flora, Ins. Timor, triftora, China.
DAPHNIPHYLLUM. - Evergreen
shrubs of fine effect of foliage and little
beauty of flower. D. Glaucesceits grows
well in the home counties so far as tried,
especially at Lydhurst in Sussex, the leaves
over 6in. long, and glaucous underneath,
the flowers small, in the autumn ; but the
habit is so fine wherever evergreens are
cared for that this will be worth growing at
least in the southern and warmer counties.
The other species known is D. josoe?ises.
It is a much dwarfer plant, and is an under
shrub in the forests of Yezo. These plants
seem to be hardy enough in the Southern
districts of Britain, but may require a little
care to establish. Rich as we are in ever-
green plants in Britain, these are distinct
enough to take a good place.
DARLINGTONIA (Californian
Pitcher-plant}. — A most singular plant,
resembling the Sarracenias, but very dis-
tinct : the leaves of D. calif ornica rise to a
height of 2 ft. or more, are hollow, and
form a curiously shaped hood, from which
hang two ribbon-like appendages, the
hood often a crimson-red, and the flowers
are almost as curious. This remarkable
plant is found to grow in our climate if
care be taken with it ; and it would be
difficult to name a more interesting plant
for a sheltered bog garden. It is less
trouble out-of-doors than under glass ;
indeed, it only requires a moderately wet
bog in a light spongy soil of fibrous peat
and chopped Sphagnum Moss. A place
should be selected by the side of a stream,
in an artificial bog or in any moist place,
and the plants should be fully exposed
to direct sunlight, but sheltered from the
cold winds of early spring when they are
throwing up their young leaves. They
require frequent watering in dry seasons,
unless they are in a naturally wet spot.
When they become large they develop
side shoots, which, if taken off and potted,
soon make good plants. The plant is
also raised from seed, but this requires
several years.
DATISCA. — D. cannabina is a tall and
graceful herbaceous perennial from 4 to 7
ft. high, the long stems clothed with large
pinnate leaves, yellowish-green flowers
appearing towards the end of summer.
The male plant is very strong and grace-
ful in habit : the female remains green
much longer than the male ; when it is
laden with fruit, each shoot droops grace-
fully, and the plant should be included in
any selection of hardy plants of good form.
Seed will be found the best way to increase
it, and would secure plants of both sexes.
The border is not its place ; it is, above
most other plants, suited for the grassy
margin of an irregular shrubbery, and
will be all the more effective if planted
on a grassy slope, where its deep-seeking
roots will soon defy the most protracted
drought.
DATURA (Thorn Apple}.— Plants of
the Nightshade family, including several
handsome garden plants that well deserve
cultivation. Being natives of Mexico and
similar countries, none are hardy, but
owing to rapid growth some succeed well
if treated as half-hardy annuals, and make
effective plants in a short season. The
best are : D. ceratocaula, from 2 to 3 ft.
high, with large, scented, trumpet-like
flowers, often 6 in. in length, and 4 or 5 in.
Si8
DATURA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DATURA.
across, white, tinged with violet-purple,
expanding in the afternoon and closing
on the following morning. D. fastuosa
is a handsome species, having white
blossoms smaller than the preceding;
there is a fine variety of it with the tube
of the flower violet and the inside white.
The most striking forms of this species
humilis flava of the gardens ; but although
they offer a- greater variety of colour,
they are less hardy than the older forms
just described, and appear to require a
warmer climate for their complete de-
velopment. D. meteloides is a handsome
Mexican plant, called in gardens Wright's
Datura. Isolated specimens of it have a
(Brugmansia Knighti)
bear "double" flowers, the primary corolla
having a second and sometimes a third
corolla arising from its tube, all being
perfectly regular in form, and often being
particoloured, as in the single variety
with violet flowers. D. fastuosa Huberi-
ana of the seed catalogues, and several
varieties of it that are offered, are re-
puted to be hybrids of this species with
the dwarf D. chlorantha flore-pleno or D.
fine aspect in sunny but sheltered nooks.
It is from 3 to 4 ft. high, has wide-
spreading branches, and blooms from the
middle of July till frost sets in, the flowers
white, tinged with mauve ; from 4 to 6 in.
across, showy and sweet, but the leaves
emit a disagreeable odour. Besides these
there are other kinds in cultivation, such
as D. ferox and quercifolia, but those
described are the finest. Fresh seeds are
DATURA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DELPHINIUM. 519
readily raised, in an ordinary hot-bed ;
the young plants while small should be
pricked out singly in pots, and finally
planted out where they are to stand.
They need ample space for their full
growth, and should be grown in light
warm soils.
The plants hitherto known as Brug-
mansia are now considered to belong to
Datura.
They are of easy cultivation, and soon
make large plants. The best way of
growing is as standards, so that their long
drooping flowers may be better seen. In
the flower-garden a sheltered but sunny
position should be chosen. The plants
may be safely put out about the end of
May in good warm soil. It would be
best to pot them into large pots or tubs,
and turn them out of these, as thus treated
they would not die back so far in the
winter, and when planting time again
came round the growth would be stronger.
When in a house either in tubs or in the
border, an annual pruning should be given
early in the spring, and they should be
kept within bounds. Under glass the
chief enemy is green-fly, but fumigation
soon disposes of this. For the open
border of a large house a few standards
with stems 8 ft. or so in height make a
grand show. Their propagation is simple,
the young shoots being merely taken off
in spring and struck in a gentle heat, one
cutting in a small pot. Grow them on as
fast as possible, keeping them to the one
stem until of good height. They will
yield a few flowers the first autumn when
planted out, but as they get older they
flower more profusely, the growth being
less luxuriant. When planted out in the
open ground, they are best as centre plants
to fairly large beds, with a carpet of dwarf
things under them. They should not be
smothered up, the example of D. cor-
nigera (Brugmansia Knighti) in the illus-
tration being an instance of good effect
when not overcrowded. This is one of
the best varieties, with many large
handsome double flowers. It is more
robust and compact in growth than
other kinds, its leaves too of a darker
green. D. suaveolens, another good
white variety, is a profuse bloomer, its
flowers being perhaps larger than those
of D. cornigera, but single. D. san-
guinea has flowers of a deep orange-
yellow tinged with green towards the
base ; it does not flower quite so freely as
the white kinds, but should be grown for
its distinct character. There is also a
double yellow variety of D. chlorantha,
which is free-flowering and well worth
growing, being pleasing in pots.
Some years ago, at Nuneham Park,
Oxford, D. suaveolens was used with good
effect in the flower garden during summer
and autumn. Mr. Stewart, the gardener,
used to raise plants annually by striking
cuttings in autumn in bottom heat. They
were potted as soon as rooted, and kept
growing gently in a warm greenhouse all
through the winter. About the end of
February they were placed in an atmo-
sphere of about 55°, when they were
encouraged to grow freely. As soon as
the roots appeared above the surface,
liquid manure and sometimes a top-
dressing of old cow manure were given.
They were kept growing on in this way
until the middle of May, when they were
2^ ft. high, after which they were gradually
hardened off, and during a dull time taken
out-of-doors, placed in a sheltered corner,
and screened from the sun before being
planted out. Out-of-doors the plants
flowered freely, and gave off a sweet
perfume during the evenings in July and
August.
Species. — D. arborea, S. America. ' cerato-
caula, tropical America, chlorantha. cornigera,
Mexico, discolor, Mexico, dtibia. erinacea,
Brazil. fastuosa ferox, China, floribunda,
S. America, inermis, Abyssinia. Leichhardti,
Australia. Metel, tropical countries, nieteloides,
W. America. microcarpa. nigra, Malaya.
prcecox. quercifolia, Mexico, sanguinea, S.
America. scandens, Brazil. Stramonium ^
common everywhere. suaveolens, Mexico.
trapezia, India.
DECUM ARIA. —Two species of this
interesting genus are in cultivation ; both
are hardy, and useful climbers for walls
and buildings. D. barbara, a native of
Carolina, where it is found in shady
places along the margins of swamps, is
a very elegant plant. The branches
cling to the wall by small rootlets,
as in the Ivy, and when allowed to
ramble at will are very grotesque, ascend-
ing trees or walls to a considerable
height, and requiring no nailing and little
attention. The flowers are in large
bunches in May and June, pure white and
fragrant, resembling Hydrangea. D. sinen-
sis is a native of Central China, and a
beautiful hardy species. It is a climber,
and was found by Dr. Henry covering
the cliffs of the Ichang Gorge with
clusters of fragrant white flowers.
DELPHINIUM (Larkspur). — Few
plants contribute so much to the beauty of
the garden as these fine plants of the
Crowfoot Order. There are in cultivation
many species, both annual and perennial,
but the most important are the tall hybrid
perennials, of which there are many
varieties with a wonderful range of lovely
colour. They are very valuable for their
520 DELPHINIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DELPHINIUM.
great variety in height, from I to 10 ft. ;
for their greater variety in shades of
colour, which range from almost scarlet
to pure white, from the palest and most
chaste lavender up through every con-
ceivable shade of blue to deep indigo ;
and for the variety of size and form of
their individual blooms, some of which
are single, some semi-double, and some
Delphinium.
perfectly double, and all set on spikes
ranging from i to 6 ft. in length. About
a dozen species have given rise to the
cultivated varieties, the chief species
being D. grandiflorum, formosum, lasio-
stachyum, cheilanthum, elatum, and pere-
grinum.
CULTURE AND POSITION. — The com-
binations in which they can be placed are
numerous. They are splendid objects in
various positions, and may be used in
various ways — in the mixed border, in
masses or groups in one or several colours,
or associated with other flowering plants
or with shrubs. Perennial Larkspurs
thrive in almost any situation or soil ;
they are easily increased, and are quite
hardy. A deep friable loam, enriched
with rotten manure, is a good soil for
them, but they will grow well in a hot
sandy soil if it be heavily manured and
watered. Every three or four years they
should be replanted and divided, and this
is best done in spring, just as they are
starting into growth, or in summer ; if it
is done in summer, cut down the plants
intended for division, and let them remain
for a week or ten days until they start
afresh ; then carefully divide and replant
them, shading and watering until they
are established. Late autumn division is
not advisable. Delphiniums can be made
to bloom for several months by continually
cutting off the spikes immediately after
they have done flowering. If the central
spike be removed, the side shoots will
flower, and by thus cutting off the old
flowers before they form seeds we cause
fresh shoots to issue from the base, and to
keep up a succession of bloom. Another
plan is to let the shoots remain intact
until all have nearly done flowering, and
then to cut the entire plant to the ground,
when in about three weeks there will be a
fresh bloom. In this case, however, to
keep the plants from becoming exhausted,
they must have a heavy dressing of
manure or manure-water. Top-dressings
keep the soil cool and moist, give the plants
a healthier growth, increase the number
and improve the quality of the flowers.
The following is a selection of the good
kinds : Single Varieties. — Belladonna,
Hendersoni, Cambridge, Granville, Gloire
de St. Mande, Barlowi, versicolor,
Coronet, magnificum, Lavender, pul-
chrum, formosum, lilacinum, Celestial,
Madame Hock, mesoleucum superbum,
Defiance, and Attraction. The grower
should consult his own taste, and raise
seedlings of his own, taking care to have
a good stock of the standard varieties he
likes best. Double Varieties. — Madame
E. Geny, Madame Henri Jacotot, Madame
Richalet, Pompon Brilliant, Roi Leopold,
Hermann Stenger, Claire Courant,
George Taylor, Roncevaux, Le XlXe.
Siecle, Keteleeri, Prince of Wales, General
Ulrich, Arc en Ciel, Sphere, Michael
Angelo, Delight, Glynn, Barlowi vittatum,
Star, Perfectum novum, Triomphe de
Pontoise, Pompon de Tirlemont, Victor
Lemoine, Trophee, Madame Henri
Galotat, Louis Figuier, Azureum plenum,
and Madame Ravillana. The beautiful
old D. grandiflorum fl.-pl., another double
DELPHINIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DELPHINIUM.
521
variety, is one of the most charming of
border plants.
The best of the numerous perennial
species distinct from the hybrids are — D.
cashmerianum, with flowers nearly as
large as those of D. formosum, and with
stems about 1 5 in. in height. The flowers
are I in. in diameter, and are usually of
a light blue-purple, but they vary in shade
to mauve and dark blue, and are produced
in terminal corymbs of six or more. D.
cashmerianum is well suited for the
border or for a large rockery ; in either
case perfect drainage is essential, and
spurs, and is neat and rather dwarf in
growth, having finely cut feathery foliage,
and freely producing spikes of large
blossoms, usually of a rich blue-purple,
but sometimes white. It is a good peren-
nial, is easily raised from seed, and con-
tinues to flower throughout the summer
till late in autumn. It is suited for borders
and beds. D. nudicaule has scarlet
blossoms, a dwarf, compact, branching-
growth, a hardy constitution, and a free
blooming habit, I to 3 ft. high. The
flowers are in loose spikes, each blossom
being about i in. in length ; the colour
Delphinium grandiflorum.
this is best attained in rock-garden
culture. Its branches have a prostrate
habit, apparently adapting it to such con-
ditions. It is best increased from seed.
D. cardinale is a beautiful species of tall
growth, having bright-scarlet flowers, like
those of D. nudicaule. It blossoms later
in summer, and continues longer in flower
than D. nudicaule, owing in part to its
slower development. It is a most desirable
plant, and as hardy as D. nudicaule.
Seedlings will probably not flower till the
second season. In very damp soil it
would be prudent in winter to protect the
root with a hand-light or inverted pot.
D. chinense is distinct from other Lark-
varies from light scarlet to a shade verging
closely on crimson, and when seen in the
open air, especially in sunshine, dazzles
the eye by its brilliancy. D. nudicaule is
perfectly hardy, and commences growth
so early that it may almost be termed a
spring flower, but it may be had in bloom
during several of the summer months,
and is handsome for warm borders. Al-
though somewhat apt to damp off on level
ground, it is a perennial on raised ground,
and keeps up a succession of bloom. It
is as easy to raise from seed as other
Larkspurs. A tall variety of nudicaule
is called elatius.
THE ANNUAL LARKSPURS.— In these
522
DELPHINIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DELPHINIUM.
hardy annuals there is also a wealth of
beauty for the summer garden, and we
have a host of beautiful sorts with a wide
Portion of a group of Delphiniums in the garden at
The Grange, Knutsford, Cheshire.
range of colour. There is great diversity
too in the habit of growth, some being as
dwarf as a Hyacinth, others 3 or 4^ ft.
high, others with a branching habit re-
sembling a candelabrum. The species
which have given rise to these varieties
are D. Ajacis (Rocket Larkspur) and D.
Consolida. D. Ajacis has the flowers in
long loose spikes forming an erect and
spreading panicle, the stem vigorous with
open spreading branches. All the varieties
of the Rocket Larkspur may be arranged
in three great groups : i. D. Ajacis
majus (large Larkspur). — The stem of this
is single, and varies in height, from 3 to
4 ft. 6 in. ; the flowers double, in a long,
single, and compact spike, generally
rounded off at the extremity. This kind
has given the following varieties — white,
flesh-coloured, rose, mauve or puce-
coloured, pale violet, violet, ash-coloured,
claret, and brown. 2. D. Ajacis minus
(dwarf Larkspur). — The stem of this is
from 20 to 24 in. in height, and is even
shorter when the plant is sown thickly or
in dry or poor soils. The flowers are very
double, and in a single well-furnished
spike, usually cylindrical, and rounded off
at the extremity, but rarely tapering.
The principal varieties are — white,
mother-of-pearl, flesh colour, rose, mauve,
pale mauve, peach blossom, light violet,
violet, blue-violet, pale blue, ash-gray,
brown, light brown, white striped with
rose, white striped with gray, rose and
white, and flax-coloured and white. 3.
D. Ajacis hyacinthiflorum (dwarf Hya-
cinth-flowered Larkspur).— -The varieties
of this group have been raised in Belgium
and Germany. They do not differ from
other kinds in form of flower, but only in
the spike on which the flowers are set,
being more tapering, and the flowers
farther apart than those of the two pre-
viously mentioned groups. There is a
strain called the tall Hyacinth Larkspur.
Other strains mentioned in catalogues
are the Ranunculus-flowered (ranunculi -
florum) and the Stock-flowered, both of
which are worth cultivating.
D. Consolida (Branched Larkspur). —
This species has branching stems and
beautiful violet-blue flowers hung on
slender stalks, and coming later than
those of D. Ajacis. It embraces several
varieties, both single and double, all of
which may be reproduced from seed.
The principal sorts are white, flesh colour,
red, lilac, violet, flaxen, and variegated.
The varieties especially worthy of cultiva-
tion are candelabrum, bearing pyramidal
spikes of flowers of various colours ; and
the Emperor varieties, of symmetrical
bushy habit, which form compact and
well-proportioned specimens, i| ft. high
by 3! ft. in circumference, doubleness of
flowers possessing great constancy. There
DENTARIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DESMODIUM
523
are three colours — viz. dark blue, tri-
coloured, and red-striped. In D. tricolor
elegans the flowers are rose-coloured,
streaked with blue or purple, and about
3 ft. high.
CULTURE. — Annual Larkspurs should
be sown where they are to remain at any
time after February when the weather
permits — usually in March and April.
They may also be sown in September
and October, and even later when the
ground is not frozen, but the produce of
winter sowing is liable to be devoured
by slugs and grubs. The sowing may be
made either broadcast or in rows 4 in. to
8 in. apart, and the plants should stand
4 in. or 5 in. asunder. The branching
varieties may be sown in reserve beds,
and in March when about 12 in. or 16 in.
high should be transferred to the flower
beds, lifted carefully with balls of earth
round the roots, so that they may not
suffer. These branching varieties are
well suited for the garden, either in
masses of one colour or of various
colours. They may be planted in borders
or among shrubs thinly planted. One
great advantage of this class is that
it flowers earlier and longer than the
dwarf Larkspur — that is to say, it flowers
throughout the summer, and, according
to the period of sowing, from the end of
June or July to September, and even to
October if the flower-stems that have shed
their blossoms be cut off. They succeed,
moreover, in the driest calcareous soils,
and even upon the declivities" of hills.
By pinching, dwarf plants useful under
certain circumstances may be obtained,
Seed should be taken only from flowers
perfectly double ; and for this purpose
single-flowered plants should be carefully
weeded out. Larkspurs are at their best
in June and July ; they bloom almost
anywhere, especially in dry localities, and
do not require much attention. They look
well whether they are all of one colour, or
of all the colours mixed, and, by separ-
ately using varieties possessing different
colours, striking contrasts may be pro-
duced.
DENTARIA (Toothworf).— Interest-
ing spring-flowering plants of the Crucifer
Order, of which there are in cultivation
some half a dozen species all worth grow-
ing in half-shaded positions in peat beds,
among shrubs, on the margins of borders,
or in the cool shrubbery. They grow
best in a light sandy or peaty soil en-
riched by decayed leaf-mould. Their
flowers are welcome in early spring, and
remain some time in beauty, and they are
easily increased from the small tuber-like
roots. Some, like D. bulbifera, bear
bulblets on the stem, and from these
the plant may be increased. None of
them ripen seed freely. The species
are — D. bulbifera, I to 2 ft. high, flower-
ing in spring ; purple, sometimes nearly
white, rather large, and borne in a
raceme at the top of the stem. D. digi-
tata, a handsome dwarf kind, about 12 in.
high, flowers in April ; rich purple, in flat
racemes at the top of the stem. A
native of Europe. D. diphylla is a pretty
plant, from 6 to 12 in. high, bearing but
two leaves, the flowers purple (some-
times white) and yellowish. N. America.
D. enneaphylla is about I ft. high ; has
in April and June clusters of creamy- white
flowers, and is a pretty plant for a shady
border. Mountain woods in Central
Europe. D. maxima is the largest of
the species, being 2 ft. high, with many
pale-purple flowers, and is a native of N.
America. D. pinnata is a stout species at
once distinguished by its pinnate leaves ;
it is from 14 to 20 in. high, flowering from
April to June, bearing large pale-purple,
lilac, or white flowers, in a cluster. It
is a native of mountain and sub-alpine
woods in Switzerland. D. polyphylla,
similar to D. enneaphylla, is about I ft.
high, with cream-coloured flowers in
clusters. It is a handsome plant ; from
woods in Hungary. Syn. Cardamine.
DESFONTAINEA.— In favoured gar-
dens along the southern coast and in other
mild parts D. spinosa, a very beautiful
evergreen shrub from Chili, can be grown
and flowered out-of-doors. It is of moderate
growth, having foliage very much like the
Holly, and handsome flowers in the form
of a tube of bright scarlet tipped with
yellow. It usually flowers about the end
of summer, and in some parts of Devon-
shire it blooms profusely, thriving in a
light loamy soil, and even round the
coasts as far as the north of Ireland, but
once a few miles from the protection of
the sea air it ceases to thrive and perishes,
and is therefore only of value in very
favoured places.
DESMODIUM (Tick^ Trefoil}. — A
few of the North American species are
cultivated, but their weedy appearance
prevents their general culture. These are
D. canadense, marilandicum, and Dilleni,
all from 2 to 4 ft. high, with slender stems,
terminated by dense racemes of small
purplish flowers. D. penduliflorum is a
really pretty shrub, and hardy if the stems
are annually cut down, with graceful
shoots, bearing along their upper portions
numerous rich violet-purple blossoms in
September. It is the name by which the
524 DEUTZIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DIAXTHUS.
beautiful Lespedeza bicolor is generally
known. It is a slender shrub, graceful
when in flower, 6 ft. or more in height,
bearing drooping racemes of small Pea-
shaped flowers of a carmine-purple colour.
It is a native of China and Japan, and
hardy enough for open-air culture except
in cold districts. It makes a good wall
shrub.
DEUTZIA. — The best of the few
species in cultivation are D. gracilis and
crenata, both common and well-known
abundance of double snow-white flowers.
This is one of the finest hardy flower-
ing shrubs, and is called the Pride of
Rochester. Deutzias grow in any good soil,
best in slight shade ; if too much exposed
they are liable to suffer during drought.
They should be pruned annually, the old
wood being cut away, and the young
j growths thinned.
The species are D. gracilis, Japan.
grandiftora, China. macrantha, Himal.
mexicana, Mexico. fiarviflora, China.
Deutzia parviflora.
shrubs, the first generally seen in green-
houses, the second in almost every shrub-
bery. D. gracilis, so often grown in pots,
is quite hardy, and, under good conditions,
makes a dense bush about 2 ft. high, in a
free soil flowering as freely as when in
pots. D. crenata (commonly called D.
scabra) is a much larger bush 6 to 8 ft.
high, its leaves large and rough, and,
when in flower, its slender stems are
wreathed with racemes and panicles of
pure-white blossoms. There are two
distinct and beautiful varieties of it — viz.
flore-pleno, with double flowers, tinged
with purple, and candidissima, with an
scabra, Japan. Sieboldiana, Japan, sta-
minea, Mountains of India.
DIANTHUS (Pink}. — Plants of the
highest garden value, containing several of
our finest families of hardy flowers — the
Carnation, Pink, and Sweet William — be-
sides numerous alpine and rock plants that
are among the most charming of mountain
plants, Many of the species are plants
of the heath, dry meadow, or maritime
Alps ; or shore plants, such as the Fringed
Pink (D. superbus) ; and, so far as our
climate is concerned, they are almost at
home in lowland gardens. On the other
hand, some are among the very highest
DIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DIANTHUS.
525
alpine plants, like the Glacier Pink and
the Alpine Pink.
The following is a selection of the best
species for gardens.
D. alpinus (Alpine Pink}. — A beautiful
and distinct plant, distinguished at a
glance from any other cultivated Pink by
blunt-pointed shining green leaves. The
stems bear in summer solitary circular
flowers, of deep rose spotted with crimson,
and when the plant is in good health they
are so numerous as to hide the leaves. In
poor, moist, and very sandy loam this
Pink thrives and forms a dwarf carpet,
though the flower-stems are little more
than i in. in height ; but both leaves and
stems are much more vigorous and tall in
deep, moist peaty soil. Wire-worms cause
its death more frequently than unsuitable
soil. It should be placed in a fully ex-
posed spot, and carefully guarded against
drought, especially when recently planted.
It is not difficult to increase from seed,
and it comes true ; and it may be also
increased by division. Alps of Austria.
D. barbatus (Sweet William}. — One of
the most admired of garden flowers, hardy
and vigorous ; bearing a profusion of
bright flowers which form sheets of
bloom, the colours being vivid and pretty,
and the flowers often finely and distinctly
marked. What makes the Sweet William
of such high value for small gardens is that
its culture is so easy, and it may be raised
from seed without the aid of glass.
The Sweet William has been greatly
improved of Jate years, and the old
varieties are surpassed. The points the
"florist" improver aims at are a circular
flower, with no indentation where the
petals meet, thick in petal, and with all
the petals marked alike, the colours
meeting each other in clearly defined lines
without any feathering or flushing into
each other ; but in this, as in other flowers,
the more variety the better. In the Sweet
William colours vary, and they may be
classed under two heads — dark and light
kinds. Of the latter there is a strain
known as the Auricula-eyed, the blooms
of which have a clear white eye in a setting
of red or purple or some other rich dark
colour. Smooth-edged flowers, such as
Hunt's strain, have their admirers. Fine,
evenly rounded trusses are always present
in a good strain, but size is generally
allied to high culture. Except for shows,
however, very large trusses are not the
best, as they usually need support. The
finest strain is usually found where year
after year care has been exercised in
selecting only the finest flowers, with
the largest trusses and most varied mark-
ings. The only self-coloured flowers are
those of pure white, pink, or crimson ; all
the others are parti-coloured or variously
marked, some very prettily mottled, others
more or less edged with white or pale
pink.
CULTURE. — This is very simple ; sow
the seed in April, in a well-prepared bed
in a sunny spot, thinning out the young-
plants when they are large enough, or, if
a large stock is required, planting them
out about 6 in. apart in good soil. About
the end of September transplant them
to their permanent quarters, and in the
following summer they will bloom. When,
however, any particular strain is to be
rapidly increased the following plan is a
Dianthus alpinus (Alpine Pink).
good one : Sow in pots, and allow the
seedlings to become a little drawn and
lanky before planting out. Plant out in
light loam, dressed only with a little leaf-
mould or loam from rotted turfs, placing
the seedlings so that a few of the lower
joints are under the soil. When the
blooming stems are well above the foliage,
prick in a dressing of guano all round
the plants, give plenty of water in dry
weather, and a further slight dressing of
guano just before the flowers begin to
open. The result will be vigorous stocky
shoots from the buried joints, all rooted
and ready to plant out as soon as the
bloom is over. Sweet Williams may
also be propagated by cuttings taken off
in early summer ; for the main stems,
which should rise for bloom, creep along
the ground, and throw up from every
joint shoots suitable for cuttings ; and a
526 DIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
niANTurs.
little sheaf of cuttings may be taken from
the tips of the main stems, so that each
plant would furnish over a hundred
cuttings.
Double-flowered kinds, as a rule, are
not desirable except the double dwarf
magnificus, the deep velvety crimson
flowers of which are the finest among the
double kinds : the large heads of flower
are numerous, the colour is rich and
effective, it is a dwarf, vigorous grower,
and soon forms a strong tuft.
D. Caryophyllus (Carnation).— 1\us
beautiful flower, so much loved in all
countries where it can be grown both
under glass and in the open air, in all its
forms, is derived from a wild Dianthus of
Western Europe and the Alps, which as
regards our own country is wild on
Norman castles such as Rochester.
From very early days it seems to have been
a favourite flower, as in Dutch pictures
nearly 200 years old the Carnation, mostly I
in its striped forms, is shown in perfection.
Clearly at this early date the tendency of
the flowers to vary in colour and markings
was greatly admired. At a very early
date the Carnation was divided into four
classes — viz. Flakes, Bizarres, Picotees,
and Painted Ladies. The Flakes had two
colours only, the stripes going the whole
length of the petals. Bizarres (from the
French, meaning odd or irregular) were
spotted or striped with three distinct
colours. Picotees (from the French,
piquotte] had a white ground with addi-
tional colours in spots, giving the flowers
the appearance of being dusted with
colour. Painted Ladies had the under
side of the petals white and the upper
side red or purple, so laid on as to appear
as if really painted. Unfortunately this
class has so entirely disappeared that
many growers are not aware that it
ever existed. The first two classes still
remain unchanged ; but the Picotee,
instead of being spotted, has the colours
confined to the edge of the petals, and any
spot on the ground colour (which may
be either white or yellow) would detract
from the merits of the flower as an
exhibition flower.
Another class, too long neglected, con-
sists of self-coloured kinds. A familiar
type is the old crimson Clove, a sweet
and lovely thing, which may be had also
in several different shades of self-colour.
The florists of the old school did not pay
much attention to self-coloured Carnations,
and till recently there was a scarcity of
fine varieties. We may now have them
in all shades of colour. They combine
hardiness and vigour with free blooming
and great effect. For the flower garden
they are the most important. They
should be grown in bold groups or simple
masses associated with Roses or choice
hardy flowers.
The Tree Carnation is very valuable
as a pot plant ; or, if planted out in a
greenhouse border, it produces flowers in
winter and spring, when none can be had
out-of-doors. The most popular of this
class is Souvenir de la Malmaison, with
large cream-coloured blossoms and de-
lightful fragrance, and from this have
been obtained sports of different colours ;
so that, with these and other varieties,
there is now no difficulty in obtaining
all colours, from pure white to bright
scarlet.
As a rule, the choice-named varieties of
Picotees and Carnations for show are
grown in pots, but we confine our remarks
to their culture in the garden, also treating
of it, shortly, from the exhibiting florist's
point of view.
A great number of people still think
Carnations are tender, and they coddle
them up in frames throughout the winter.
The florists, too, continue much in their
old ways, which do not tend to the
advancement of Carnation culture in
gardens where we should see and grow
fine selfs of brilliancy and beauty. As
garden flowers Carnations have been
badly treated, and yet there is no brighter
and sweeter flower for the garden
throughout summer and autumn. This
fact is dawning on English raisers, but we
have had the greatest success with fine
French-raised selfs that combine hardi-
ness with good form and colour, and, what
is more precious, a perpetual blooming
habit. Nothing could be better than
Countess of Paris, Carolus Duran, Colin
de Harville, Mad Roland, Murillo,
Madame Lafausse, Mdlle. Rouselle,
Veronica, Jenny Lind, Comte de Mel-
bourne, and Flora. Of English kinds the
only one we have had to equal the pre-
ceding is Alice, a white self of perfect
form and a perpetual bloomer. Some
standard kinds of the present are : Ketton
Rose, Purple Emperor, Mrs. Muir, Ger-
mania, Rose Celestial, Emma Lakin, Hebe,
Mary Morris, Mrs. Reynolds Hole, Aline
Newman, Celia, and Joe Willett.
SOILS. — The soil has a marked influence
upon Carnations. In very light hot soils as
in Surrey they cannot be grown well at all.
They want a loamy soil, but as this varies
in texture and richness so the plants vary
in growth. In very rich soils they are so
luxuriant that it is necessary to make new
plantations, annually destroying the old
DIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DIANTHUS.
527
plants. In some soils however they make
a harder growth, and stand two or more
years, spreading into great tufts and
bushes.
CULTURE FOR BORDERS AND BEDS.—
First, then, of the wants of the general
grower, who rightly esteems a good
crimson or white Clove as it grows in the
open garden as much as the most exact
staged flower. And rightly so, because,
in the opinion of those who have thought
and studied most about it, the superiority
in form is wholly with the bold, free,
undressed flower. What applies to the
individual flower applies with greater
force to its culture in the garden. It
does not appear at its best in lines, or
surpassed. Layering has to be performed
when the plants are in full flower, and as
it is undesirable to interfere with the
groups in flower, the best plan is to have
a few plants of each kind grown in nursery
quarters solely for layering. We can
then enjoy all that is gained from planting
groups thickly, and suffer no inconvenience.
We shall also have plenty of flowers, and
can cut great numbers without missing
them. Varied colour is the distinctive
charm of the florist varieties. Few of them
are likely to produce bold effects like the
selfs, but they may be grown in special
beds and borders in a less prominent
spot. Some nurserymen are beginning to
see the mistake of neglecting a noble
Bed of Carnations at Bulwick.
circles, or dotted here and there as in
pattern gardening ; but good kinds planted
in groups of from twelve to fifty, ac-
cording to room, will give us when in
flower the truest idea of the value of fine
Carnations for ornamenting the garden.
These groups should be renewed annually,
or fresh ones should be made elsewhere,
a stock of plants having been raised from
layers. Only in a few cases are Carna-
tions likely to spread and make healthy
tufts, able to stand for two or three years.
It is generally advisable to destroy the old
plants after flowering, and, if we do not,
the frost often does. Young strong layers,
planted during September about 9 in.
apart, will produce an effect hardly to be
flower like this, and are trying to raise
bold, free, and varied border flowers
easily grown in every garden. They will
succeed, and our gardens will be all the
better for it. In specially cultivating the
better kinds in beds, it is usual to cover
the surface with I in. or more of fine
rotten manure passed through a sieve,
and in dry weather to give plenty of
water ; but as many will not pay more
attention than is necessary, it may be
stated that neither water nor top-dressing
is usually required in good garden soil,
and, without either, the result will be
quite as valuable from an ornamental
point of view. But when a good collection
is grown in special little beds in a warm
528 DIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DIANTHUS.
border of the kitchen garden, a top-dress-
ing of one barrow of mould to three of
decayed manure could be given in a very
short time, and if the weather or soil were
very dry an occasional heavy watering
would improve matters. Varieties are
endless ; and as English, Continental,
and American florists are busy raising
seedlings, these varieties are likely to be
much added to, though enough attention
has not as yet been paid to the raising of
vigorous border and flower garden kinds
with a great range of colour, form, contin-
uity of bloom, and fragrance. It would be
well for raisers to discard the kinds which
burst their flowers. This is a great defect,
an unnatural habit too long condoned, and
its evils are most manifest in the flower
garden. In ordering, the public should
distinctly make known their wishes as to
colour, form, and fragrance. The Carnation
Carnation.
does not depend for its beauty on elaborate
instructions, which only the special grower
for exhibition cares to master.
CARNATIONS IN POTS AND VASES.—
It is a common practice to have pots
and vases of flowers in the garden, but
the Carnation is rarely seen in them. It
is a grand flower for the purpose if
naturally grown, allowing its flower spikes
to droop where they will. The flowers
on these last longer in bad weather, as
they protect themselves from wet.
Wherever pots can be stood they look
admirable, but are seen to special ad-
vantage if above the line of sight. In
window boxes they would make a pretty
picture. The essential thing to do them
well is to pot up some good strong layers in
autumn and keep in a frame all the winter.
In spring they should be potted into their
flowering pots or vases. There should be
no tying or training.
PERPETUAL CARNATIONS IN THE
OPEN AIR. — These, if from a good strain
of French seed, are very satisfactory
plants, and useful for cutting. Their
drawback is the habit of flowering in
winter, but this can be obviated by sow-
ing early, so as to get them to a good
size by autumn, when they will flower in
the spring and continue to bloom all the
summer. Pipings struck in the spring
and planted out in the autumn will behave
in the same way. Old plants are difficult
to manage in the open air, but survive
the winter if well thinned out ; the only
danger is damp cold, which rots them at
the surface of the ground. They grow
very well in light rich soil on chalk.
Their free-rooting habit makes them un-
suitable for pots. Many of my plants
filled almost 3 ft. of soil with their roots ;
it is manifest waste to cram such free-
growing plants in pots. — J. D.
GARDEN CULTURE FOR EXHIBITION.
— About the end of July cover the bed
intended to be devoted to Carnations, &c.,
about 2 in. with good rotten manure, and
if the soil be sandy add to this 2 in. of
good mellow loam, or, if it be stiff, add
the same quantity of sand. Then, when-
ever time can be spared, fork in the dress-
ing well and dig it over. Then put the
plants in firmly, putting all of the same
sort in a row with a good legible label at
the end. Being perfectly hardy, they will
need no attention till next spring. At the
same time take up and put in in the same
way any seedlings sown in the spring,
which will now be fine strong plants. The
next spring, when the severe cold has
ceased (about March or April), hoe the
beds over carefully between the rows, and
in fine weather water them if they are
dry. When the flower-stems begin to rise,
place a stick about 30 in. long to each
plant. These sticks should be painted a
light whitish green. The flower-stems
must be kept well tied up as they grow,
but they must be tied quite loosely, for if
they are tied tightly they will knee and
bend, and finally break. About 2oth June
(or later), when the buds appear, take off
all but three on each shoot, so as to leave
each bud a little footstalk to itself when
it grows (what is lost by this in quantity
will be regained twenty-fold in quality).
From this time until the buds are near
showing colour, give occasionally a little
weak manure-water — a handful of \\ell-
rotted stable manure to a large pot of
water. As soon as they show colour at
the top, tie them round with a little strip
of bass about half-way down. This
should be done every morning in July, as
it saves much trouble as well as the un-
sightly peculiarity termed a "split pod."
If in spite of this the pods split on one
side, carefully open the bud all round at
the other segments, using the flat wedge
handle of a knife used for layering. Un-
less it is intended to save seed, cut off
DIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DIANTHUS.
529
dead blooms as soon as they wither, and
the flower-stems as soon as all the buds
have come out, which will be about the
end of August or beginning of September.
Not later than the last week in July see
to layering. As soon as the layers are
rooted, which will be early in September,
take them off and lay them in by the
heels for a time, while taking up and
throwing away the old stools, top-dress
and fork over the bed with 2 in. of
well-rotted stable litter or cow-house
very lightly with finely sifted compost,
and put them in a cold frame or house
out of danger of frost. When they show
three pairs of leaves, prick them out
about 2 in. apart round the edges of 5 -in.
pots rilled with the same compost, and
keep them still in the cool house till
there is no fear of frost. When they are
about 3 in. high, prick them out into beds,
keeping them about 4 in. apart. The
beds may be enriched with a little sand
and manure. In the autumn they will be
Redbraes Picotee.
sweepings, replace the layers, and they
will be in the same condition as at the
beginning.
PROPAGATION BY SEED.— The proper
time to sow is about April or May. Pre-
pare a compost of equal parts of loam,
leaf-mould, and silver sand, sift it fine,
and fill a number of 3-in. pots (as many
as you have sorts of seed) to within i in.
of the rim. Sprinkle each pot with a fine
rose, flatten the surface, and with the
point of a knife put down the seeds
separately about- \ in. apart. Cover them
nice little plants, and may be planted
where they are to flower, which will be
the next year. Keep and name any really
good kind, discarding all singles, and
using the rest for borders or beds for
cutting from.
BY PIPINGS.— When the plants throw
up shoots too numerous to layer, or when
the root is attacked by disease, the shoots
may be taken off as follows : Take the
shoot just above the fourth or fifth joint
from the top, and with a sharp pull draw
it out from the socket formed by the next
M M
53° DIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DIANTHUS.
joint, which it will pull away with it. Just
through the joint make a little upward
slit in the cutting, and thrust it firmly into
a pot filled to within i in. of the top with
the compost described, and the rest with
silver sand. Water the pot and plunge it
in fibre under a hand-light for three or
four weeks, when the pipings will be
rooted. They may then be potted off
singly or bedded like layers, and will
flower the next year. Plants thus struck
are never so good as those propagated by
layers, but this method is a useful ex-
pedient to save a good sort or to get up a
good stock.
BY LAYERS.— This is the best and
most generally accepted method of pro-
pagating Carnations and Picotees. It
should be commenced at latest the last
week in July, and finished by the second
week in August. It is performed as
follows : Scrape away the earth round the
plant to the depth of 2 in., and substitute
for the earth removed the compost pre- I
scribed. Strip each shoot up to the top i
three or four joints, going all round the
plant before proceeding farther. Then |
with a fine sharp knife cut half through a
shoot, just below a joint, make a slant-
ing cut up through the joint, and bring
the knife out just above it ; take a peg
with a hook in it, and thrust it into the
fresh compost just above the tongue, so
that as the peg comes down it will catch
the tongue and peg it into the earth. Cover
it with a little more compost placed firmly.
Proceed thus all round the plant, finally
watering carefully with a fine rose water-
pot to settle the soil around the layers.
In about a month the layers will be rooted,
and by the second week in October all the
young plants ought to be in their winter
quarters.
SEVERAL DISEASES affect Carnations.
Two of the worst are fungoid growths.
One of these is a fungus which grows
between the membranes of the leaf^ and
the only method of destroying it is to pick
off and burn every infected leaf. It
appears at first as a small blister which
bursts, scattering its spores and leaving a
dark-brown scar. A more familiar disease
is that known as spot; a damp atmosphere
or overcrowding of the plants being the
causes. It spreads rapidly, but some kinds
enjoy a complete immunity from it.
Dusting the plants two or three times with
a mixture of soot and sulphur has been
found effectual. The gout is a swelling
of the stem close to the surface of the
ground, which eventually bursts, supposed
to be caused by little worms which eat their
way into the collar of the plant and lay
eggs there which hatch worms that feed
upon and eventually kill the plant. The
Maggot is a small insect with great
powers for mischief. It comes in the
spring from an egg laid no doubt in the
skin or tissues of the leaf, and, eating its
way down under the skin of the leaf, it
makes a home in the main stem of the
plant, eating out the centre and killing it.
The only remedy appears to be diligently
searching for and hunting it out before
it has traversed the leaf. Wire-worm
is a pest to be reckoned with, but usually
only gives trouble in fresh soil. Spittle
fly, which appears when the flower-spikes
are growing, must be destroyed, or it will
do serious harm. An open situation and
a well-drained soil are conditions un-
favourable to the spot diseases, whilst
rotation in planting keeps the stock free
from the worm pests and maggots.
D. caesius (Cheddar Pink}.— One of
the neatest and prettiest of the dwarf
Pinks, the fragrant and rosy flowers
appearing in spring, on stems 6 in. high,
and in good soil sometimes taller. This
Pink requires peculiar treatment, as in
winter it perishes in the ordinary border,
while quite happy on an old wall. It is
a native of Europe and Britain (the rocks
at Cheddar, in Somersetshire). To
establish it on the top or any part of an
old wall sow the seeds on the wall in a
little cushion of Moss, if such exists, or, if
not, place a little earth in a chink with
the seed, and it may also be grown upon
the rock-garden, in firm, calcareous, or
gritty earth, placed in a chink between
two small rocks.
D. deltoides (Maiden Pink}. — A pretty
native plant, with bright pink-spotted or
white flowers, on stems from 6 to 1 2 in. long.
It grows almost anywhere, in borders or
on rockwork, does not appear to suffer
from wire-worm, like most other Pinks,
and often flowers several times during the
summer. It may be readily raised from
seed, and is easily increased by division.
The variety glauca has white flowers with
a pink eye. It is abundant on Arthur's
Seat, near Edinburgh, and forms a
charming contrast to the crimson kind.
D. dentosus (Amoor Pink}.— A distinct
and pretty dwarf Pink, with violet-lilac
flowers, more than i in. across, the margins
toothed, and the base of each petal having
a regular dark-violet spot, which forms a
dark " eye " nearly £ in. across in the
centre of the flower. The plant flowers
from May or June till autumn, and thrives
in sandy soil, in borders, or on rockwork ;
seed. South Russia.
D. neglectus (Glacier Pink}. — A
DIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DIANTHUS.
531
brilliant alpine plant, forming, very close
to the ground, tufts like short wiry grass,
from which spring many flowers, I in.
across, and of bright rose. It grows
freely in very sandy loam, either in
pots or on the rock-garden, rooting
into the sand through the bottom of the
pots as freely as any weed, is hardy,
easily grown, increased by division and
seed. Alps and Pyrenees. Syn., D.
glacialis.
D. petrseus (Rock Pink}.— A charming
Pink, forming hard tufts, I or 2 in. high,
from which spring numerous flower-stems,
plants, as they live longer and thrive
better when raised above the general
level of the ground, though they grow
well in ordinary soil. They have for
many years been amongst the favourite
"florists'" flowers in European countries,
and are hardier and dwarfer than the
Carnation. In August, Pinks should be
planted 9 in. apart, the ground being rich
and well prepared. If the winter be very
severe, a little litter should be put over
them, and in spring the surface of the
beds should be stirred a little, and given
a top-dressing of fine old manure and a
Dianthus neglectus (Glacier Pink)
each bearing a fine rose-coloured flower.
It seems to escape the attacks of wire-
worm. It flowers in summer, and should
be planted on the rock-garden in sandy
and rather poor moist loam. Hungary ;
seed or division.
D. plumarius (The Common Pink}. —
This is the parent of our numerous
varieties of Pinks, and has single purple
flowers, rather deeply cut at the margin,
and is naturalised on old walls in various
parts of England. The wild plant is
rather handsome when grown in healthy
tufts, but on the level ground it is apt
to perish. The many fragrant double
varieties are welcome everywhere, and
should be cultivated as rock or bank
slight dusting of guano. As they push
up their flower-spikes these should be
staked, and if they are for exhibition the
buds. should be thinned, as many varieties
produce buds too freely. The culture of
Pinks, however, either for exhibition or
for the garden, is simple, and the outlay
small. Get newly struck pipings in
August and September— the best months
to plant them in a sunny place. In a smoky
town a cold frame will be needed ; but
if the air be clear, an open bed will do.
When the pipings are once planted in the
open garden, they require little care till
they begin to push up their flower-stems.
Spring planting should be commenced as
early as the weather permits, and, as soon
M M 2
532
DIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DIANTHUS.
as the plants begin to grow, the bed
should be mulched about I in. deep with
equal quantities of well-rotted horse
manure and leaf-mould. The plants will
then fast push on their new growth.
INCREASING STOCK.— If the plants
have made good growth in July, cut the
strongest shoots with a sharp knife, cut
off the ends of the grass, and cut the
shoot two or three joints below the grass
or leaves. Prepare some ground as
follows : Scatter a little salt on the surface,
then riddle on 2 in. deep of fresh soil,
prick in the pipings, and put a light or
hand-glass over them ; and they will be
rooted in a few weeks.
Where seed is wanted, protect the
flowers from wet, and as they decay re-
move the withered petals, which en-
courage damp and form a harbour for
insects. Seed should be saved only from
the finest and most constant varieties of
vigorous and hardy growth, and may be
sown early in June in pots, or in the open
ground.
GARDEN OR BORDER PINKS. — The
show Pinks may be left to the exhibitor.
There are certain kinds both old and new
which must be taken care of by the
" general lover " of flowers. These are
the hardier border kinds, grown for their
beauty and fragrance. As in the case of
the hardier Carnations, we must en-
courage these. Some of the best of the
hardier kinds are — Anne Boleyn, Ascot
(soft pink), Fimbriatus major, Fragrans
(pure), George White, Hercules, Lady
Blanche, Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Pettifer, Mrs.
Sinkins (Mule Pink), Marie Pare (Mule
Pink), Napoleon III., Multiflorus, New-
market, Pluto, Purity, Robustus, Rubens,
Thalia, White Queen, Wm. Bruce, High
Clere, Multiflorus flore-pleno, Multiflorus
roseus, Striatiflorus, Speciosus fl.-pl., Coc-
cineus, Early Blush, Fimbriatus albus (old
white), Lord Lyons, Miss Joliffe, Nellie,
White Perpetual, the Clove Pink, Her
Majesty.
DWARF SINGLE AND DOUBLE PINKS.
— Messrs. Dicksons, of Edinburgh, have
raised some dwarf profuse - blooming
Pinks so compact in habit and stiff in
stem that they do without stakes. Most
Pinks are better without stakes, especially
when their foliage is healthy, and is in
such wide tufts as to shield the flowers
from splashed earth ; but these new
dwarf sorts may be compact enough for
the rock-garden. Mr. J. Grieve, who
raised them, says : " Both the single and
the dwarf double varieties will prove quite
a boon to the flower-gardener and for
bouquets. To the ordinary eye all florists'
Pinks consist of but one variety ; whereas
amongst the single and dwarf sorts there
are endless colours, and many of the
flowers are so varied in colour as to
render them easily mistaken for other
plants. Numbers of the single sorts look
like miniature Petunias." Carnea Beauty,
Delicata, Rosea, Spicata, and Odorata
are among the best of these new dwarf
Pinks, and the class will no doubt be
added to.
D. sinensis (Chinese Pink}. — This has
given rise to a race of beautiful garden
flowers. It is an annual, or biennial, ac-
cording to the way it is sown and grown.
If sown early, the plants will flower the
first year ; if late, the second. On dry
soils, and if the winters be mild, they will
live for two or three years. The varieties,
both single and double, are now very
numerous and beautiful, and may be
classed under D. Heddewigi and D.
laciniatus. The forms of Heddewigi, the
Japanese variety, are dwarf and handsome,
while there are double-flowered forms,
particularly diadematus, the flowers of
which are large and very double. The
petals of the laciniated section are very
deeply cut into a fine fringe. Of this
class there are also double-flowered forms.
The colours of both are much varied, and
there are striped crimson and white sorts.
There is a pretty dwarf class (nanus),
about 6 in. high, but it is less useful
than the taller varieties for cutting from.
Two beautiful and distinct selected sorts,
Crimson Belle and Eastern Queen, are
among the best varieties. Sow D.
sinensis under glass in February, with
very little or no bottom-heat ; give air
freely during open weather, and in April
plant out in well-cultivated soil, which
need not be rich. Place the plants 9 in.
to 1 2 in. apart each way, and they will form
compact tufts. Encourage the laterals by
pinching off decayed flowers, and the
result will be a mass of blossom through-
out the summer, and probably till
November. Some sow in autumn, and
winter the young plants in frames or under
hand-glasses, — hardening them off by
degrees in spring, until they have become
fully established. These Pinks are ad-
mirable for the flower garden, either in
beds by themselves, or mixed ; they may
be well used with taller plants of a
different character dotted sparsely among
them.
D. superbus (Fringe dPink\— A fragrant
wild pink, easily known by its petals
being cut into strips for more than half
their length. It inhabits many parts of
Europe from Norway to the Pyrenees, and
DIAPENSIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DICKSONIA.
533
Is a true perennial, though it perishes so
often in gardens that many regard it as
a biennial. It is more likely to perish in
winter on rich and moist soil than on poor
and light soil, and, when it is desired to
establish it as a perennial, it should be
planted in fibry loam, well mixed with
sand or grit. It grows, however, on
nearly any soil ; and, by raising it every
year from seed, an abundant stock may be
kept up even where the plant perishes in
winter. It comes true from seed, and is
often more than i ft. high ; flowering in
summer or in early autumn, and is better
suited for mixed beds and borders than
for the rock-garden.
DIAPENSIA (D. lapponica) is a sturdy
and dwarf evergreen alpine shrub, often
under 2 in. in height, growing in dense
rounded tufts, having narrow closely
packed leaves, and bearing in summer
solitary white flowers, about half an inch
across. It may be grown well on fully ex-
posed spots on the rock-garden, in deep
sandy and stony peat which is kept well
moistened during the warm season. It
is a native of N. Europe and N. America,
being found on high mountains or in arctic
latitudes.
DICENTR A (Bleeding Heart}.— Grace-
ful plants of the Fumitory Order, including
about half a dozen cultivated species, of
which the finest are —
D. chrysantha.— This handsome plant
forms a spreading tuft of rigid glaucous
foliage, from which arises a stiff leafy
stem, 3 to 4 ft. high, with long branching
panicles of bright golden-yellow blossoms,
about i in. long in August and September ;
it seems hardy in light rich soil if warm
and sheltered. Seed. California.
D. Cucullaria (Dutchman' s-breeches]
and D. thalictrifolia are less important,
and rather belong to the curious garden.
D. eximia combines a Fern-like grace
with the flowering qualities of a good
hardy perennial. From i to i^ ft. high,
with numerous reddish-purple blossoms
in long drooping racemes. It is useful
for the rock-garden and the mixed border,
or for naturalising by woodland walks ;
thriving in rich sandy soil. Division. N.
America.
D. formosa is similar to the preceding,
having also Fern-like foliage, but is dwarfer
in growth, its racemes shorter and more
crowded, and its flowers lighter. Suitable
for same positions as D. eximia. California.
D. spectabilis.— A beautiful plant, too
well known to need description, as nearly
every garden is adorned with its singular
flowers, which resemble rosy hearts, and,
in strings of a dozen or more, are grace-
fully borne on slender stalks. It succeeds
best in warm, light, rich soils, if in
sheltered positions, being liable to be cut
down by late spring frosts. 1 1 is moreover
suited for the mixed border, but is of such
remarkable beauty and grace that it may
be used with the best effect near the lower
flanks of rockwork, in bushy places near
it, or on low parts where the stone or
" rock " is suggested rather than shown.
It is worthy of naturalisation on light rich
soils by wood walks. It is also excellent
for mixed borders, and for snug corners
on the fringes of choice shrubs in peat,
as such soil suits it well. There is a
" white " variety, which is by no means
Dictamnus Fraxinella.
so ornamental, though worth growing for
variety's sake. Propagated by division in
autumn.
The species are D. canadensis, N. Amer.
chrysantha, Calif. Cu£U//aruf, N. Amer.
eximia, do. formosa, do. lachenaliceflora,
Siberia. ochrole2ica, Calif, pauciftora, Calif.
pusilla, Japan. Roy lei, Mts. of India, scan-
dens, do. spectabilis, Japan, thalictrifolia,
Mts. of India, torulosa, do. uniflora, N.
America.
DICKSONIA. — A noble evergreen
Tree Fern, D. antarctica having a stout
trunk, 30 ft. high or more, the fronds
forming a magnificent crown, often 20 to
30 ft. across. They are from 6 to 20 ft.
long, becoming pendulous with age. It is
534 DICTAMNUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. DIMORPHOTHECA.
the hardiest of Tree Ferns, and the most
suitable for the open air, in sheltered shady
dells. From the end of May to October.
In favourable localities it may even be left
out all the winter.
DICTAMNUS (Fraxinettd). -- D.
Fraxinella is a favourite old plant, about
2 ft. high, forming dense tufts, flowers pale
purple, and with darker lines (there is a
white form) borne in racemes in June and
July. This plant does best in a light soil.
It is propagated by seeds sown as soon as
they are ripe, or by its fleshy roots, which,
if cut into pieces, in spring, will form good
plants much quicker than seedlings. It
is a slow-growing plant in most gardens,
though it is freer in some warm soils, and
a very long-lived plant where it likes the
soil. It is at home in the sunny mixed
border among medium-sized plants.
Caucasian Mountains.
DIDISCUS.— A native of New Holland,
and from i to 2 ft. high. In D. cceruleus
the stems are erect and much branched,
each branch terminating in a flat umbel of
small flowers, of a pleasing clear blue
colour, which are borne freely from
August to October. It is a half-hardy
annual, and requires rather careful treat-
ment, as it is impatient of excessive
moisture, especially in the early stages of
its growth. It requires to be raised in a
gentle hotbed, and the seedlings should
be transplanted in May to a warm friable
soil, in which they will flower freely.
Those who seek distinct and novel effects
might use this plant, as its pretty blue
flowers are uncommon in the Parsley
Order, which usually has pale flowers. A
little bed or groundwork would be charm-
ing if only as a change. Syn., Trachymene
ccerulea.
Dielytra. See DICENTRA.
Diervilla. See WEIGELA.
DIGITALIS (Foxglove).— 1\^. most
important plant of this genus is our native
Foxglove, and the handsomest of the
several species in cultivation. The best
of the exotics is D. grandiflora, a tall
slender plant, bearing large bell-shaped
yellow blossoms in long racemes. The
other kinds are D. ferruginea, aurea,
eriostachys, fulva, laevigata, lanata, lutea,
ochroleuca, parviflora, Thapsi, tomentosa,
but these are suited mainly for botanical
collections.
D. purpurea (Foxglove].— Wild Fox-
gloves seldom differ in colour, but culti-
vated ones assume a variety of colours,
including white, cream, rose, red, deep
red, and other shades. The charm of
these varieties, however, lies in their pretty
throat-markings- -spots and blotchings of
deep purple and maroon, which make
large flowers resemble those of a Gloxinia ;
hence the name gloxiniaerlorais applied to
some finely-spotted kinds. The garden
plants make grand border flowers ; they
are more robust than the wild plant, and
have stouter stems and larger flowers.
If associated with other tall plants, they
look well as a background to mixed
borders ; and the improved varieties have
a fine effect in the wild garden if planted
or sown in bold masses. They are good,
too, among Rhododendrons, where these
bushes are not too thick, and they charm-
ingly break the masses of foliage. The
seed is small, and is best sown in pans or
boxes, under glass, early in May. When
the young plants are well up they should
be placed out of doors to get thoroughly
hardened before being finally planted out.
In shrubbery borders varied clumps of
several plants produce a finer effect than
when set singly. The Foxglove fre-
quently blooms two years in succession ;
but it is always well to sow a little seed
annually ; and if there be any to spare,
it may be scattered in woods or copses
where it is desired to establish the plants.
Those who do not require seed should
cut out the centre spike as soon as it gets
shabby, and the side shoots will be con-
siderably benefited, especially if a good
supply of water be given in dry weather.
In a good variety a side shoot will supply
an abundance of seed. — D.
The species are : — D. ainbigua, W. Asia.
atlantica, Algeria, ciliata, Caucas. cochin-
chinensis, Cochinch. dubia, Balearics.
stachya. ferruginea, S. Europe. Fontanesii.
gloxinioides. laciniata, Spain. hzvigata,
Danube and Greece, lanata, do. leucophtca,
Greece. longibracteata, Austria. lutea, S.
Europe, lutescens, France, mariana, Spain.
minor, Spain. nervosa, Persia. obscura^
Spain, orientalis, As. Min. parviflora, S.
Europe, piupurascens, Europe, purpurea,
do. sibirica, Siberia. Thapsi, Spain, vindi-
flora, Greece.
DIGRAPHIS (Ribbon Grass}.— Grasses,
of which the Ribbon Grass (D.arundinacea
variegata) is the most familiar. Being
hardy and perennial, it is valuable for good
effect in the flower garden. It should be
treated liberally, and renewed by young
plants every other year. If it be not
desired in the flower garden proper, a
few tufts by a back shrubbery will suffice.
It grows anywhere.
Dimorphanthus. See ARALIA.
DIMORPHOTHECA (Cape Marigold).
— A hardy annual from the Cape, 18 in. to
2 ft.high ; the flowers of D. pluvialis are
white and purplish-violet beneath, expand-
ing in fine weather. Plants from spring-
D10TIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DORONICUM. 535
sown seed flower from July to September.
It is a bold free annual thriving in any good
soil and an effective ground plant with the
larger flower-garden subjects ; alone, how-
ever, it is well worth growing. Composite.
DIOTIS (Sea Cotton-weed}.— D. mari-
tinia is a dwarf cottony herb suitable for
the rock-garden, and sometimes employed
in the flower-garden as an edging plant.
It is apt to grow rather straggling, and
to prevent this it is kept neatly pegged
down and cut in well. It should have
deep sandy soil. Increased by cuttings,
as it seldoms seeds in gardens. Native
of our southern shores.
Diplopappus. See ASTER.
DIPSACUS ( Teasel}.— Coarse-growing
plants, annual or biennial, striking in form,
in woods and hedgerows, where their fine
foliage and habit have a good effect.
There are three native species, D.
Fullonum, pilosus, and sylvestris ; the
boldest kind is D. laciniatus, a European
species growing 5 to 8 ft. high, with large
deeply-cut foliage. The seed may be
sown in woody places and by freshly
broken hedge-banks, where the plants
will often perpetuate themselves.
DODECATHEON (American Cowslip}.
— Beautiful plants, of the Primrose family,
perennials from N. America, where they
are called Shooting Stars. They are all
hardy, requiring a cool situation and light
loamy soil. The nature of the soil is,
however, of small importance, as they
grow almost as freely in peat or leaf-mould
as in loam ; situation is the principal point.
In borders where Primulas and Soldanellas
thrive, Dodecatheons will soon establish
themselves. All the kinds grow freely in
sandy loam, and soon form large tufts,
which should be divided every third or
fourth year. The best time for trans-
planting them is the end of January or
the beginning of February, when the roots
are becoming active ; but care must be
taken not to divide them into pieces too
small, for fear of losing the plants while
they are in a weakly condition. All may
be easily raised from seed.
D. integrifolium.— A lovely flower ; the
petals have a white base, and spring from
a yellow and dark orange cup, the flowers
deep rosy crimson, on stems from 4 to 6 in.
high, in March. It is a native of the Rocky
Mountains, and a choice plant for the
rock-garden, if planted in sandy peat or
sandy loam with leaf-mould. It is easily
grown in pots placed in the open air in
some sheltered and half-shady spot during
summer, and kept in shallow cold frames
during winter. Strong well-established
plants produce abundance of seed, which
should be sown soon after it is gathered.
Careful division.
D. Jeffreyanum.— A stout kind, more
than 2 ft. high in good soil, with larger
and thicker leaves than D. Meaclia, red-
dish midribs strong and conspicuous, and
the flower somewhat larger and darker.
D. Jeffreyanum is a hardy and distinct
plant, thriving in light, rich, and deep loam,
in a warm and sheltered spot, where its
great leaves are not broken by high winds.
D. Meadia (American Cowslip], a grace-
ful plant and a favourite among old border
flowers, its slender stems from loto 16 in.
high, bearing umbels of elegantly droop-
ing flowers, the purplish petals springing
up vertically from the pointed centre of
the flowers, something like those of the
greenhouse Cyclamen. It loves a rich
light loam, and is one of the most suitable
plants for the rock-garden, for choice mixed
borders, or for the fringes of beds of Ameri-
can plants. In many deep light loams it
thrives without any preparation, but where
a place is prepared for it, it is best to add
plenty of leaf-mould and plant in a some-
what shaded and sheltered position,though
it often thrives in exposed borders. It is
best increased by division when the plants
die down in autumn ; but if seed is sown,
it should be sown soon after it is gathered.
There are numbers of pretty and distinct
varieties, differing more or less in height
of plant and size and colour of flower.
Among the best are D. giganteum, elegans,
albiflorum, and violaceum. D. californi-
cum, though sometimes thought a species,
is probably only a variety of D. Meadia.
It is, however, a distinct and pretty plant,
and worth growing.
DONDIA (D. Epipactis) is a singular
and pretty little herb, 3 to 6 in. high, having
small heads of greenish-yellow flowers in
spring, and suitable for the rock-garden,
margins of borders, or banks ; increased
by division after flowering. A model rock
plant, a native of Carinthia and Carniola.
Syn., Hacquetia Epipactis.
DORONICUM (Leopards Bane}. -
Showy plants of the order Composite, of
which half-a-dozen species are in gardens,
all of vigorous growth, flowering in spring,
and thrive in any soil ; they are therefore
excellent for rough places, for naturalising,
or for dry banks, where little else will thrive.
All are readily increased by division of the
roots. They range in height from 9 to 12
in., and have large, bright yellow Daisy-
like flowers. The best species are D.
austriacum and caucasicum, both of which
are neater than the rest and produce in
early spring a profusion of blossoms that
enliven the borders besides being useful
536
DOWNING! A.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
DROSERA.
for cutting. The other kinds are D. Clusi,
carpetanum, Columnae, Pardalianches, and
Doronicum plantagineum excelsum.
plantagineum, all natives of Europe. D.
plantagineum var. excelsum (syn., Harpur
Crewe) is by far the best. — D.
The species are : D. altaicum, Siberia.
austriacum, Europe. Bourgaei, Canaries.
cacaliafoliuni) As. Minor, carpetamim, Spain.
caucasicum, As. Minor. Clusii, Pyrenees.
Columnae, S. Europe and As. Min. corsicum,
Corsica, croaticum, S. Europe, dentatum.
Falconeri, Spain, glaciate, do. grandiflonim,
Europe, hirsutum, do. hungaricum, S.E.
Europe. macrophyllum, Caucas., Persia.
maximum, Armenia, oblongifolium, Caucas.
Orphanidts, Greece. Pardalianches p, Europe.
plantagineum, Europe. Roylei, Mts. of India.
scorpioides, Europe. stenoglossum, China.
Thirkei, Bithynia.
DOWNINGIA.— Charming little Cali-
fornian half-hardy annuals, generally
known as Clintonia. There are two species,
D. pulchella and elegans, similar to each
other, resembling the dwarf annual
Lobelias in habit, but more brilliant in
colour. D. pulchella is of dwarf habit,
rarely exceeding 6 in. in height, and is
suitable for edging small beds or borders,
as when covered with its bright blue
flowers it is very pretty. In March and
April the seed should be sown in the open
ground in a free soil and an open situation,
but, if the plants are intended for pot
culture, the sowing should be two months
earlier. Each plant should be allowed
quite 8 in. for development, and in hot
weather those from the latest sowing
should be well watered. The flowers of
the several varieties of D. pulchella differ in
colour, the best variety being alba (white),
rubra (red), and atropurpurea (dark
purple).
DRAB A (Whitlow Grass).— Minute
alpine plants, most of them having bright
yellow or white flowers, and leaves often
in neat rosettes. They are too dwarf to
take care of themselves among plants
much bigger than Mosses, and therefore
there are few positions suitable for them ;
but it would be very interesting to try
them on mossy walls, ruins, or bits of
mountain ground with sparse vegetation.
The best-known and showiest is D.
aizoides, found on old walls and rocks in
the west of England. It forms a dwarf,
spreading, cushion-like tuft, which, in
spring, is covered with bright yellow
blossoms. D. Aizoon, alpina, ciliaris, cuspi-
data, lapponica, rupestris, frigida, and
helvetica are very dwarf, compact-growing
plants. In each the small flowers, white or
yellow, are produced abundantly. Rarer
kinds are D. Mawi, glacialis, and bruniae-
folia, all worth growing in a full collection
of alpine flowers for a choice rock-garden.
Dracaena. See CORDYLINE.
DRACOCEPHALUM (Dragon's-
head}. — Plants of the Sage family, among
them a few choice perennials suitable for
the rock-garden or the mixed border, suc-
ceeding in light garden soil and increased
by division or seed. D. altaiense has
bright green leaves, and axillary clusters
of large tubular flowers of adense Gentian-
like blue, spotted with red in the throat.
D. austriacumhas flower-stems nearly I ft.
in height, densely covered with rich
purple blossoms ; D. Ruyschianum, a
handsome species, has narrow Hyssop-like
leaves and purplish-blue flowers, but its
variety japonicum, a new introduction
from Japan, is even more showy. D.
peregrinum, with pretty blue flowers
always produced in pairs, is desirable, and
so is D. argunense, which is a variety of
D. Ruyschianum. The most beautiful of
all is D. grandiflorum, a rock-garden
plant, which is the earliest in flower. It
is very dwarf, and has large clusters of in-
tensely blue flowers, which scarcely overtop
the foliage. In D. speciosum, a Himalayan
species, the small deep purple flowers are
nearly smothered by the large green bracts.
The hardy annual kinds, such as Molda-
vicum and D. canescens, are ornamental,
and worth a place in a full collection.
DROSERA (Sundew}.~Mc>^ interest-
ing little bog-plants, of which all the hardy
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ECHINOCACTUS. 537
species but one are natives of Britain.
All are characterised by tufts of leaves
which have tneir surfaces covered with
dense glandular hairs. When the native
kinds are grown artificially the condition
of their natural home should be imitated
as far as possible. In a bog on a very
small scale it is not easy to secure the
humid atmosphere they have at home,
but they will grow wherever Sphagnum
grows. The native kinds are intermedia,
longifolia, obovata, and rotundifolia.
The North American Thread-leaved Sun-
dew (D. filiformis) is a beautiful bog-plant,
with very long slender leaves covered
with glandular hairs, the flowers purple-
rose colour, half an inch wide, and open-
ing only in the sunshine. It is quite
hardy, but appears difficult to cultivate.
DRYAS (MountaijiAvens}. — Mountain
plants of the Rose family, containing two
or three dwarf alpine plants of spreading
growth and neat evergreen foliage. They
thrive in borders in light soil, though they
are seen to best advantage in the rock-
garden, where they can spread over the
brows and surfaces of limestone rocks,
best on an exposed spot, not too dry,
though when well established they will
flourish under almost any conditions.
Division in spring. The kinds are D.
Dnimuiondi, a dwarf, hardy, evergreen
trailer, with flower-stems 3 to 8 in. high ;
its yellow flowers, I in. across, appear in
summer. A native of N. America. D.
octopetala, a creeping evergreen, forming
dense tufts, with pretty white flowers. It
is a British plant and there are two others,
D. lanata, a native of Europe, and D.
integrifolia. American.
ECCREMOCARPUS.— E. Scaber is a
delightful old climber for walls, trellises,
and pillars, its orange-red flowers are
beautiful, and its rambling shoots graceful.
If the roots are protected during winter,
they are uninjured and the plant annually
increases in size. Increased freely by seed,
and should be raised in this way occasion-
ally. Syn., Calampelis.
ECHEVERIA. — Dwarf succulent
plants, much used in the flower garden, es-
pecially the half-hardy species like secunda.
Other species are tenderer and need a
greenhouse to keep them through the win-
ter, and a warm house or frame to propa-
gate them in the spring. E. secunda is well
known by its pale green rosette, leaves
tipped with red. E. s. major is but a
mealy form of the same. E. s. glauca
differs only in having leaves rather more
pointed and glaucous. E. s. pumila is a
smaller form, with narrow leaves of the
same colour as E. s. major, E. glauca
metallica is intermediate between the
well-known E. metallica and E. secunda
glauca. Dwarf and massive, the leaves
are very solid and fleshy. E. metallica is
a noble species, and distinct in the size
of its leaves and in their rich metallic hue.
The dwarfer kinds are used mostly as
edgings or panels. The fine E. metallica
is very effective on the margins of beds and
groups of the dwarfer foliage plants, or here
and there among hardy succulents. It should
be planted out about the middle of May.
INCREASE. — As soon as the seed is ripe
prepare to sow it. Fill some 4-in. pots to
within \ in. of the rim with equal pro-
portions of leaf-mould and well-sanded
loam. Make the surface very firm, and
water the soil so that the whole body of
it becomes thoroughly moistened. Having
allowed the moisture to drain away, scatter
the seed lightly and cover it thinly with
silver sand. Place the pot in a hand-light
or in a close frame ; cover with a pane of
glass and shade. The seed will germinate
before the soil can dry, and if it is sown
as soon as it is ripe every seed will come
up. As soon as the seedlings are large
enough to handle, prick them out thinly
into pans or 6-in. pots ; keep them close
until they are fairly established, and then
allow them the full benefit of sun and air.
After the middle of September give no
water, and take care to remove all decay
as soon as it is perceived. If planted
early in April in well-worked and fairly-
enriched soil, these little plants will
be strong by the autumn. There is
another method of increasing them.
With a sharp knife cut out the heart of
the plant, so as to induce offshoots. These
taken off will speedily make good speci-
mens. E. metallica maybe increased in the
following manner : Take off the flower-
stems which come early in the season ; cut
off the embryo flowers and place the stems
in pots of sandy soil. These stems will
strike and will produce little offsets from
the axils of the flower-stem leaves. If
these are taken off they will readily strike.
E. metallica may also be raised from seed
in the manner above described.
Echinacea. See RUDBECKIA.
ECHINOCACTUS.—^. Simpsoni is a
beautiful little Cactaceous plant, a native
of Colorado, occurring at great elevations,
and believed to be hardy. It grows in a
globular mass, 3 or 4 in. across, which is
covered with white spines. It flowers
early in March, bearing large pale purple
blossoms which are very beautiful. No
one appears to have had any lengthened
experience in cultivating it, but, so far, it
seems to thrive. Its natural conditions
538 ECHINOCEREUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ECHIUM.
should be imitated as far as may be. In
its native habitat it enjoys a dry climate,
and, in some seasons at least, is more or
less protected from frost by a covering of
snow. In this country, however, it has
withstood 32° of frost, and therefore in a
dry spot may escape and flourish.
ECHINOCEREUS. — Plants of the |
Cactus family (from arid regions in N.
America), some of which have been said
to be hardy. Mr. E. G. Loder, of Weedon,
Northamptonshire, grows and flowers
them successfully. He thus writes to
The Garden : " I have a wall here where
the Ivy hangs over in such a way that
it keeps a large portion of the winter's
snow and rain off the plants growing
underneath. In this position I have
grown several species of Echinocereus
and Opuntia, an Echinocactus, and a
Mammillaria. Only small plants were
tried, yet several flowered in spite of our
very severe winters and not favourable
summers. We had 41° of frost one
winter, but none of these Cacti were in-
jured by it. No species of Cactus which
I have tried does well in a level border.
A narrow rock border, raised about i ft.
high, against a south wall, would be a
capital position, but it is much improved
if the wall has a good wide coping. The
most attractive is a natural one of Ivy.
What success I have in the culture of
these plants has amply repaid me for all
the trouble and care spent upon them ;
but much greater success may reasonably
be expected by any one who will under-
take their cultivation in a more sunny part
of England. All of them are beautiful,
and some quite splendid when in flower.
E. Fendleri bears some of the brightest
coloured flowers that I have ever seen — a
rich purple." The species of Echino-
cereus that Mr. Loder grows are E.
noephiceus, gonacanthus, Fendleri, viri-
diflorus, and paucispinus. We have no
doubt that various hardy Cacti of N.
America would flower well on raised stony
borders and sunny banks in rock-gardens.
Give them soil which is well drained and
sunny, but exposed, away from all coping
or artificial protection, but take great care
so to place them in relation to surrounding
objects that their stems cannot easily be
hurt in clearing or passing. A few protecting
stones and low evergreens can be grouped
so as to keep off the digger and also
dangerous animals. A close turf of some
dwarf clean alpine will prevent earth-
splashings and will improve the effect.
Echinochloa. See PANICUM.
ECHINOPS (Globe Thistle}.-^ fine
hardy plant from S. Russia, 3 to 5 ft. high,
covered with a silvery down, E. ritthcnicus
having the flowers blue, in round heads.
Thrives in ordinary soil. Easily multiplied
by division of the tufts, or by cuttings of the
roots in spring. It is the most ornamental
of its distinct family, and is highly suit-
able for grouping with the bolder her-
baceous plants. It would also look well
when isolated on the turf. There are
other species, mostly from S. Europe and
the Levant, among which are E. Ritro
and E. banaticus ; but we have never seen
any so good as E. ruthenicus, and, as the
species are very much alike, it is enough
to grow the best. E. sphasrocephalus is
Echinops ruthenicus (Globe Thistle).
a fine species tall and handsome ;
giganteus is a garden variety of the above,
more robust, and with larger heads.
ECHIUM (Viper9 s Bugloss}.— Hand-
some plants of the Forget-me-not Order,
the finer kinds of which, though superb in
the open gardens of S. Europe, are too
tender for flower gardens. E. planta-
gineum is one of the handsomest of the
annual or biennial species. Its showy
flowers, of rich purplish-violet, are in long
slender wreaths that rise erect from a tuft
of broad leaves. It is handsomer than
our indigenous species, E. pustulatum and
E. vulgare. E. rubrum is a scarce and
handsome species, its habit is similar to
those above mentioned, but its colour is a
reddish -violet, similar to the attractive E.
creticum. The Salamanca Viper's Bugloss
(E. salmanticum) is another fine kind, but
difficult to obtain, except from its native
locality. These five species are now in
cultivation, and are representative of the
annual and biennial Echiums. They are
all showy and of the simplest culture.
The seeds should be sown in ordinary
EDRAIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
EIJE AGNUS.
539
garden soil, either in spring for the current
year's flowering, or late in autumn for
flowering in early summer. Our native
E. vulgare is good in certain positions ;
its long racemes of blue flowers are hand-
somer than those of the Italian Anchusa.
Against a hot wall, where nothing else
would grow, Dr. Acland, of the Grammar
School, Colchester, planted some, and
they gave a beautiful bloom. It is
valuable for such positions, particularly
on hot gravelly or chalky soils.
Edraianthus. See WAHLENBERGIA.
Edwardsia. See SOPHORA.
EKEAGNUS (Oleaster). — Several of
the Oleasters are beautiful shrubs, and de-
serve to be much more widely cultivated
than they are now.
E. angustifolia, the form which grows
wild in South-eastern Europe, is the wild
Olive of the old Greek authors, and in
some modern books is called Jerusalem
Willow. The long silvery-gray fruit is
constantly sold in the Constantinople
markets under the name of Ighide agaghi,
and is sweet and pleasant to the taste,
abounding as it does in a dry, mealy,
saccharine substance ; it possesses the
property of retaining, for a considerable
time after being gathered, its usual size
and form. The general aspect of this
form is much more that of a Willow than
an Olive, the long lanceolate leaves being
grayish above and silvery-white beneath.
Under cultivation I have seen this thrive
in a dry, hungry, sandy soil, and attain tree-
like proportions with a stem as much as
a foot in diameter. This deciduous species
is capable of being turned to good account
by the landscape gardener; the yellow
tubular flowers are produced in profusion.
E. argentea, or E. canadensis (the
Silver Berry, or Missouri Silver Tree\
has very fragrant tubular yellow flowers,
followed by an abundance of nearly
globular, dry, mealy, edible fruit. This
species gives a characteristic feature to
the vegetation of the Upper Missouri
valley, and in a wild state grows 8 or 10 ft.
in height, and throws up an abundance
of suckers, a habit which, at any rate in
a young state, does not appear to occur
so much under cultivation. The oval
leaves are silvery- white. In nearly all
British and foreign nurseries this species
is confused with the Buffalo Berry
(Shepherdia argentea), a genus belonging
to the same natural order as the Elasagnus,
but altogether different from it.
E. hortensis, a somewhat variable
plant with a wide geographical dis-
tribution, is cultivated in many countries
for the sake of its fruit. In Dr. Aitchison's
Botany of the Afghan Delimitation
Commission it is described as a shrub
or tree occurring at an elevation of 3,000
ft. and upwards, near running streams, and
cultivated largely in orchards for its fruit.
E. longipes, a thoroughly deciduous
Japanese species, is one of the most
desirable members of the genus. Prof.
Sargent thus writes of it in Garden and
Forest : " The plant may well be grown
for the beauty of its fruit alone, which,
moreover, is juicy and edible with a
sharp, rather pungent, agreeable flavour.
Both the size and the flavour can doubt-
less be improved by careful selection,
and it is quite within the range of
possibility that it may become a highly
esteemed and popular dessert and culinary
fruit. To some persons, even in its pre-
sent state, the flavour is far preferable to
that of the Currant or the Gooseberry."
The fruit, as implied by the specific name,
is borne on long stalks ; it is bright red
in colour and covered with minute white
dots. The branches are covered with
rusty brown scales, and the. somewhat
leathery leaves are dark green above and
silvery-white beneath. Pheasants are
said to be very fond of the fruit, and I
can vouch for the fact that blackbirds and
other fruit-eating birds will soon strip a
bush unless it be netted. Some French
growers make a preserve of the fruit, and
this is said to be very similar to that
made from the fruit of the Cornelian
Cherry (Cornus mas) ; a spirit, too, with a
taste like kirsch, has also been made from
the fruit. E. longipes, known in some
gardens under the names of E. edulis, E.
odorata edulis, and E. rotundifolia, is appa-
rently as hardy as the first-named species.
E. macrophylla, an evergreen species
from China and Japan, has large roundish
leaves, grayish above and silvery beneath.
Old plants are said to produce suckers
freely, but the species is a somewhat
recent introduction to British gardens,
and all the specimens which I have seen
up to the present have not shown any
tendency to sucker. It is quite distinct
in appearance from any other hardy
cultivated shrub, and is worthy of much
more general employment in the orna-
mental shrubbery. In its native habitats
it is said to sometimes attain tree-like
dimensions ; under cultivation I have only
seen it as a dense bush.
E. pungens, E. glabra, and E. reflexa
are beautiful evergreens, which are not
very dissimilar in general aspect, and
which without long dry scientific de-
scriptions it would be impossible to dis-
tinguish. Variegated forms exist of all
540
EL^EAGNUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ELYMUS.
three, and any of them, as well as the
types, are thoroughly well worthy of a
place in the garden or pleasure-ground.
They are all natives of Japan, &c., but
do not appear to be quite as hardy as the
species previously mentioned ; all could
be tried, however, with every prospect of
success in the southern counties. Some
of them in the south of Europe assume
a somewhat climbing habit, and round
the North Italian lakes, for example,
the upper surface ; in a young state earlier
in the season they are silvery-gray, and
silvery-white beneath. The creamy-white
flowers are produced in the greatest pro-
fusion in June. In some localities the
plant is practically evergreen ; in the
neighbourhood of London, however, it
is — at any rate during such winters as
the two last — to all intents and purposes
deciduous. It is probably perfectly hardy
throughout Britain, as it withstands the
Lyme Grass (Klyrnus arenarius).
grow up to the tops ot high Fir and
Pine trees.
E. Simpni, said to be a native of China,
seems quite hardy, but is the least orna-
mental of those which have been men-
tioned in these notes. A variegated form
of this, with leaves margined with dark
green and with the centres constantly varie-
gated with golden-yellow and yellowish-
green, originated in the Belgian nurseries
a few years ago ; it is highly spoken of in
some of the Belgian periodicals.
E. umbellata is a beautiful bush. The
leaves are deep green and glabrous on
much severer winters of Northern Ger-
many without protection. In a wild
state it occurs from the Himalayas to
China and Japan. Elaeagnus parvifolia
is a name under which this species occurs
in some gardens. — G. N.
ELYMUS (Lyme Grass}. — E. aretuuiits
is a wild British Grass, vigorous and dis-
tinct, which if planted in deep soil near
the margin of a shrubbery, or on a bank
on the Grass, makes an effective plant,
growing 4 ft. high, and as we should culti-
vate it for the leaves, there would be no loss
if the flowers were removed. It is frequent
EMBOTHRIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
EPHEDRA.
541
on our shores, but more abundant in the
north than in the south. E. condensatus
(Bunch Grass) is a vigorous perennial
Grass from British Columbia, forming a
dense, compact, column-like growth, and
more than 8 ft. high. It is covered from
the base almost to the top with long
arching leaves, and in the flowering season
is crowned with erect rigid spikes 6^ in.
long, so that it resembles an elongated ear
of wheat. It is very ornamental, and maybe
grown in the same way as the Lyme Grass.
Other kinds might be mentioned, but
one or two give us the best effect of the
race.
EMBOTHRIUM (Fire Bush\—E.coc-
cineum is a very beautiful S. American
evergreen shrub of the Protea family, hardy
in warm parts of Britain, even without
the protection of a wall. At Coombe
Royal, in South Devon, it grows quite
20 ft. high, and is a spectacle of won-
drous beauty about the end of April or
the beginning of May, when every twig
carries a cluster of fiery flowers. Even
on the favoured Devonshire coast a
sharp late frost will sometimes injure the
flowers. It thrives near the coast in
southern Ireland and in Wicklow at
Mr. Acton's, but soon perishes in less
favoured places.
EMPETRUM (Crowberry}. — E. ni-
grum is a small evergreen Heath-like
bush, of the easiest culture, which may be
associatedwith the dwarfer rock shrubs.
It is a native plant, and the badge of the
Scotch clan McLean.
ENKIANTHUS.— E. campanulatus is
a pretty shrub, native of Northern Japan.
It has slender branches covered with a
light brown bark, and campanulate flowers
produced in a pendulous cluster, and of a
pale rosy-red colour, with three darker
lines on each of the five sections of the
corolla.
E. cermms. — A little-known species
only recently introduced from Japan,
where it is said to be a bush 6 ft. to
8 ft. high. The reddish flowers are
campanulate, and slightly five-lobed.
Syn., Me.isteria cernua.
E. japonicus. — A rare and desirable
shrub, first discovered by Sir Rutherford
Alcock near Nagasaki, Japan, in 1859,
and afterwards introduced by Messrs.
Standish. The leaves turn to a beautiful
deep orange colour before falling in
autumn. The pendent flowers are pure
white, globose, and contracted to a much
narrower mouth than in E. campanu-
latus. Ericaceae.
EOMECON (Cyclamen Poppy}.— E.
chionanthus is a very charming hardy
perennial Poppy intermediate between
Stylophorum and Sanguinaria. The root-
stocks are usually as thick as the finger ;
they run freely underground, and increase
rapidly ; leaves all from the base, long-
stalked, and resembling those of the
hardy Cyclamen. The flowers, 2 to 3 in.
in diameter, are pure white, with a bunch
of yellow anthers in the centre ; several
borne on stems about i ft. high. It is
a native of China, and will be found
perfectly hardy out-of-doors ; it has stood
the winters of 1890 and 1891 without
injury. This Poppy will be found a
delightful plant in moist situations in free
soil, and fully exposed to the sun. The
pure pearly-white Poppy flowers, in a
setting of bold yellow-green foliage, make
Epigaea repens (Mayflower).
an elegant picture, and as it continues in
flower all through the summer, it is a
good plant for the rock-garden. It can
be increased to any extent by division.
EPHEDRA. — (Shrubby Horsetail}.
Curious greyish, wiry trailing bushes of
Southern Europe and Northern Africa,
rare in our gardens, but hardy here and
there, as in the Cambridge Botanic
Gardens, where there is light warm soil.
All these plants resemble to a certain
extent the Equisetums, and though they
are leafless, or nearly so, the bright green
colour of the bark makes them conspic-
uous at all seasons. E. distachya\s a native
of the southern part of France and Spain,
in sandy soils on the seashore, a yard or
more high, forming a spreading mass of
bright green cylindrical branches distinct
from our hardy shrubs ; the berries, which
542
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
EQUISETUM.
Ephedr
do not always appear in this country, are
red. In the front of the shrubbery, where
the slender branches can grow at will, this
Ephedra is seen to advantage, breaking
up the outline, and it is a good plant for
bold arrangements in
the rock garden as it
will succeed in dry spots.
It is also known as E.
nebrodensis. E. vulgaris
is a smaller plant and one
that will resist more cold
as it is a native of Si-
beria, also some of the
more southern districts
of Asia. Other species
are found in different
parts of the world, but the
nomenclature of the en-
tire genus is confused,
and it is probable that
the list of names would
be reduced if they were grown together,
as slight geographical variations would
no doubt disappear under cultivation. — T.
EPIG.51A (Mayflower}.— & small Ever-
green found in sandy soil in the shade of
Pines in many parts of N. America, E.
repens having pretty rose-tinted flowers
in small clusters, which exhale a rich
odour, and appear in spring. Its natural
home is under trees, and it would be well
to plant some of it in the shade of Pines
or shrubs. It was at one time lost to our
nurseries and gardens, owing to the habit
of planting all things in the same kind
of exposed situation. It is a charming
plant for the wild garden, in sandy or
peaty soil under trees, growing only a few
inches high. Ericaceae.
EPILOBIUM (French Willow}.— Few
of these plants are worthy of cultivation,
but some are important, and the best
perhaps is the showy crimson native E.
angustifolium, of which there is a pure
white variety. This plant runs in a border
so quickly as to soon become a trouble-
some weed, but is fine when allowed to
run wild in a rough shrubbery or copse,
where it may bloom with the Foxglove.
It is a native of Europe and many parts
of Britain. Division. Other kinds some-
what less vigorous are E. angustissimum,
E. Dodonaei, and E. rosmarinifolium.
The common native E. hirsutum is stouter
than the French Willow, and is only
useful by the margins of streams and
ponds, associated with the Loosestrife
and such plants. There is a variegated
form. The Rocky Mountain Willow
Herb (E. obcordatum) is a beautiful rock-
plant. The Willow Herbs of our own
latitudes are very tall and vigorous, but
on the dreary summits of the Rocky
Mountains and the Californian Sierras one
species has succeeded in contending
against the elements by reason of its very
dwarf stature ; it has imitated the Phloxes
and Pentstemons of the same region ;
though not more than 3 in. high, it has
retained the size and beauty of flower of
the finest species, the colour being rosy-
crimson. It is hardy, and thrives in
ordinary sandy soil in the rock-garden.
Some of the small New Zealand species,
such as glabellum nummulariaefolium, and
longipes, are very useful for draping stones
on rock-gardens. — D.
EPIMEDIUM (Barren-wort}.— Inter-
estingand, when well grown, elegant plants
of the Barberry Order, but not shrubby.
E. pinnatum is a hardy dwarf perennial
from Asia Minor, 8 in. to 2^ ft. high, with
handsome tufts, and bearing long clusters
of yellow flowers. The old leaves remain
fine until the new ones appear in the
ensuing spring. It is not well to remove
them, as they shelter the buds of the new
leaves during the winter, and the plants
flower better when they are allowed to re-
main. Cool peaty soil and a slightly shaded
position are most suitable. Other species
are alpinum, macranthum, Musschianum,
purpureum, rubrum, niveum, and viola-
ceum, all loving half-shady spots in peat, or
in moist sandy soil. None are so valuable
for general culture as the first-mentioned.
Known species. — E. alpimun, Europe, con-
cinnurii) Japan, elatiun, Himal. inacranthmu,
Japan. Musschiamim, do. Perralderiamtm,
Algeria. pinnatum, Persia. pteroceras,
Caucas. pubescens, China, piibigeruui, Caucas.
ritbrnm, Japan, sagittatum, do.
EPIPACTIS (MarshE.}—E. palustris
is a somewhat showy hardy Orchid, i to i^
ft. high, flowering late in summer, and bear-
ing rather handsome purplish flowers. A
native of moist grassy places in all parts of
temperate and southern Europe. A good
plant for the bog -garden, or for moist spots
near a rivulet, in soft peat. In moist dis-
tricts it thrives very well in ordinary moist
soil.
EQUISETUM (Giant Horse-tail}.— E.
Telmateia is a tall British plant, of much
grace of habit when well developed, and
from 3 to 6 ft. high in moist peaty or clay
hollows in woods. The stem is furnished
from top to bottom with spreading whorls
of slender branches, slightly drooping, the
whole forming a graceful pyramid. It is fit
for the hardy fernery, shady peat borders,
near cascades, or among shrubs, and grows
best in deep vegetable soil. Division. E.
sylvaticum is another native Horse-tail,
much dwarfer, but graceful when well
ERAGROSTIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
EREMURUS. 543
grown, the stem standing 8 to 15 in.
high, and being covered with slender
branches.
ERAGROSTIS (Love Grass).— Grasses,
some of which are worth cultivating for
their elegant feathery panicles. E.
iegyptiaca, with silvery-white plumes,
maxima, elegans, pilosa, amabilis, pellu-
cida, capillaris, plumosa, are all elegant
annuals. They are useful for cutting for
the house during summer. Seed may be
sown in autumn or spring in the open air,
on or in a slightly heated frame. For
preserving, the stems should be gathered
before the seeds are too ripe.
ERANTHIS ( Winter Aconite). — E.
hyemalis is a pretty early plant with yellow
flowers surrounded by a whorl of shining
green. It is 3 to 8 in. high, and flowers
from January to March. It is seen best in
a half-wild state, under trees or on banks
in woody places, though it is occasionally
worthy of a place among the earliest
border flowers. It often naturalises itself
freely in Grass, and is very beautiful when
the little yellow flowers peep out in early
spring. E. cilicicus is a recent introduc-
tion of like stature and character, though
distinct as a species, and seems to be
of like value and hardiness. We may
therefore enjoy it without giving it
positions suited for more delicate plants,
or taking any trouble about it, but it is
more vigorous on chalky or warm soils,
and dwindles on some cold soils.
EREMURUS.— Noble bulbous plants
from Northern India, Persia, and Central
Asia, as yet little seen in our gardens. Of
their culture or fitness for our climate
fenerally little can be said with certainty,
lost of the forms are handsome, and \vell
suited for the warm sheltered glades of
gardens where hardy flowers and plants
are grown in a natural and informal way.
In such a home they can be associated in
bold groups with some of the finest hardy
plants, with a background of fine-foliaged
subjects and choice shrubs. In planting,
however, care should be taken to place
the roots where they would not be over-
grown or shaded by other plants, so that
the crowns should receive the greatest
amount of sunshine during the ripening
period previous to going to rest. They
thrive admirably in deep, rich, sandy loam,
such as would suit Lilium auratum, with
the addition of some thoroughly decayed
cow manure. My own plants were grown
in a bed filled in 3 ft. deep with a compost
of good fibrous loam, sharp river-sand,
peat, decayed cow manure, and charcoal,
with a well-drained sheltered situation
facing due south. Once well planted,
they should never be disturbed, as the
roots are extremely brittle and very liable
to injury. The surface soil above the roots
should be kept clean by hand weeding
and enriched by occasional surfacings of
old manure, leaf-soil, and a little grit,
thoroughly broken up and mixed together.
Autumn is the best period for planting,
which should take place as soon as the
young plants have ripened their growth,
the sites being well and deeply prepared
some little time beforehand, so as to allow
the soil to thoroughly settle before the
plants are placed in it. As the whole
family dislike stagnant moisture, care
should be taken to avoid this at the time
of planting, and in any favourable situation
this can be managed by spreading out
the roots of the young plants upon the
prepared surface of the bed and covering
them with soil so as to form a mound. This
can be afterwards surfaced with Cocoa-nut
fibre refuse to exclude frost. In any case
it is a great advantage to keep the crown of
the plant slightly above the soil. I found
a plan adopted by Mr. Gumbleton, who
is a most successful cultivator of these
plants, to be an excellent protection
during winter and early spring, especially
at the latter period, when the young
growth is liable to be injured by frost
and the plants to be disfigured for the
whole season, if not permanently injured.
The shelter, in fact, is very simple and
is easily managed — being merely the
placing over each plant of a hand-light
upon supports. As it takes some of the
forms several years to flower, old plants
are valuable, but are difficult to move.
It is better, therefore, to begin with three
year-old plants if possible, and care
should be taken to obtain the plants from
a trustworthy source, or, after waiting
patiently, cultivators may find that in
stead of the beautiful E. robustus or E.
himalaicus, they have the uninteresting
E. spectabilis, or some other species that
f they do not care for.
Owing to losing my garden, I had,
unfortunately, to break up my collection
in the finest condition, before all the
forms I had collected had flowered. I,
however, flowered E. robustus, Olgae,
himalaicus, and Bungei, all of which are
very beautiful, and amenable to cultiva-
tion.
These four forms all flowered finely,
and throve admirably in a Herefordshire
garden. A most interesting account of
this family, with a list of the species and
varieties known to cultivation, may be
found in vol. xxix. (p. 96) of The Garden,
which cannot fail to assist those who con-
544
EREMURUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
EREMURUS.
template the introduction of these beautiful
plants into their gardens. — W. J. G.
The Rev. F. Page- Roberts writes from
Scole Rectory : —
Eremurus robustus.
" With a little trouble Eremuri may be
grown successfully by every lover of
beautiful flowers. All that is necessary
for their well-being is protection from
slugs, which soon scent them from afar.
I keep a perforated zinc collar round
the crown and protect from spring
frosts. The plant early forces its way
up even through the frost-bound earth,
but the tender flower-spike, tender only in
infancy, is nipped in the bud if rain fall
on it and freeze. Protection also from
cutting winds which destroy the foliage is
needed. With such precautions and
planted in loam, deep, but not too stiff,
in a well-drained sunny border, and with
an occasional dose of weak liquid manure,
they will repay one for all the care given
to them."
E. Aitchisonii.— This is a very fine
species, nearly allied to E. robustus. It
was introduced a few years ago from Kar-
shatal, Afghanistan, where it grows on
ridges of the hills nearly 12,000 ft. above
sea-level, flowering in June. It is a rather
fine species, producing dense spikes of
pale reddish flowers. The robust and
very striking stems vary from 3 to 5 ft.
high.
E. aurantiacus. — A charming dwarf
plant somewhat resembling E. Bungei,
and perfectly hardy in gardens. It
flowers in April, the numerous spikes of
bright citron-yellow flowers giving quite
a character to part of the Hariab district,
where it is one of the commonest plants
on rough stony ground. It is very
interesting as the vegetable proper of
the Hariab district, and is said to be
the sole vegetable upon which the in-
habitants depend for at least two months
of the year. The leaves are simply cut
from the root-stock, as close to the
ground as possible, and cooked. It is
extremely palatable, and Dr. Aitchison
recommends its growth as an early spring
vegetable.
E. Bungei. — A pretty dwarf species
now plentiful in nurseries. The leaves,
contemporary with the flowers, are narrow,
linear, and about i ft. long. Flower-
stem somewhat slender, I to 3 ft. long.
Flowers bright yellow, the segments
reflexing from above the base, and
having a distinct green keel. The
stamens are about twice as long as the
perianth. Native of Persia, flowering in
July.
E. himalaicus is a beautiful white-
flowered species, introduced to cultivation
by Mr. Gumbleton, and is one of the
most lovely hardy plants in cultivation.
In form and height it reminds one of E.
robustus, but it starts into growth later,
escaping spring frosts. The flower-
stems are 4 to 8 ft. high, the dense
raceme taking up quite 2 ft. of the
upper portion, with flowers as large as a
ERIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ERICA.
545
florin. It is one of the hardiest and best
of the known species. It flowers in May
and June, and is a native of the temperate
Himalayas.
E. OlgSB is a comparatively dwarf
form, received with E. Bungei from Herr
Max Leichtlin, and one of the latest to
flower. The flower-stem is nearly 4 ft.
high, and is densely set with handsome
lilac flowers as large as a five-shilling
piece. It is certainly one of the hand-
somest and most conspicuous flowered
species. It was introduced about eight
years ago by Dr. Regel. A native
of Turkestan, flowering in June and
July.
E. robustus, a lovely species, and one
of the best known in gardens. It pro-
duces a huge flower-stem 6 to 10 ft. high,
bearing on its summit a dense raceme of
peach-shaded lilac flowers nearly 2 in. in
diameter. It is perfectly hardy, and may
often be seen forcing its shoots through
frozen ground. It is one of the easiest to
manage. Native of Turkestan, flowering
in June. — D.
Known species. — They are Asiatic plants
coming chiefly from Asia Minor, Persia,
Afghanistan, India, and Turkestan. E. Aitchi-
soni, Afghan. Alberti, albo-citrinus, altaicus,
angustifolius, anisopterus, Aucherianus, bach-
tiaricus, bucharicus, Bungei, cappadocicus,
Capusi, Griffithii, himalaicus, inderiensis, Kauf-
manni, Korolkowi, luteus, Olgae, persicus,
robustus, spectabilis, stenophyllus, Stocksii,
Suworowi, tauricus, turkestanicus.
ERIANTHUS.— A fine Grass from S.
Europe, E. Ravenna is somewhat like the
Pampas Grass in habit, but smaller in
size, having violet-tinged leaves. The
flowering stems grow from 5 to6|- ft. high,
but as it only flowers with us in a very
warm season, it must be valued for its
foliage alone. I ts dense tufts are strongest
with us in light or warm soil, in positions
with a south aspect. It is poor on cold
soils, and will probably not grow well north
of London. It is fitted for association
with such Grasses as Arundo conspicua.
Division of the tufts in spring or autumn.
E. strictus is another species, but is not
so good as E. Ravennae.
ERICA (Heath}.— Beautiful shrubs, of
which the kinds that are wild in Europe
are very precious for gardens. We should
take more hints from our own wild plants
and bring the hardy Heaths of Britain
into the garden. Why should we have
such things as the Alternanthera grown
with care and cost in hothouses, and then
put out in summer to make our flower
gardens ridiculous, while neglecting such
lovely hardy things as our own Heaths and
their many pretty varieties ? But very many
people do not know how happy these
Heaths are as garden plants, and how well
they mark the seasons, and for the most
part at a time when people go into the
country. A pretty Heath garden is that
of Sir P. Currie at Hawley, where, near
his house he has kept, instead of a lawn,
a piece of the Heath land of the district
almost in its natural state, save for a little
levelling of old pits. In such places the
native Heaths of Surrey and Hampshire
sow themselves, and nothing can be
better in the situation. Where, as in
many country places, the Heaths abound,
there is less need to cultivate them, al-
though we cultivate nothing prettier. In
places large enough for bold Heath gar-
dens it would be well to plant them, but
a small place is often large enough for
a few beds of hardy Heaths. Once
established, they need very little attention.
To some it may be necessary to state that
most of our Heaths break into white and
various coloured, the common Heather
having many pretty varieties, also the
Scotch Heath. These forms are quite as
free as the wild sorts, and give delightful
variety in a Heath garden, which need
not by any means be a pretentious affair,
but quite simple ; for Heaths are best on
the nearly level ground. Though they
grow best, perhaps, in northern and upland
peat bogs and wastes, we see them in the
southern counties in ordinary soils, though
on heaths they seem to form their own soil
by decay of the stems and leaves for
many years. Choice Heaths form often
the very best adornment of rocky banks,
but these are by no means necessary,
and some of the best groups I have seen
were on the level ground, as in the late Sir
William Beaumont's garden in Surrey.
This group of plants has as yet had but
scant care, and, if grown at all, is grown
in a poor way and more for its " botanical
interest " than from any just sense of its
great beauty. That can only be fairly
judged of by those who see Heaths on
mountains and moors, where they are
among the most beautiful of plants in
effect in broad masses. This can hardly
ever be shown in small gardens, but why
should it not be in large ones ? We need
not even have a garden to cultivate
Heaths in a picturesque way, as almost
any rough open ground will do, and some
kinds will do among bushes and in woody
places. The larger Heaths, where grown,
should be massed in visible groups, and
the dwarf ones seen in masses also, and
not treated as mere " specks " on rockeries.
They are all of easy culture and all the
dwarf kind of easy increase by pulling in
N N
546
ERICA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
pieces and replanting at once any time
from October to April.
E. ARBOREA (Tree Heath}. — A tall and
graceful shrub of Southern Europe, N. Africa
and the Canary islands ; white flowered, and
covering vast areas in the upland woods of
Oak or other trees, attaining a height of 12
feet or more in N. Africa, and in the Canaries
becoming a tree. This Heath is tender in
Britain generally, but may be grown in
southern and warm districts and on warm
soil in sheltered valleys near the sea with its
friendly warmth.
E. AUSTRALIS (Southern Heath].— A pretty
bush Heath of the sandy hills and wastes of
Spain and Portugal, 2 feet to 3 feet high,
flowering in spring in Britain. The flowers
are rosy purple and fragrant. It deserves a
place in heathy soils and sheltered places near
the coast.
E. CARNEA (Alpine Forest Heath}.— A
jewel among mountain Heaths and hardy as
the rock Lichen. On many ranges of Central
Europe at rest in the snow in winter, in our
mild winters it flowers in January in the south,
and in all districts is in bloom in the dawn
of spring — deep rosy flowers, carpeting the
ground, the leaves and all good in colour.
There are one or two varieties, one white.
This Heath is not averse to loamy soils, and
often thrives on them as well as on peat soil.
Syn., E. herbacea.
E. CINEREA (Scotch Heath). — A dwarf and
pretty Heath common in many parts of Britain,
and particularly Scotland, very easily grown,
and has pretty varieties of white and various
colours. Its flowers of reddish purple begin
to expand early in June. Among its varieties
are alba, bicolor, coccinea, pallida, purpurea,
and rosea.
E. CILIARIS (Dorset Heath). — A lovely
dwarf Heath, and as pretty as any Heath of
Europe. A native of Western France and
Spain in heaths and sandy woods it also
comes into Southern England, and is hardy
further north than the districts it inhabits
naturally. The flowers are of a purple -
crimson, and fade away into a pretty brown.
It is neat in habit and excellent in every way,
thriving also in loamy as well as in peaty soils,
and flowering from June to October.
E. HYBRIUA (Hybrid Heath}.— A cross
between E. carnea and E. mediterranea. It is
a remarkable plant and flowers through the
winter and far into the spring, thriving in
loamy soil almost as well as in peat, and
is excellent as a ground work below Azaleas.
E. HIBERNICA (Irish Heath).— Mr. Boswell
Syme, whose knowledge of British plants was
most profound, considered this Irish plant dis-
tinct from the Mediterranean Heath, "the flower-
ing not taking place in the Irish plant till three
or four months after the Mediterranean Heath ; ;'
a fine shrub in Mayo and Galway, growing
from 2 to 5 feet high.
E. LUSITANICA (Portuguese Heath). — This
is for Britain the most precious of the taller
Heaths, 2 to 4 feet high, and, hardier than
the Tree Heath, it may be grown over a larger
area. Even in a cool district I have had it
in a loamy soil ten years, and almost every
year it bears lovely wreaths of flowers in mid-
winter, white flowers with a little touch of pink,
in fine long Foxbrush-like shoots. In about
one year in five it is cut down by frost, but
usually recovers. This would probably perish
in the north, but is a shrub of rare beauty
for sea coast and mild districts. Syn. E.
codonodes.
E. MEDITERRANEA (Mediterranean Heath}.
— A bushy kind, 3 to 5 feet high, best in peat,
and flowering prettily in spring. Although
Erigeron speciosus.
a native of Southern Europe, it is hardier in
our country than the Tree Heaths of Southern
Europe. Of this species there are several
varieties.
E. STRICTA (Corsican Heath}. — A wiry-
looking shrub, compact in habit, about 4
feet high, and a handsome plant. A native
of the mountains of Corsica, flowering in
summer.
E. SCOPARIA (Broom Heath}.— A tall and
wiry-looking Heath, reaching 8 feet or more
in our country, flowering in summer, not
showy. I have seen this in cold parts of
France (Sologne), and it is hardier than most
ERIGERON.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
KRIGERON.
547
of the larger Heaths : it is often naked at the
bottom and bushy and close at the top.
E. TETRALIX (Marsh or Bell Heather}.—
This beautiful Heath is frequent throughout
the northern, as well as western, regions,
thriving in moist or boggy places but also
in ordinary soil in gardens. This Heath has
several varieties, differing in colour mainly.
E. Mackaiana is thought to be a variety of
the Bell Heather. There is also a supposed
hybrid between this and the Dorset Heath.
E. Watsoni is a hybrid between the Bell
Heather and Dorset Heath. Flowering sum-
mer and early autumn.
E. VAGANS (Cornish Heath} is a vigorous
bush Heath thriving in almost any soil, 3 to 4
feet high. A native of Southern Britain and
Ireland, and better fitted for bold groups in
the pleasure ground or covert than the garden.
There are several varieties, but they do not
differ much from the wild plant.
E. VUI.GARIS (Heather : Ling}. — As precious
as any Heath is the common Heather and
its many varieties, none of them prettier
than the common form, but worth having,
excluding only the very dwarf and monstrous
ones, which are useless except in the rock
garden, and not of much good there. Heathers
are excellent for forming low covert, and, of
all the plants, none so quickly clothes a bare
slope of shaly soil, not taking any notice of
the hottest summer in such situations. Among
the best varieties are alba, Alporti, coccinea,
decumbens, Hanunondi^ptimila^ rigida, Searlei,
and tomentosa. Syn., Calluna.
E. DABCECII (Dabacs Heath). — The name
of this fine plant has been so often changed
by botanists that it is difficult to find it by
name in books, and I give it by the Linnean
name here. It is a beautiful shrub 18 inches
to 30 inches high, bearing crimson-purple
blooms in drooping racemes. There is a
white variety even more beautiful, and one
with pruple and white flowers, called bicolor.
I have had the white form in flower through-
out the summer and autumn on a slope fully
exposed to the sun, and in very hot years,
too. Syn. Menziesia polifolia^ also Dabcecia
and Boretta. West of Ireland.
E. MAWEANA (Maw's Heath}.— Of this
Heath, Mr. Robert Lindsay writes as follows :
" This is one of the handsomest of all the hardy
Heaths and was discovered by Mr. George Maw
in Portugal in 1872. It may be best described
as a very vigorous-growing Erica ciliaris,
which it resembles, but is more robust in
all its parts ; the flowers also besides being
larger than those of E. ciliaris, are darker
in colour. It flowers from July to De-
cember."
E. MULT i FLORA (many flowered Heath}.—
Somewhat like a white Cornish Heath but
dwarf and close-set ; flowers in the form
usually grown white ; many in close racemes.
Southern Europe and North Africa on cal-
careous soil thriving in ordinary soil in
gardens. W. R.
ERIGERON (Fleabane}.— Michaelmas
Daisy-like plants of dwarf growth, some-
what alike in general appearance, and
having pink or purple flowers with yellow
centres. They flourish in any garden
soil, but one or two are best suited for
the rock-garden. Of these, E. alpinum
grandiflorum is the finest. It is similar
to the alpine Aster, having large heads
of purplish flowers in late summer, and
remaining in beauty a long time. Suit-
able for the rock-garden and well-drained
borders Division or seed. E. Roylei,
a Himalayan plant, is another good
alpine, of very dwarf, tufted growth,
having large blossoms of a bluish-purple^
Erigeron multiradiatus.
with yellow eye. By far the best of the
taller kinds is E. (Stenactis) speciosus,
a vigorous species, with erect stems,
that grow about i\ ft. high, and bear
during June and July manyjarge purplish-
lilac Aster-like flowers, with conspicuous
orange centres. E. macranthus, another
showy species, is of a neat habit, and
about i ft. high. It bears an abundance
of large, purple, yellow-eyed blossoms
in summer, and, like E. speciosus, will
grow in any soil. E. mucronatus, known
also as Vittadenia triloba, is a valuable
border flower, neat and compact, and for
several weeks in summer is a dense
rounded mass of bloom about 9 in.
high. The flowers are pink when first
N N 2
548 ERIN us.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ERODIUM.
expanded, and afterwards change to
white, and the plant therefore presents
every intermediate shade. Other kinds
in gardens are E. multiradiatus, glabellus,
glaucus, bellidifolius, strigosus, and phila- I
delphicus — the last two being the prettiest, j
All are easily increased by division in |
autumn or spring. The most effective
and useful of the genus is E. speciosus,
which is excellent for groups or borders.
ERINUS ( Wall E.)—E. alpinus is a
pretty alpine plant, with racemes of violet-
purple flowers, abundant on dwarf tufts of
leaves in early summer. In winter it
perishes on the level ground in most gar-
dens, but it is permanent when allowed to
run wild on old walls or ruins, and it is j
easily established on old ruins by sowing \
seeds in mossy or earthy chinks. It is
well suited for the rock-garden, where it
grows in any position, and often flowers
bravely on earthless mossy rocks and |
stones. E. hirsutus is a variety covered I
with down. There is a white variety.
Pyrenees.
ERIOBOTEYA (Loquat). — ^ large- j
leaved shrub from Japan, E. japonica be- j
ing in our country tender, and only suitable I
for walls. Its large evergreen leaves are
handsome at all seasons, and in warm dis- I
tricts it flowers freely, the blossoms being I
white, but it does not fruit in the open air
in England.
ERIOGONUM. — North American
alpine plants which, in the mountain
regions of California, are of much
beauty, but are rarely good in culti-
vation, with the exception perhaps of
E. umbellatum. From a dense tuft of
leaves E. umbellatum throws up numer-
ous stems, 6 to 8 in. high, on which golden-
yellow blooms, in umbels 4 in. or more
across, form a neat and conspicuous
tuft. In light sandy soil of the rock-
garden it has never failed to bloom
profusely. The variety Sileri is much
better than the type. Other species are
E. compositum, flavum, racemosum,
ursinum.
ERIOPHORUM (Cotton Grass}. -
Sedge-like plants, whose heads of white
cottony seeds make them interesting in
the bog-garden or in wet places in grass.
E. polystachyon is the best for a garden ;
it is plentiful in some marshy districts.
ERITRICHIUM (Fairy Forget-me-
not\ — E. nanum is an alpine gem, closely
allied to the Forget-me-nots, which, how-
ever, it far excels in the intensity of the
azure-blue of its blossoms. Thou ghre-
puted to be difficult to cultivate, a fair
amount of success may be ensured by
planting it in broken limestone or sand-
stone, mixed with a small quantity of rich
fibry loam and peat, in a spot in the
rock-garden where it will be fully exposed
and where the roots will be near masses
of half-buried rock, to the sides of which
they delight to cling. The chief enemy
of this little plant, and indeed of all alpine
plants with silky or cottony foliage, is
moisture in winter, which soon causes it
to damp off. In its native habitat it is
covered with dry snow during that period.
Some, therefore recommend an over-
hanging ledge, but if such protection be
not removed during summer, it causes
too much shade and dryness. A better
plan is to place two pieces of glass in a
ridge over the plant, thus keeping it dry
and allowing a free access of air, but
these should be removed early in spring.
Alps, at high elevations. — G.
ERODIUM (StorVs-bilt).—Lfc£ hardy
Geraniums, but usually smaller and more
southern in origin. Suited for chalky
banks or the rock-garden, and some are
suited for borders, while others may be
naturalised in the Grass in warm soil.
Among the best species are —
E. macradenium. — A charming dwarf
Pyrenean plant, 6 to 10 in. high, with the
blooms of French white delicately tinged
with purple, and veined with purplish-
rose ; the lower petals are larger than the
others ; the two upper ones have each
a dark spot, which at once distinguishes
them from other Erodiums. This plant
should be exposed to the hottest sun.
The best position for it is a crevice
where it is tightly placed between two
rocks, and where the roots can pene-
trate dry, sandy, or stony soil to the
depth of 3 ft. When grown in this
way, it is extremely pretty ; the dry-
ness of the situation keeps the leaves
dwarf, they nestle to the rock, and the
flowers come in great abundance during
the summer months. The plant has an
aromatic fragrance.
E. Manescavi is a vigorous herba-
ceous plant, and the most showy of the
Erodiums. It grows I to \\ ft. high, and
throws up strong flower-stalks above the
foliage, each with seven to fifteen showy
purplish flowers, I to \\ in. across. It
is not fastidious as to soil or situation,
but its best place is in dry, hard soil,
fully exposed to the sun. If the soil be
too rich, the plant bears so many leaves
that the flowers are hidden. Seed, or
careful division.
E. petrseum (now Moltkia petraea).
—This has three to five purplish-rose
flowers on each stalk, which are 4 to 6
in. high. The leaves and flower-stalks
ERPETIOX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ERYNGIUM.
549
are densely clothed with minute hairs.
It thrives best among the dwarfer alpine
plants, in warm positions, in deep sandy
or gravelly soil.
E. Reichardi. — A miniature species 2
to 3 in. high when in flower. The small
heart-shaped leaves lie close to the ground,
and form little tufts from which arise
slender stalks, each bearing a solitary
white flower, marked with delicate pink
veins. It often continues in flower for
many weeks. It should be grown in
gritty peat mixed with a small portion of
loam, like the Androsaces and Gentians.
To the foregoing may be added : E.
caruifolium, 6 to 10 in. high ; flowers,
red, about ^ in. in diameter, and in
umbels of nine or ten blossoms. E.
alpinum, which resembles E. Manescavi,
but is much dwarfer, growing 6 to 8 in.
high, and flowering continuously from
spring to autumn. E. strictum is a fine
annual with deep azure-blue flowers from
India. E. romanum, allied to the British
E. cicutarium, but with larger flowers,
growing 6 to 9 in. high ; flowers, purplish,
appearing in spring and early summer.
E. trichomanefolium, a very pretty dwarf
kind, 4 to 6 in. high, with leaves so deeply
cut as to resemble a Fern ; flowers, flesh-
coloured, marked with darker veins. All
the preceding, with the exception of E.
Manescavi and E. hymenodes, are suited
for the rock-garden or borders, in light
sandy or calcareous loam. E. Manescavi
should, perhaps, be confined to the border,
as it is somewhat too tall and spreading for
the rock-garden.
Erpetion. See VIOLA.
ERYNGIUM (Sea Holly}.— Handsome
perennials or biennials of the Parsley
order, but so unlike that class of plants in
general appearance as to be often mis-
taken for Thistles. For the garden,
whether the decoration of the border, or
rock-garden, or the lawn, few plants
yield a greater charm from the size and
colour of involucres and stems. The stems
are so singularly beautiful with their vivid
steel-blue tints, surmounted with an in-
volucre even more brilliant, that the effect
of good large groups is hardly excelled by
that of any plants that live in our climate.
The great diversity in the form of the
leaves is very interesting, ranging from
the great Pandanus-like foliage of E.
pandanifolium to the very small thistle-
like leaves of E. dichotomum. Those be-
longing to the Pandanus set, such as
E. Lasseauxi, eburneum, bromeliaefolium,
and others, are useful among fine-leaved
plants ; their leaves being mostly of a
thick succulent nature, are not liable to
be damaged by the cold nights in early
autumn ; indeed, in all but very damp
places or -heavy soils they continue effec-
tive as regards foliage all through the
winter season. E. alpinum, Oliverianum,
giganteum, and the finer herbaceous species
are very useful for borders, and all are the
more valuable for this purpose owing to
the length of time they continue in bloom,
and for the longtime they retain their hand-
some blue tints. A good rich and well-
drained soil suits most of the species ;
damp carries off more of the tender species
during winter than cold. Protection is not
needed, as the Sea Hollies will stand any
exposure so long as the drainage is perfect.
E. alpinum may be made an exception to
the above directions, as in the south of
England at any rate it prefers a shady
spot in a good stiff soil. Much the same
treatment will also answer in the case of
E. Oliverianum.
The only really safe way to increase
these Sea Hollies is by means of seed.
Some few sorts may be increased by
division or root cuttings, but they take
such a long time to recover strength, that
a vigorous batch may be raised from seed
in about the same time. Sow the seed in
pans as soon as gathered, and place in a
cold frame. The seeds will germinate in the
spring, and if properly managed will be
j ready to plant out the following year.
These plants often "sow themselves,"
I and seedlings come up in all sorts of
j places.
The under-mentioned are a few of the
best kinds : —
E. alpinum (Alpine Sea Holly}.— This
is found in the alpine pastures of Switzer-
land, and, when well grown, is certainly
not surpassed in beauty by any plant in
the genus. It does well in shady borders,
developing a tint almost equal to that
when the plant is fully exposed to sun-
shine. The involucres, as well as the
stems, are of a beautiful blue, and its
flower-stems averaging about 2 ft. high,
appear during July and August. There
is said to be a white variety.
E. amethystinum (Amethyst Sea
Holly]. — This has been confounded with
the much more robust E. Oliverianum,
although they have little in common. E.
amethystinum rarely exceeds I ft. to i|
ft. in height, is of a somewhat straggling
habit, and has flower heads and stems
of the finest amethyst-blue. Apart from
the great beauty of its flower-heads and
stems, this plant is chiefly welcome on
account of its pretty dwarf habit. It
answers well for a first or second row in
the border, and makes on the rock-garden
550 ERYNGIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ERYSIMUM.
charming little groups. It can be in-
creased by division, and easily raised
from seed. It flowers during July and
August, and is a native of Dalmatia and
Croatia.
E. giganteum (Giant Sea Holly}.—
This does well in almost all positions and
varieties of soil. The large flower-heads
are excellent for winter decoration ; and
although not highly coloured like those of
many of the others, they make pretty
bouquets arranged with Grasses. It is
an excellent plant for grouping, and in
The Amethyst Sea Holly (E. amethystinuin).
large masses it forms a very picturesque
object, growing from 3 ft. to 4 ft. high,
with stout stems and deeply-lobed, spiny,
glaucous leaves. The involucre, of eight
to nine large, oval, spiny leaves, pale grey
or glaucous, is very effective. Caucasian
Alps and Armenia.
E. maritimum (Common Sea Holly}. —
This plant is found growing along the
coast in company with the Oyster plant
(Mertensia maritima) and is a very pretty
kind, requiring no special culture, and
does well in a stiff, loamy soil. It is one
of the most glaucous of the species, flower-
ing from July to October, and grows from 6
inches to i^ feet high.
E. Oliverianuin (Olivers Sea Holly}.
— This is of easy cultivation, and the abun-
I dance of its highly coloured flower-heads
renders it very attractive in the flower
border. It has often been, and is even
yet, confounded with the Amethyst Sea
! Holly. E. Oliverianuin grows 2 feet to
3 feet and often 4 feet in height. The ten
i to twelve bracts composing the involucre
| are longer than the head of flowers and
have about half a dozen teeth on each
side. In habit and general appearance
it is more nearly allied to E. alpinum
than to any of the other kinds. It ripens
seed freely and in this way it may be
readily increased, and is a native of the
Levant.
Other attractive kinds are E. Bourgati,
campestre, cceruleum, planum, of which
there is a very beautiful variety, dicho-
tomum, triquetrum, creticum, glaciale
spina-album.
THE PANDANUS GROUP. — To this
group, chiefly natives of Mexico and
Brazil, belongs some of the extraordinary
forms in this highly ornamental genus.
Beginning with Serra, we have a large
broad-leaved species with curious double
spines ; Carrierei, said to be the finest of
all, having a compact habit combined
with large, beautiful leaves. E. bromeliae-
folium is a charming plant, striking and
distinct in habit and forming elegant
Yucca-like tufts, with its graceful leaves
surmounted with whitish flower-heads.
E. pandanifolium is a noble plant, very
effective when grown as an isolated plant on
a lawn. E. Lasseauxi is nearly allied and
quite hardy in the open air. E. eburneum,
aquaticum, virginianum, Leaven worth i,
and others are all worthy of attention
for their fine foliage. — D. D.
ERYSIMUM.— Wall-flower-like peren-
nials, biennials, and annuals, mostly of
dwarf growth. Of the perennials the
following are the finest : —
E. ochroleucum (Alpine Wallflower}.
-This handsome plant forms, under
cultivation, neat rich green tufts, 6 to 12
in. high, and in spring is covered with
beautiful sulphur-coloured flowers. The
rock-garden is most congenial to it ; but
it does very well on good level ground,
though it is apt to get naked about the
base, and may perish on heavy soils
during an unusually severe winter. It
thrives best when rather frequently
divided. Division and cuttings. A
capital dwarf border plant on light soils.
Alps and Pyrenees. Flowers in spring.
ERYSIMUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ERYTHRINA.
551
There are several varieties. Syn., Cheiran-
thus alpinus.
E. pumilum (Fairy Wallflower). — A
very small plant, rare in cultivation, re-
sembling the alpine Wallflower in the size
and colour of its flowers, but lacking its
vigorous and rich green foliage. It is
often only I in. high, and it bears very
large flowers for its size. They appear
above a few narrow sparsely toothed leaves
which barely rise from the ground. High
bare places in the Alps and Pyrenees. It
requires an exposed spot of very sandy or
gritty loam in the rock-garden, where it
must be surrounded by a few small stones
to guard it from excessive drought and
The common Sea Holly (E. maritimum).
from accident, and must be associated
with the most minute alpine plants. It
is nearly related to the alpine Wallflower,
E. ochroleucum, but is separated from it
by its minuteness, and by its greyish-
green leaves.
E. rhseticum. — A pretty mountain
flower which, though rare in cultivation,
is a common alpine in Rhaetia and the
neighbouring districts, where in early
summer its broad dense-tufted masses
are aglow with pretty clear yellow blos-
soms. E. canescens, a South European
species with scentless yellow flowers, is
also a neat alpine, and so is E. rupestre,
which is desirable for the rock-garden.
All of them are easy to grow, and delight
in gritty soil and a well-drained and sunny
position on the rock-garden. Among
the biennial and annual kinds the best
is E. Perofskianum, i to ITT ft. high,
with dense racemes of orange-yellow
flowers. For early flowering it should
be sown in autumn, and again in March
and April for later bloom. E. arkansanum
and pachycarpum are similar to E Perof-
skianum.
ERYTHEMA (Centaury). — A small
genus of rather pretty dwarf biennials be-
longing to the Gentian family. The native
species, E. littoralis, common in some shore
districts, is worth cultivating. It is 4 to
6 in. high, and bears an abundance of rich
pink flowers, which last a considerable time
in beauty, and will withstand full exposure
to the sun, though partial shade is bene-
ficial. The very beautiful E. diffusa is
a similar species. It is a rapid grower,
with a profusion of pink blossoms in
summer.
E. Muhlenbergi is another beautiful
plant. It is neat and about 8 in. high,
putting out many slender branches. It
bears many flowers, and the blossoms are
3ijjf in. across. They are of a deep pink,
with a greenish-white star in the centre.
Seeds should be sown in autumn, and
grown under liberal treatment till the
spring ; the plants will then flower
much earlier and produce finer flowers
than spring -sown plants. They are
excellent for the rock-garden and the
margins of a loamy border, but the
soil must be moist.
ERYTHRINA (Coral Tree}.— These
beautiful trees are pretty general through
the tropics. Some attain great dimensions,
while others are dwarf bushes with woody
root-stocks. Many produce beautiful large
Pea flowers, usually of a blood-red or
scarlet colour, in terminal racemes. The
varieties have proved very hardy and use-
ful in the summer garden, flowering freely
and showing considerable beauty of foli-
age. E. ornata, Marie Belanger, lauri-
folia, Crista-galli, profusa, Madame Be-
langer, rubernma, and Hendersoni, have
stood out with slight protection. The
common old E. Crista-galli will thrive for
years against a warm south wall in a light
soil, if protected about the roots in winter,
and when so grown, it is often very hand-
some in the warmer countries. How far
E. herbacea will prove an efficient sub-
stitute for the older and better known
species remains to be seen, but, having
resisted a New York winter, it may be
assumed to be hardy enough for England,
and it deserves a trial. It is rather
dwarfer than the old species, and has a
woody root-stock, which under favourable
conditions throws up in summer stems 2
to 4 ft. high. These stems are of two
kinds, one bearing leaves only, the other
bearing flowers with few leaves. The
flowering stems have a raceme, I to 2 ft.
long, of narrow flowers about 2 in. in
length, the deep scarlet standard, erect in
so many genera, being horizontal and
folded over the wings and keel. The
552 ERYTHRONIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ERYTHRONIUM.
seeds are bright scarlet, and should be
sown in heat as early as practicable,
the seedlings being kept in a frame
for the first winter. This species is a
native of Texas, and is found as far
north as Carolina, and as far west as
Sonora.
ERYTHRONIUM (Dog's-tooth Violet}.
— Lilaceous bulbs, among the loveliest of
our hardy flowers, though the old
favourite Dens-canis is the only one
commonly cultivated. The genus con-
tains only about a dozen species and
varieties. These belong to N. America,
with the exception of
E. Dens-canis, a beautiful plant found
in various parts of Europe. It has hand-
Eryngium Oliverianum.
some oval leaves, with patches of reddish-
brown. The rosy-purple or lilac flowers
are borne singly on stems 4 to 6 in. high,
and droop gracefully. One variety has
white flowers, one rose-coloured, and one
flesh-coloured. E. longifolium has longer
and narrower leaves and larger flowers,
and the sorts enumerated in catalogues
under the name of majus are apparently
derived from this variety. E. Dens-canis
thrives in moist sandy or peaty soil, when
fully exposed to the sun. It is most
valuable for the spring or rock-garden, or
for a border of choice hardy bulbs, and,
where it is sufficiently plentiful, for
edgings to American plants in peat soil.
The bulbs are white and oblong, re-
sembling a dog's tooth, hence its name.
It is increased by dividing the bulbs
every two or three years, and replant-
ing rather deeply. Central Europe. The
varieties sibiricum, a robust plant from
the Altaian Mountains, and japonicum,
with" violet-purple flowers, are not, so
far as we are aware, yet in culti-
vation.
E. americanum (Yellow Adder3 s-
tongue] is common in the woods and low
copses of the Eastern States of N.
America, where it flowers in May. Its
pale green leaves are mottled, and com-
monly dotted with purple and white.
Flowers I in. across, pale yellow, and
spotted near the base ; they appear on
slender stalks 6 to 9 in. high. A variety
(E. bracteatum) differs in having a bract
developed, as E. grandiflorum sometimes
has. It is very pretty, but, being a some-
what shy flowerer, is seldom seen in
cultivation. The late Mr. M'Nab was
very successful with it in the Edinburgh
Botanic Garden, and writes in an early
volume of The Garden : " This interesting-
plant formerly grew in the open border
here, but its flowers were rarely seen.
Some years ago I put a tuft of the bulbs
in one of the stone compartments of the
rock-garden, with a southern aspect, the
soil being a mixture of peat and loam.
As soon as the space became filled with
roots, flowers were freely produced, and
on the 20th of April it was covered with
yellow blooms. In these confined spaces
the bulbs are better matured than in open
borders, where the ground is generally
covered with small green leaves growing
from unmatured bulbs, and there are few
of the larger spotted leaves which
generally accompany the flowers." The
rich soil of our gardens probably develops
growth at the expense of flower. In
poor sandy soil, in copses, or in the
wild garden, this little plant may bloom
better.
E. giganteum. — This, the noblest of
the genus, is considered a variety of E.
grandiflorum. Its showy flowers of pure
white have a ring of bright orange-red,
and measure 3 in. in diameter. It is
found in California at an elevation of six
to ten thousand feet, and also in Van-
couver's Island. It was called E.
maximum by Douglas, and E. speciosum
by Nuttall.
E. grandiflorum. — The only cultivated
kind with more than one flower on a stem.
It is extremely handsome when well
grown. In a peat bed, with Lilies and
other peat-loving plants, it is very fine,
and produces as many as five flowers on
a stem. The late Mr. M'Nab used to
ESCAI.LONIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
EUCALYPTUS.
553
grow the larger American kinds as well
as the European Dens-canis very success-
fully in grass. Writing of them in spring,
he says, ".Many Dog's-tooth Violets are
in bloom on the northern grassy slopes of
the rock-garden ; they were thickly
dibbled in, here and there, when the turf
was first laid, and, being placed in all
exposures, a longer flowering season has
been obtained. In such places they do not
multiply fast, as only single flowers pro-
ceeding from the two or three spotted
leaves are produced. On grass banks
with a southern aspect the leaves are all
ripened off before the first grass cutting,
which is not the case on grass slopes with
a northern aspect."
I have planted them largely in grass,
and find they thrive in every soil in that
way, and are very early and pretty both
in leaf and flower, scattered in groups and
colonies in turf.
Little known or rarer kinds are E.
revolutum, albidum, purpurascens, pro-
pullans, and Hartwegi.
Known species. — E. albidum, N. Amer.
americaimm, do. Dens-canis, Europe, N.
Asia, grandiflorum , N. W. Amer. Hartwegi,
N. W. Amer. propiillans, do. purpiirascens,
Calif.
ESCALLONIA.— The Escallonias in
cultivation are often beautiful shrubs, un-
fortunately sometimes perishing in hard
winters save in favoured districts. In
mild places the common E. macrantha
succeeds in the open, but, as a rule, it
must be regarded as a wall shrub. Even
in the mild districts it is cut down during
severe winters, but it usually shoots up
again strongly in the returning spring.
There is a variety called sanguinea with
deeper - coloured flowers. Somewhat
similar to E. macrantha is E. rubra, but
the foliage is less handsome and the
flowers are paler. E. Philippiana is very
beautiful and hardy, as it may be grown
as a bush in the neighbourhood of London.
It is an Evergreen with small leaves, and
bears a profusion of large panicles of small
white flowers. It is a first-rate shrub, and
one of the best of the Escallonias. E.
pterocladon is very free-flowering, the
small flowers being white and pink, while
E. punctata has dark red flowers, some-
what similar to those of E. rubra. Another
species, E. montevidensis, also known as
E. floribunda, bears large loose clusters
of white flowers, and there are varieties —
usually seedling forms — known under
different names, especially in seaside
gardens. Among these, that called E.
Ingrami is one of the best, being hardier
than E. macrantha, though not so hand-
some. Escallonias are mostly natives
of S. America, chiefly Chili, Brazil, and
Peru.
ESCHSCHOLTZIA (Califomian
Poppy}. — Brilliant annuals, long and
favourably known. The beautiful new
forms recently seen are acquisitions ; the
rich reddish-orange of Mandarin and the
| unique form of double crocea are of real
1 value, and they make, with crocea alba,
j and the orange aurantiaca, most attractive
plants. To have these showy flowers in all
their beauty, they should be sown in
August and September for early summer
bloom. They may be sown even later —
and should then be allowed to bloom
where they are sown. They get deeply
and firmly rooted, and flower much longer
than if sown in spring. They are very
hardy, and snails and slugs do not molest
them. There are some half a dozen kinds,
well worth growing, viz. E. californica,
J orange, very strong ; E. crocea, saffron
colour ; E. c. alba, white ; E. c. Mandarin,
orange and crimson, very fine ; E. c.
j fl.-pl., double ; E. c. rosea, and E. tenui-
folia ; and new forms are raised from time
to time.
Known species. — Nearly all natives of Cali-
fornia. E. Austinae, californica, elegans,
glyptosperma, mexicana, minutiflora, Parishii,
peninsularis, rhombipetala.
EUCALYPTUS (Gum Tree}.— Large
and handsome Australian trees and shrubs,
of which a number of species grow to
a great height. The leaves are thick and
leathery, and vary much in shape. In the
south of England and Ireland a few of the
| species live in the open air. About London
some grow them for their aspect in the
open air after a single year's growth, and
in that case they should be put out about
the middle of May. Some letters in the
Times ^ by persons unaware of the results
of planting the tree in this country, in-
duced many to plant the common Gum
tree, which perished with the first severe
frost. Only in the more favoured districts
have these trees any chance, and they
never present the graceful and stately
port which they show in countries that
really suit them, such as parts of Italy
I and California. What the higher moun-
tain species may do remains to be seen,
and the common Gum tree is sometimes
j made fair use of in the London parks
among the larger plants put out for
summer. I think these trees are unfitted
j for our climate, and even in Algeria,
where many species were planted by the
French Government, the result, as I saw
it some years ago, was anything but
good.
554 EUCHARIDIUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
EULALIA.
EUCHARIDIUM.— Pretty hardy an-
nuals of the Evening Primrose family,
thriving under the same treatment as all
annuals from California. They may be
sown in autumn for earlysummer-flowering,
or from March to June for late summer and
autumn bloom. They flower about eight
weeks after sowing, and remain in bloom
a long time. Three species are cultivated
— E. concinnum, about 9 in. high, with
many rosy purple blooms ; E. grandi-
florum, larger rosy-purple flowers, streaked
with white, which has a white variety
•(album), and a variety with pink flowers
(roseum) ; and E. Breweri, an elegant
new annual, more robust, and with red
flowers of a deeper, richer colour than E.
.grandiflorum. These species are of
secondary importance in the flower
garden, but may occasionally be used as
surface plants or in bold masses. Like
many other annuals, they suffer in general
estimation through being judged by
spring-sown plants, with poor and short-
lived bloom.
EUCNIDE.— E. bartonioides is a half-
hardy annual of the Loasa family, from
Mexico. The stems are about i ft. high,
and bear sulphur-yellow flowers, \\ in.
across, showy in August and September
when several are expanded. Seeds should
be sown in heated frames in early spring,
but the seedlings should be very carefully
transplanted to the open border in May,
as they are then very liable to injury.
Syn. Microsperma.
EUCOMIS. — Cape bulbs, not very
showy, though deserving of cultivation in
the out-door garden, on account of their
broad handsome foliage, more or less
spotted with purple at the base, from which
rise tall cylindrical spikes of blossoms
surmounted by a crown of leaves. Like
many Cape plants, they are hardy on light
and dry soils. There are four species,
all of which are in cultivation. E. undu-
lata has leaves 18 in. long, wavy at the
margins, and profusely marked on the
under surface with dark purple blotches
•which, in the variety striata, assume the
form of stripes. The flower spike is 2 to
4 ft. high. On the upper half are densely
arranged, in a cylindrical manner, numer-
ous greenish-white blossoms, with purplish
centre, crowned by a tuft of narrow green
leaves. E punctata is the largest kind,
having leaves about 3 ft. long. E. regia
is dwarfer than either of the preceding.
The raceme of flowers is about I ft. high,
and the tuft of leaves at the top is larger
than in other kinds. E. nana is the
smallest. The spreading leaves lie hori-
zontally, while in the others they are more
erect. They thrive best in light sandy
soil, with the roots protected by a covering
during winter. The foot of a south wall
suits them if they are associated with the
larger hardy bulbs, but they are not the
most effective or graceful of the Lily
family.
EUCRYPHIA (The Brush Bush}. -
A distinct shrub, E. Pinnatifolia being
hardy, though a native of South America.
It belongs to the Rose family, but the
flowers remind one in size and form of
those of St. John's Wort, except that
they are white, and the central tuft
of stamens is very conspicuous. The
flowers, borne plentifully, are very pretty,
among foliage resembling that of some
of the Roses.
It is one of the most beautiful shrubs
of recent introduction, and valuable on
account of producing its flowers about the
end of the summer, when blooming shrubs
are getting scarce. It is deciduous, some-
what upright, and has pinnate leaves, and
large white flowers about 3 in. in diameter.
It is of rather slow growth, but has with-
stood severe winters in the neighbourhood
of London ; and may therefore fairly be
classed as hardy. It can only be satis-
factorily propagated by layers, which
will, to a certain extent, account for its
scarcity. Till more plentiful, it should
be placed in warm positions and in good
free soil. Chili. There is another species
in cultivation, E. cordifolia, but it is
rarer.
EULALIA.— This Japanese Grass, E.
gracillima, is less vigorous in growth than
either of the better known kinds, the
leaves being more narrow and more grace-
fully recurved. They are bright green in
colour, with a comparatively broad stripe
of white down the centre of each. So
pronounced is this white stripe, that this
form is sometimes called E. gracillima
univittata. Plants of it in pots are
pretty.
E. japonica. — A hardy and ornamental
perennial Grass of robust growth, 6
to 7 ft. high. Established plants form
! clumps 17 to 1 8 ft. in circumference. The
brownish-violet flower-panicles have at
first erect branches, but as the flowers
open, these branches curve over gracefully,
and resemble a Prince of Wales' Feather.
I Each of the numerous flowers has at its
I base a tuft of long silky hairs, which
contribute greatly to the feathery lightness
of the whole. For isolated positions on
lawns it is excellent ; or it might be used
| in groups, or on the margin of the
shrubbery. Even more valuable than the
type are the two variegated forms, varie-
EUONYMUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
EUONYMUS.
555
•gata, with leaves longitudinally striped
with white and green ; and zebrina,
with distinct cross bars of yellow on
the green, which render it singularly
attractive. These variegated forms,
particularly zebrina, are not quite so
vegetable matter, and, as a rule, they
prefer open sunny situations, particularly
the evergreen sorts, and all thrive near
the sea. The following are among the
most distinct of the kinds at present in
cultivation : —
Eulalia japonica.
hardy as the type. Division or seed.
Japan.
EUONYMUS (Spindle Tree].— Low
trees with little beauty of flower, but
this defect is compensated for by their
foliage, habit, and bright fruit which
some of the sorts bear. They grow
well in almost every variety of soil, but
are most luxuriant in such as are rich in
E. europaeus (Common Spindle Tree}.
— This is a native of England, and is a
bushy tree, from 10 to 25 ft. high ; the
leaves are of a warm green colour,
changing as they decay to a reddish tint.
Its small greenish- white flowers expand in
May, and are followed almost always by
an abundant crop of fruit, in bright pink
capsules, which, opening up in the
556
EUONYMUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
EUPHORBIA.
autumn, reveal the orange-coloured sac
which envelops the seeds, producing a
beautiful effect. Of several varieties, the
most interesting are the white fruited
kind, which differs from the species in
producing white instead of pink cap-
sules ; the variety with scarlet leaves ;
and nanus or pumilus, a neat little plant,
very bushy, and one which never grows
higher than about 2 ft. and is admir-
ably suited for the rock-garden, or
any situation where a dwarf plant is
desirable.
E. latifolius (Broad-leaved Spindle
Tree). — A species wild in the south of
France and in some parts of Germany,
and a tree of from 10 to 20 ft. high, the
leaves shining green, larger than those of
the common Euonymus ; the flowers, which
expand in June, are of a purplish-white ;
the capsules large, and deep red, contrast-
ing, as they open, most effectively with
the bright orange sacs with which the
seed is enveloped. It is quite hardy, and
forms an ornamental tree, well fitted for a
lawn.
E. americanus (American Spindle
Tree]. — This is a small deciduous, or, in
mild winters and sheltered situations, sub-
evergreen shrub, of about 6 ft. in height,
found wild over a wide area in Canada
and the United States. It has an erect
habit of growth, with numerous long
slender branches covered with a smooth
light green bark ; the flowers open in June,
succeeded by rough warted brilliant crim-
son capsules, which in its native habitats
are so showy and abundant that it is
named the Burning Bush. In this country
it is generally cultivated as a wall plant,
and as such it is ornamental. It succeeds
best on the shady side, and prefers a moist
rather than a dry porous soil.
E. angustifolius (Narrow-leaved
Spindle Tree]. — A twiggy or sub-ever-
green shrub about 4 ft. in height, with
long wiry branches, abundantly clothed
with remarkably narrow oblong leaves, of
a deep green colour in summer, changing
in autumn to a dull red tint. The flowers
are very small, of a greenish-white colour,
followed by red fruit capsules. It is a
very distinct and interesting shrub for
a low wall, and has a pretty effect pn
raised banks, growing freely in shady
sheltered aspects, and in damp heavy soils.
E. japonicus (Japan Spindle Tree].—
An evergreen species 4 to 6 ft. in height,
of bushy habit, the branches clothed with
numerous leaves of a dark glossy green
colour. Though hardy in sheltered dis-
tricts, it seldom flowers in this country.
Few evergreens thrive better near the sea ;
and either it or some of its varieties are
frequently met with on the west and south
coasts of England, and west coast of
Scotland, forming handsome specimen
shrubs on lawns and shrubberies. In
the inland districts it suffers from frosts,
and can only be depended upon on walls
or in favoured situations. During recent
years a number of varieties have been
sent home from Japan ; several of these,
and particularly the variegated forms, are
favourites.
All the varieties thrive best in warm
sunny exposure, and in well-drained soils.
The kind called argenteus variegatus has
leaves clothed with silver ; aureus varie-
gatus, leaves margined with deep yellow ;
latifolius argenteus and latifolius aureus,
leaves with white and yellow variegations
respectively. E. radicans variegatus is a
dwarf creeping variety, its leaves are
variegated with white ; it is hardy, and
useful for planting as an edging. On
rockeries or low walls it has a pretty
effect ; and as it forms roots similar to
those of the Ivy, it requires little care to
keep it to the wall or other support. — 77ie
Garden.
EUPATORIUM ( Thorough-wort}. -
Coarse Composite perennials, most of
which are better suited for the wild garden
than for borders, though two or three kinds
are worth a place for supplying cut
flowers in autumn. The most suitable
are E. ageratoides, altissimum, and aroin-
aticum, which are 3 to 5 ft. high, and
bear a profusion of white blossoms in
dense flat heads, E. cannabinum (Hemp
Agrimony), E. perfoliatum, and E. pur-
pureum (Trumpet-weed), which is a fine
object in the rougher parts of a garden,
being 12 ft. high, with stems terminated
by huge clusters of purple flowers. All
grow in any kind of soil.
EUPHOEBIA (Spurge}.— Perennials
and dwarf bushy plants,including few hardy
species of value for the flower garden. The
foliage of some, such as E. Cyparissia
(Cypress Spurge) is elegant. In spring
E. pilosa and amygdaloides are attractive
by their yellow flowers when little else is
in bloom, but they are scarcely worth
growing in a general way. Some of the
dwarf kinds, such as E. Myrsinites,
portlandica, capitata, and triflora, are
neat and distinct in habit and grow in
any soil. There are a few variegated
forms. The well-known Caper Spurge
(E. Lathyris) is often seen in cottage
gardens, and in habit is a distinct plant,
with a certain beauty of foliage and habit.
A few plants of it on a bank or rough
place are not amiss.
EURYBIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
FAGUS.
557
Eurybia. See OLEARIA.
Eutoca. See PHACELIA.
EXOCHORDA (Pearl Bush}. — E.
grandiflora is one of the loveliest of hardy
shrubs allied to the Spiraeas, but with larger
flowers. It is a graceful shrub, making
when full grown a rounded bush of
about 10 ft. high and as much through.
It flowers about the middle of May, just
after the foliage unfolds, and affords a
charming contrast between tender green
leaves and snow-white flowers as large as
florins. It likes shelter, and grows best
in warm loam. Syn., Spiraea.
EXOGONIUM (Jalap Plant). — A
graceful perennial trailing plant, none
more beautiful among climbing plants
than E. Purga, and of its hardiness
there can be little doubt. It has lived
for years at Bitton, Gloucestershire, with-
out any protection, and each year it has
flowered well. It has also grown well
at Kew, Fulham, and in the Edinburgh
Botanic Gardens. Mr. Ellacombe grows
it in a sheltered corner, and provides
a tall wire trellis with a spreading
top for it to grow up. It does not
flower in the lower parts, but the entire
top and the pendent shoots become a
mass of lovely bloom. If not checked by
late spring frosts at Bitton, it comes into
blossom early in September, and continues,
to flower till cut down by frost. It has
roundish tubers of variable size, those of
mature growth being about as large as an
orange and of a dark colour. These are the
true Jalap tubers. The plant gets its
name from Xalapa, in Mexico, its native
region, and is increased by division of
tubers.
FABIANA (False Heath}.- F. imbri-
cata is a pretty shrub of the Potato family,
but so much resembling a Heath, that it
might well be mistaken for one. It is
slender, with evergreen leaves, and in
early summer every shoot is wreathed
with small white trumpet-shaped flowers.
A native of Chili, it is not perfectly
hardy as a bush except in the southern
and western counties, in which it is often
a very distinct and beautiful shrub.
FAGUS (Beech}.— Not a very large
family of trees, but including one of the I
noblest of all our native beech. It is a great
tree in all the countries of Europe, from
Northern Greece to Denmark,- thriving
admirably in soils useless for the oak and
other trees, and a beautiful object in many
of our poor chalky and limestone soils. It
is so often seen in our woodlands that there
is no need to advocate its use elsewhere ;
a wild tree common in the woodlands and
forests in Europe everywhere can have
little place in gardens, although it is one
of the trees which used to be clipped and
mutilated to conform to the architect's
notion of a garden, but wrong, and ugly
so treated. The varieties of the beech,
however, are of the highest garden value
as lawn trees. Some of the most beauti-
ful weeping trees in England are those of
the weeping form of the beech, as in the
Knaphill nurseries, and at Lough nurseries,
Cork (in Ireland) and elsewhere. The fine
character of the pendant beech is that it
is not only graceful in a young state, but
improves remarkably every year of its life,
very old trees being picturesque in a high
degree. It is needless to enumerate all
the varieties, which are almost without
end. Every state or chance variegation
is given a Latin name and sent out from
nurseries, though many of them are worth-
less. Merely curious and variegated
varieties are not worth getting. The fern-
leaved variety is one of the best, and the
purple beech is the most striking of all
our coloured trees, and very popular. The
purple form will often come truly from
seed, which is a gain. Even if all the seeds
do not come true it does not matter in
the least as long as we get some plants
of the colour we seek, and in raising
trees from seed we always obtain some
slight variation. The copper beech is a
little paler and more coppery than the
old purple beech, and there is a weeping
form as well as a dark purple form. If
anything the danger is using these dark
coloured forms too freely. Our propor-
tion would be one to three purple beeches
in each parish, but a weeping one in many
gardens. Among the best varieties of the
European beech are the following :
Miltonensis, peridula, heterophylla, mac-
rophylla, purpurea, purpurea pendula,
purpurea tricolor, and a new variety
Zlatia.
Fagus Americana (the American
beech) is in its own country a forest tree
well above looft.high, inhabiting the north-
ern regions, Canada, and Nova Scotia,
as well as westwards and southwards,
but the European beech is a so much
greater tree, for our climate at least, that
little importance is attached to the
American variety. As to other species
of which there are birch-like evergreen
ones as well as summer leafing kinds, such
as those inhabiting the antarctic regions
and Terra del Fuego, little is known of
them in this country. F. Betuloides, an
evergreen one, is a very graceful, low
tree, and so is F. Cunninghami, and others
probably will be found in antarctic regions.
558
FARFUGIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
KORSYTHIA.
If they will only thrive in our climate
their distinct habit will be a great gain
to us.
FARFUGIUM.— A vigorous perennial,
F. grande having fleshy stems i to 2 ft.
high, and with broad leaves of light green !
variously streaked, spotted with yellow
in one variety, and having white and rose I
in another. It does best in a half- shady
position in free moist soil. During the
heats of summer it requires frequent
watering, and at the approach of winter
it should be moved to the greenhouse, I
except in mild districts. In colder parts
it is scarcely worth planting out, as
it grows slowly ; but where it thrives
it is handsome in borders, or on the i
margins of beds. Multiplied by division in
spring ; the offsets being potted and kept
in a frame until they are well rooted.
FEEULA (Giant Fennel}.— Among the
finest umbelliferous plants that have so
long remained unnoticed in our botanic
gardens, their charm consisting in large
tufts of the freshest green leaves in early
spring. The leaf is apt to fade early in
autumn, but this maybe retarded by cutting
out the flower-shoots the moment they ap-
pear, though these are not ugly, but on the
contrary the plants are striking when in
flower. Ferulas should be well planted
at first, and it is only when established
that their good effect is seen. Where
bold spring flowers are naturalised or
planted in colonies, a group of these fine-
leaved plants will be valuable, with their
fine plumes rising in early spring. They
are among the true hardy plants of the
northern world, never suffering from cold.
Their fine forms in summer or autumn,
when they throw up flowering-shoots to
a height of 10 ft. or so, are remarkable
enough ; but their appearance when break-
ing up in spring charms us most. A good
way is to place them singly or in small
groups, just outside a shrubbery, or
isolated on the Grass, so that their
verdure may be seen in early spring.
Deep free soil should be supplied before
planting, if the soil be not good and deep.
Ferulas are readily raised from seed,
which as soon as gathered should be
sown in a nursery bed in the open air.
The plants, even when well established,
do not bear division well, though with
care they may be transplanted. One of
the best known and most valuable is F.
tingitana, which is elegant and vigorous.
It takes several years to form strong
plants, and the plants look like massive
plumes of large filmy Ferns. F. com-
munis is also a good species, and others,
including F. glauca, neapolitana, Feru-
lago, and persica, may be added where
variety is sought, but the first two are not
surpassed. The flower-stems developed
the second or third year from seed are 6
to 10 ft. high, are branched, and bear
numbers of small inconspicuous flowers.
S. Europe and N. Africa.
FESTUCA (Fescue Grass). — Annual
and perennial Grasses, containing few
species for the garden. A variety of
Sheep's Fescue (F. ovina), named glaucar
is a pretty dwarf hardy Grass, forming
dense tufts of leaves of a glaucous hue or
soft blue, and on this account some-
times called "blue" Grass. It makes
good edgings, and when it is used
for this purpose the flower-spikes should
be cut away. F. ovina viridis is also
a pretty edging plant, and, being of
slow growth, does not require renewal
for years.
FICARIA (Pileworf].— Plants of the
Crowfoot family, much resembling some
kinds of Buttercup : F. ranunculoides
(Lesser Celandine) is a common British
plant, 3 to 6 in. high, producing golden-
yellow flowers in early spring. It is so
common that it would not be mentioned
but for its pretty double and white
varieties. Moist borders, in any soil. A
good plant for growing under trees.
Division.
F. grandiflora.— A large-flowered kind,
about twice the size of our own, the
flowers being nearly 2 in. across. It is
easily grown and showy, and could be
naturalised. Southern Europe and
Northern Africa.
FICUS (India-rubber Plant}.— F. elas-
tica is not only in fair health in the open
air in summer, but sometimes makes a
good growth under our northern sun. It
is best suited for select mixed groups,
and in small gardens, for isolating among
low-bedding plants. It will best enjoy
stove treatment in winter. It should be
put out at the end of May. In all cases
it is best to use plants with single stems.
The trailing F. repens and F. stipulata
also thrive in the open air in summer, and
have a pretty effect, trailing up stems of
trees in the sub-tropical garden. In mild
districts they are hardy against walls or
rocks. Cuttings.
FORSYTHIA (Golden Bell). — Very
beautiful spring -flowering shrubs, espe-
cially F. suspensa, whose long, slender,
wand - like shoots are studded for a
considerable distance with bright golden
blossoms. F. suspensa is certainly one
of our finest shrubs, and should be found
in any garden however small. It is
at home under various conditions. Be-
FORSYTHIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
FRAXINUS.
559
ing of a rather loose rambling habit,
it is well suited for training on a wall ;
indeed, few subjects are superior to it
for a sunny spot, where the wood will
thoroughly ripen, and a good display of
spring bloom will be ensured. F. suspensa
should not be employed as a wall plant
in a shady position, as the yield of flowers
will be meagre ; nor where a close-fitting
subject is required, as it is seen to the
greatest advantage when the principal
branches are secured to the wall till the
allotted space is covered, and the shoots
are afterwards allowed to grow at will,
since by this mode of treatment the long
slender branchlets dispose themselves in
a very graceful manner, and the upper
ones hang down for a long distance. A
wall treated in this way is quite a mass of
gold. If any pruning is required, it should
be done as soon as the flowers are over,
so that the young shoots may have as long
a growing and ripening season as possible.
As a rule, however, they need little pruning
bsyondthe removal of weak or exhausted
shoots. When rambling about in a semi-
wild state, or when hanging over a bank
or a cutting, this Forsythia is seen to
very great advantage. It also forms a
most ornamental specimen in the open
if it is secured to a good stout stick when
planted, and is afterwards allowed to grow
at will ; for the long slender shoots, which
are produced in considerable numbers,
will dispose themselves in a graceful
manner, and in favourable situations
many of them will root at the points, and
will soon form quite a colony around the
central plant. A large mass of Forsythia
grown in this way is most striking. F.
viridissima, another species, is quite a
shrub. It needs a spot fully exposed to
the sun, so that a good display of bloom
may be ensured. A certain Forsythia
was sent here from the Continent two or
three years since under the name of F.
intermedia, and was announced as a
hybrid between F. suspensa and F. viri-
dissima. Though at first very little
disposed in its favour, I have recently
seen it in a better light. Its general
appearance is about midway between its
alleged parents. Forsythias may be
flowered under glass in the greenhouse
or the conservatory during the early
months of the year, and, if so treated,
they will bloom in a very satisfactory
manner. Owing to the time the blossoms
expand when in the open ground, very
little forcing is necessary to have them
in bloom quite early. Fortunei and
Sieboldi are names often used ; but these
represent only vigorous forms of F.
suspensa. As the shoots of the rambling
kinds root from the points almost as
readily as a bramble, and cuttings strike
freely, there are no obstacles in the way
of their rapid propagation. The shrubby
F. viridissima also strikes without difficulty
from cuttings, though scarcely to the
same extent as the others.
FOTHERGILLA.— F. alnifolia is a
North American dwarf shrub, desirable on
account of its flowering early in spring, its
feathery tufts of fragrant white flowers ap-
pearing before the leaves, which resemble
those of the common Alder. Suitable for
a moist peat border or the low part of the
rock-garden.
FRAGARIA (Strawberry}. -- The
Strawberry is much more useful in the
fruit garden than in the flower garden, yet
some kinds are pretty in the rock-garden.
The common English Strawberry is very
pretty on banks, and occasionally most
useful on old mossy garden walls where
it establishes itself. One kind, F. mono-
phylla, is a beautiful rock-garden plant,
with large white flowers. The Indian
strawberry, F. in-dica, is a pretty little
trailer, bearing many red berries and
flowering late. All are of the easiest
culture in any not too wet soil, and of
facile increase by division.
FRANCOA (Maiden's Wreath}. -
Chilian plants of the Saxifrage family,
somewhat tender, and suitable for dry shel-
tered positions on warm borders or banks,
preferring a light loam. They are good for
cutting, as the long branching stems 18
in. to 2 ft. high, bear numerous white or
pink blossoms on stalks. The plants are
raised from seed, and in spring furnish
flowers for a long time. F. ramosa, bear-
ing white or pink flowers, and having a
short stem, differs from F. appendiculata,
which is stemless, and has flowers deeper
in colour than the others. F. sonchifolia
has also a short stem, but its leaves are
sessile and not stalked, and its flowers are
rose-coloured. They are often grown as
window plants, and are best as such where
they do not thrive in the open air.
FRAXINUS (Ash). Trees of some
distinction and value for their timber ;
natives of cold and northern regions, and
one of them our precious native Ash, of
great beauty of form, often in places quite
away from gardens. Important as the
foreign trees of this race are our native
kind is so much better known to us, and
so remarkable, that we cannot be sur-
prised at the neglect of the other kinds.
The British Ash is a variable tree, and its
varieties are more valuable than those of
many other trees, the best of them not
56o
FRAXINUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
FRAXINUS.
depending on mere variegation, which
mostly means disease, but sometimes on
habit, such as in the pendulous variety,
so well known, much used as it is for
bowers and on lawns. There is a form of
this with golden shoots, and certain kinds
with singular leaves, and here again we
come upon mere monstrosities, for this
as much as good oak trees, as at Ochter-
tyre, Drummond and Lawes. America
is rich in species, and in old times, before
the conifers mania arose,they were planted,
but of late very little attention has been
given to them, and few of these reach the
size and fine form of our native ash, at
least as we know them.
Francoa ramosa (Maiden's Wreath).
fine tree has not escaped the attention of
the variegation hunter, these varieties
being without value. There is a variety
of F. Lentiscifolia, a native of Asia Minor,
which is pendulous in habit.
The Ash is never more beautiful than
when we see it fully exposed in the cool
and northern parts of the country and in
Ireland, sometimes in Scotland, girthing
Occasionally very picturesque effects
arise from grafting the weeping ash on a
very tall stem of the ordinary kind, of
which there is a good example at Elvas-
ton.
F. ornus is the celebrated Manna Ash,
a native of the East and Mediterranean
regions, (sometimes called Ornus} which
has several varieties. It is an effective
FREMONTIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
FRITILLARIA.
56l
and hardy tree in England, and even in
London gardens is vigorous and hand-
some. It is grafted on the Common Ash,
so what it would be if on its own roots
we have no knowledge. Its place is among
the larger flowering' trees. Syn. Ornus.
FREMONTIA (F. californica). — A
handsome Californian shrub, but scarcely
hardy enough for the open air without
protection. There are few more beautiful
wall shrubs. It has large yellow bowl-
shaped flowers, 2 in. across, the deep
green leaves being lobed. In favourable
Fraxinus.
spots it reaches 10 or 12 ft. in height, and
flowers in early summer. It succeeds best
against a north, west, or east wall, a
southern exposure being usually too hot
and dry.
FRITILLARIA (Fritiiiary).— Bulbs of
the Lily family, several of which are valu-
able, some, such as the Crown Imperial,
being stately, others such as F. recurva,
being delicate and pretty, but most have
dull-tinted curiously interesting flowers.
They may be put to many uses : the Crown
Imperial is a fine plant for the mixed
border or the shrubbery, and, being
vigorous, is able to take care of itself in
the wild garden. Its early spring growth
makes it valuable. The Snake's-head
(F. Meleagris) and others, such as F.
latifolia, pyrenaica, together with the
choicer kinds, are fitted for the bulb
border and for grassy places. Only one
or two require special treatment ; all the
others thrive in ordinary garden soil.
They may all be readily increased by
offsets from the old bulbs, which should
be lifted every three or four years and
planted in fresh soil— a process very
beneficial to the plants. The lifting
should be done in autumn, and the bulbs
replanted without delay. The following
are among the most desirable for general
cultivation : —
F. aurea, one of the prettiest of the
genus, is quite hardy, is about 5 in. high,
and has a stem of four to six in. thick,
fleshy, deep green leaves, with a nodding
flower, which is pale yellow spotted, or
chequered with brown. Silesia.
F. Burneti, a handsome hardy plant
about 9 in. high, with solitary drooping
; blossoms, 2 in. long, which are of a plum
colour chequered with yellowish-green.
Alps. Flowers with the Snowdrop, and is
as easy to grow.
F. imperialis (Crown Imperial}.— A
! showy and stately plant, from 3 to 4 ft.
high, with stout bright green shoots,
crested by large dense whorls of drooping
bell-like flowers and a crown of foliage.
There are several varieties, differing chiefly
in the colour of the flowers. The princi-
pal are— lutea (yellow), rubra (red), double
red and double yellow, rubra maxima
(very large red flowers), Aurora (bronzy
orange), sulphurine (large sulphur-yellow),
Orange Crown (orange-red), Stagzwaard
(a fasciated stem form, with very large
deep red blossoms), and aurea marginata
(gold-striped foliage) ; every lead being
margined with a broad golden-yellow
band, blending with the rest of the
foliage. This plant thrives best in a rich
deep loam, especially if the bulbs remain
• undisturbed for years. Its best place, per-
| haps, is in a group on the fringe of the
I shrubbery or a group of American plants.
| For artistic effects it is not so valuable as
; the common Snake's-head ; and its odour
i is against it when gathered.
F. Karelin!.— An interesting kind, 4 to
5 in. high, with two or three broad leaves
clasping its stem, and having a terminal
raceme of slightly-drooping bell-like
flowers. These flowers, about I in.
across, are of a pale purple, with darker
veins, a few darker spots, and a distinct
yellowish-green pit at the base of each
reflexed segment. It is a native of
Central Asia, and, flowering in late autumn
or early winter, is valuable for a collec-
tion of winter-flowering outdoor plants.
According to Dr. Regel it must be kept
in dry sand until November, and should
not grow or show bloom before spring.
If planted in November, growth is re-
tarded, and it does not bloom in
spring, which it ought to do ; while
those flowering in autumn invariably
dwindle away, and do not produce any
new bulbs. It should be planted in light
O O
562
FRITILLARIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
FRITILLARIA.
soil in well-drained borders with a warm
exposure.
F. latifolia. — A most variable species
as regards the colour of the flowers,
which are larger than those of our native
F. Meleagris. They are borne on stems
about i ft. higli, are pendulous, and vary
in colour through various shades of purple,
black, lilac, and yellow. The principal
named varieties are — Black Knight, Cap-
tain Marryat, Caroline Chisholm, Cooper,
Dandy, Jerome, Maria Goldsmith, Mari-
anne, Mellina, Pharaoh, Rembrandt,
Shakespeare, Van Speyk, each represent-
ing a different shade of colour. They
White Fritillary.
grow freely in an open situation in any
soil, and are excellent for naturalising.
Caucasus.
F. Meleagris (Snakes -head] is an
elegant native species, of which there are
numerous varieties. It is 9 to 18 in. high,
and in early summer bears a solitary
drooping flower, beautifully tesselated
with purple or purplish-maroon on a pale
ground. The chief varieties are — the
white (alba), which has scarcely any dark
markings ; nigra, a deep purplish-black ;
pallida, light purple ; angustifolia, with
long narrow leaves ; major, with flowers
larger than the type ; praecox, which
flowers about a week earlier than the
other forms ; flavida yellow ish ; and the
rare double variety. All forms of this
beautiful plant may be used with excellent
effect. It grows freely in grass not mown
early, and is therefore admirable for the
wild garden ; its various forms are among
the most beautiful inhabitants of the
hardy bulb garden, and tufts of the
chequered or white-flowered variety are
among the most graceful plants in cottage
gardens.
F. Moggridgei (Golden Snake1 s-head}.
— A beautiful plant with pendulous
blossoms, 2 in. long, which are of fine
golden-yellow, chequered with brownish-
crimson on the inner surface of the bell.
It may be seen on its native Alps, at an
elevation of five to seven thousand feet,
among the short stunted Grass, accom-
panied by alpine plants, and giving the
slopes the appearance of a sheet of golden
bloom. " It is hardy, and flowers early in
spring. It is .a lovely flower for planting
in the choice bulb portions of the rock-
garden, and, when plentiful, for dotting in
groups in Grass where it may escape the
mower.
F. pudica is one of the most charming
of hardy bulbs, and takes a place among
yellow flowers similar to that of the Snow-
drop among white ones. It is a native
of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra
Nevada of California, where it grows in a
dry barren soil. It is one of the principal
spring ornaments of the flora, being nearly
6 in. high, and having bright golden-
yellow flowers, graceful in form and
drooping like a Snowflake. It thrives in
warm sunny borders of loamy soil.
F. recurva. — The showiest of the
Fritillaries, its red colour being as bright
as some Lilies, and mixed with bright
yellow especially on the inside of the
flower. It flowers early in May or
towards the end of April. The bulbs
consist of a slightly flattened tuberous
stock, covered by articulated scales, some-
what widely placed, which at first sight
resemble those of Lilium philadelphi-
cum. A tuft of bright green linear leaves
appears above the soil, and from this rises
a slender purplish stem, 6 in. to 2^ ft.
high, with several pendent Lily -like
flowers. It is not robust, and has suc-
ceeded only under careful cultivation,
growing best in fibry loam, on a warm
sunny border, near a wall. In winter it is
advisable to cover the bulbs with some
protective material or with a hand-light.
California.
F. Sewerzowi. — A singular - looking
plant, growing from I to i£ ft. high,
having broad glaucous leaves and nod-
ding flowers that are greenish outside
FUCHSIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
FUCHSIA.
563
and vinous-purple within. A native of the
mountains of Turcomania, quite hardy in
our climate. Propagated by bulblets or
seed.
Many others are in cultivation, but the
majority are unattractive, though some
are useful for naturalising among Grass
in the wild garden ; the most suitable
are — F. delphinensis, a robust plant with
stems i ft. or more high, bearing brownish-
purple flowers, more or less chequered
with greenish-yellow ; F. pyrenaica, a
similar species, but more robust ; F.
liliacea, liliorhiza, lanceolata, lusitanica,
pallidiflora, tulipifolia, ruthenica, and
tristis, all with dull brownish-purple or
greenish flowers.
Fritillaria species. — F. acmopetala, Syria.
alba, N. Amer. annena, Armenia, assyriaca,
Mesopotamia, atropurpurea, N.W. Amer. bi-
tfora,Ca.\if. bithynica, Bithyn. Boissieri, Spain.
bucharica, Bokhara, camschatcensis, E. Asia.
cirrhosa, Himal. conica, Greece, cormita.
Cornuti. crassifolia, As. Min. cuprea, Mexico.
dagana, Siberia, dasyphylla, Lycea. Ediiardi,
Bokhara. Ehrharti, Greece. Elwesii, Lycea.
Fleischeriana, Asia Min. Forbesii, Lycea.
Gardneriana, Himal. gibbosa, Persia, Afghan.
graca, Greece, imperialis, Persia, Himal.
involucrata, Italy, japonic a^ Japan, kurdica,
Kurdistan, lanceolata, N. W. Amer. latifolia,
Caucas. libanotica, Syria, hliacea, Calif.
lusitanica, Portugal, lutea, Caucas. Meleagris,
Europe, Caucas. meleagroides, Siberia, mes-
sanensis, Mediterr. region. minuta, Kurdi-
stan. Munbyi, Algeria. obliqua, Greece.
Olivieri, Persia, oranensis, Algeria, oxypetala,
India, pallidiflora, Siberia, parviflora, Calif.
persica, Armenia. Pinardi, As. Min. plan-
taginijolia, East, pluriftora, Calif, pontica,
Greece, pr<zcox, S. Europe. Przewalskii,
E. Asia, fudica, N. W. Amer. pyrenaica,
Pyrenees, racenwsa, do. recurva, N. W.
Amer. Reuteri, Persia, rhodocanakis, Grec.
Archip. Roylei, Himal. ruthenica, Caucas.
Schliemanni, Asia Min. Sewerzowi, Cent. Asia.
Sibthorpiana, Greece, tenella, Europe, Caucas.
tubizformis, S. Europe, tulipifolia, Caucas.
usuriensis, Amoor. verticillata, Siberia.
Walujewi, Turkestan.
FUCHSIA. — Graceful and distinct
shrubs, too seldom seen in our flower
gardens. All round our coasts, and
especially in the southern and western
parts, several species are hardy,
and are perhaps the most beautiful ob-
jects in gardens. In other districts
Fuchsias are cut down by frost, but spring
up again vigorously and, in fact, live the
life of herbaceous plants ; but in mild
districts, and near the coast, they fre-
quently escape being cut down for years,
and become large and handsome bushes.
No plants are more likely to improve the
garden. Not showy, in mass of flower
they are of the highest beauty ; the droop-
ing shoots of most kinds afford a grace
that no garden should be without. Even
in dwarf kinds, where this drooping tend-
ency is not seen to such advantage, or,
it may be, is seen to a disadvantage, the
Fuchsia is very valuable ; but its full
beauty is seen when we use plants with
rather tall stems or pyramids. In the
milder districts, where it is a shrub, we
see it to perfection ; in others, the tall-
stemmed or pyramidal plants have to be
placed out in summer. The right way to
manage Fuchsias put out for the summer
only is to induce them, as far as possible,
Crown Imperial (Fritillaria imperialis).
to produce all their growth in the open
air ; for if you start them, nurture them,
and make them full of leaves and strong
young growth in the spring, they will be
disappointing ; but if you keep them back
and do not let them burst into leaf until
put in the open air in May, they will go
on and retain all the strength they gather,
suspending graceful blossoms until the
leaves desert the trees. They should then
be taken up and put in a dry cave, cellar,
or shed for the winter, and it would not
be difficult to " keep them back " in spring.
And even if they seem inclined to push
forth before the time to put them in the
flower garden there should be no difficulty
in placing them in some quiet sheltered
nook, where they may receive more
O O 2
564 FUCHSIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
protection than in the flower garden proper,
and yet have full opportunity to make
growth in the open air — the great point
to be attained. In many places refuse
plants may be turned to good account in
this way. Nothing is simpler than to
make of these standards for the flower
garden by cutting away the lower and
middle side-shoots and leaving the head.
All may be freely propagated from cut-
tings in spring or autumn. There are
about a dozen more or less hardy kinds
that succeed in the open air in the south
and midland counties, and many more in
warm seaside localities ; in fact, there is
not a Fuchsia in cultivation that will not
thrive in the open air in summer ; if used
judiciously they give an air of grace
afforded by no other plants. The follow-
ing are among the hardiest kinds : —
F. coccinea. — A well-known bushy
plant, graceful and beautiful in growth
and bloom, readily adapting itself to any
locality, unless the soil be of the wettest
and coldest description, and even then a
slight covering of coal ashes after the
stems are cut down in autumn will pro-
tect the roots in winter. In favourable
situations it is often 6 ft. high. From the
axils of the leaves, which are a fine green,
beautifully tinged or veined with red, the
flowers, which before they fully open are
not unlike crimson drops, are produced
in profusion during the greater part of the
summer. Chili.
F. conica. — A vigorous compact species
3 to 6 ft. high, but not such a free flowerer
as some of the others. The flowers have
scarlet sepals, and dark purple petals.
Chili.
F. corallina.— A beautiful plant, taller
and more slender than the others, and
therefore specially suited for walls and
houses. The flowers are large and of a
showy red colour, and the plant is a
vigorous grower and free bloomer.
F. discolor is a dwarf variety with
numerous small scarlet flowers. It is the
hardiest of all, not being injured by the
winters in the milder parts of Scotland if
treated as a herbaceous plant. F. pumila
is similar, but more slender, and equally
desirable.
F. globosa.— One of the best of the
hardy Fuchsias. The flowers are globose
in bud, and retain their shape for some
time after they begin to expand, on
account of the petals continuing to adhere
at the tips. It is a profuse bloomer, and
the flowers are richly coloured. It forms
a sturdy and often a large shrub in sea-
shore districts. There is no reason why
it should not be grown in drier districts,
even if cut down by frost every year, as
it is always handsome.
F. gracilis.— A very distinct slender
! plant, with flowers on remarkably long
! slender stalks. The young shoots are a
purplish - red, the calyx is a brighter
scarlet, and the corolla has a greater
infusion of red than other hardy kinds.
In mild and moist districts it is nearly 7 ft,
| high, from 12 to 15 ft. in circumference,
j and is of rapid growth. In some winters
it is not cut down by frost. There is a
j variety called multiflora, which is very
free - flowering, and which has shorter
I flowers and of darker crimson. F. tenella
is a seedling variety of F. gracilis. Chili.
F. Riccartoni. — One of the prettiest
and hardiest sorts, growing well without
protection even in parts of Scotland. It
is compact and twiggy, and in summer
j bears many bright red blossoms. A
| garden hybrid.
Besides these, other kinds are in cul-
I tivation, such as procumbens — a curious
I little New Zealand species — serratifolia,
magellanica, thyrnifolia, and rnicrophylla,
I and nearly all the hybrid kinds do out-of-
i doors in summer, and bloom well, though
I they may be cut down in winter. Among
\ the most distinct and pretty are the
j dwarf and fragile kinds, such as F. rnicro-
phylla, F. pumila, and several hardy
i hybrids of the globosa section, all of
| which seem to flourish unusually well
| near the sea, and to grow almost any-
! where.
Fuchsias are mostly S. American plants,
chiefly from Brazil, Bolivia, Chili, Ecuador.,
! Peru, New Grenada, and Venezuela, but some
from Mexico, some — viz. Colensoi, Eucliandra,
Kirkii, procumbens — from N. Zealand, and
I one, racemosa, from the Island of San Do-
mingo. The known species arc : —
P. alpestris, ampliata, apetala, arborescens,
ayaovacensis, bacillaris, boliviana, cancscens,
caracasana, chonotica, coccinea, Colensoi, con-
fertifolia, cordifolia, corymbiflora, ctrviflora,
deciissata, denticulata, dependens, Ettcliandra,
excorticata, fulgens, globosa, Harlivegii, hir-
sitta, hirtella, insignis, integrifolia intermedia,
Kirkii, Lenneana, longiftora, lo.vcnsis, »ia-
crantha, macropetala, niacrostejnina, niacro-
stigma, menibranacea, microphylla, miniata,
ininiwiflora, niinntiflora, mixta, vwntana,
nigrieans, Notarisii, ovalis, parvijlora, petio-
laris, procumbens, pubescens, quittduensis, race-
mosa, rosea, salidfolia, scabriusciila, serrati-
folia, sessilifolia, simplicicaulis, spcctabilis,
spinosa, splendent, sylvatica, thymtfolia, tri-
phylla, iimbrosa, venusta, verrucosa, virgata.
FUNKIA (Plantain Lily}.— Valuable
Japanese plants of the Lily Order, of which
there are about half-a-dozen species and
numerous varieties. The different species
are free-flowering herbaceous plants, with
FUNKIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
565
spikes of bell-shaped flowers, but the
chief value is in the foliage. They are
noble plants, most useful for many
positions in the garden, while few lend
such a fine effect as F. Sieboldi when
finely developed. They are highly suit-
able for grouping, and few plants thrive
better in open places in shrubberies.
The bold striking foliage of some of the
strongest plain-leaved section renders
them very effective for edging large beds,
while the kinds with variegated foliage,
such as F. undulata variegata, make
.good groups, or are suitable for edgings.
as a flower-garden plant, but with us
it does not flower regularly unless in
sunny spots and warm, well-drained,
and very sandy loam. The young
leaves are a favourite prey of slugs
and snails. It is also known as F.
subcordata.
F. lancifolia is a small species, with
tufts of lance-shaped leaves, narrowing
from the middle towards both ends.
There are some interesting varieties,
chief among which are the white-flowered
variety (alba or speciosa as it is more
commonly called), a beautiful plant,
Plantain Lily (Funkia Sieboldi).
They are best seen in well-drained
•deep soil. All are easily multiplied by
-division in spring or autumn. The best
are —
F. Fortune!. — This strong species has
smaller and more leathery leaves than F.
Sieboldi, and they are of a much more
bluish or glaucous tint. The flowers are
pure white or pale mauve.
F. grandiflora is 12 to 18 in. high,
producing in August and September
numerous large, handsome, pure white,
sweet-scented flowers. In some places
it is used for edging, but is best seen in
tufts, in beds or borders, in a well-drained
.•sandy loam.^ About Paris it is grown
spathulata, and plantaginifolia, with long
narrow leaves. There are some very
pretty varieties with leaves of different
variegation, all well worth growing ;
notably albo-marginata, with a narrow
white line along the margin of the leaf ;
undulata variegata, in which the leaves
are undulated on the margin and varie-
gated on the greater part of the surface ;
and umvittata, with a broad white midrib
to the leaf.
F. ovata has large tufts of broad, deep,
shining green leaves. Flower-stems 12 or
1 8 in. high, terminating in a short raceme
of lilac-blue flowers, which appear in late
summer and autumn. One of the strongest
566
GAILLARDIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GAILLARDIA.
species, and when in flower is very hand-
some. There is a variegated-leaved
form.
F. Sieboldi is the most ornamental of
the species. It is 1 8 in. to 3 ft. high, and
has large glaucous leaves, somewhat
heart-shaped, often over i ft. across. The
flowers are in tall one-sided racemes well
above the foliage, and are a creamy-lilac.
There is an interesting variety with yellow-
margined foliage. Admirable in tasteful
hands for picturesque groups or massive
edgings.
GAILLARDIA (Blanket Flower}.—
Handsome perennial and biennial herbs
including some of the showiest flowers,
valuable for their long duration both
on the plants and in a cut state. The
genus numbers some half-a-dozen species
from N. America, and many garden varie-
ties. The numerous kinds now in gardens
appear to fall under three species, but
there is a strong family likeness through-
out the series. The kinds are
G. aristata, a perennial, I to \\ ft.
high, with narrow leaves, sometimes
deeply cut. The flowers are \\ to 4 in.
across, the ray florets having an outer
zone of orange-yellow and an inner one of
brownish-red, while the centre is deep
bluish-purple. It is the commonest kind,
and having been raised largely from
seed, has many varieties, differing more or
less widely from the type, with various
names. G. picta somewhat resembles G.
aristata, but has smaller flowers, and is a
biennial. It is dwarfer, and its flowers are
brighter. G. amblyodon is a beautiful
Texan annual, introduced a few years ago.
Its flowers are even smaller than those of
G. picta, and are of a deep cinnabar red.
On strong plants they are borne plenti-
fully towards the close of the summer for
several weeks. G. pulchella is the oldest
form cultivated, and was introduced about
a century ago. It is I to \\ ft. high, and
bears bright yellow and purplish -red
flowers, 2 in. across. An annual. G. bi-
color and pinnatifida are seldom seen in
gardens, probably owing to their being
somewhat tender. The garden varieties,
as has been stated, are numerous, but the
most distinct of those named are —
G. grandiflora, said to be a hybrid,
presumably between G. picta and G.
aristata. It is a beautiful and vigorous
plant with large brightly-coloured flowers,
which are only surpassed by its variety
maxima. It is by far the finest of all.
G. hybrida is another garden cross,
much resembling G. grandiflora ; the
variety splendens has brighter flowers.
G. Telemachi, Drummondi, Loiselli,
and Bosselari appear to be synonymous
with some of the preceding, and G.
Richardsoni scarcely differs from them.
All thrive in good friable garden soil
but not on a cold stiff soil or on one that is
too light or dry. Where possible they
should be grown in bold groups, for they
thrive better if so placed than as solitary
plants in a parched border, and no plants
have a finer effect in a bed by themselves.
Where apt to die in winter, they may be
used in mixed borders, if treated as half-
hardy annuals ; for if sown in a mild hotbed
at the end of February or the beginning
of March, they may be grown into good
plants, and give a full display of their fine
flower-heads as early as those that have
withstood the winter in the borders. It is
well to note that these in many soils are
not nearly so hardy or enduring as many
of the perennials we have from N. Amer-
ica, and therefore cannot in cold soils be
depended on.
The culture of the perennial Gaillardia is
not beset with difficulties, and the plant is
seen best in bold groups, rather than small
clumps here and there in the border. If
established plants in pots are obtained in
April and put out in the places they are
to occupy about 2 ft. apart each way, a
good bloom may be expected the same
season if the soil is well dug and mixed
with well-decayed manure. Mr. W. Kel-
way, of Langport, Somerset, in a note to
The Garden on January 27, 1887, mentions
that a collection planted in this manner
bore the drought of the last five years
better than any other herbaceous peren-
nial grown at Langport, and stood the
winter so well that not 3 per cent, suffered.
Some commend the Gaillardia for bedding,
though it is seldom grown in this way,
but a pretty effect is obtained when plants
of one distinct variety, or shades of the
same colour, are put about i ft. apart with
the stems pegged down. The situation,
however, where the Gaillardias remain out
winter after winter must be warm, the soil
not too heavy, but light and dry. In very
cold and wet seasons in Midland counties
the plants often succumb ; but it is very
easy in the autumn to strike cuttings,
which may be taken off and treated
similarly to the Pelargonium, or seeds
raised in March, and the plants hardened
off before putting out, will also give a
quick return in the shape of flowers. In-
creased by cuttings in autumn or spring,
and division in spring.
Species of Gaillardia — acaulis, N. Amer. am-
blyodon, Texas, aristata, N. Amer. arizom'ca,
Arizona. cotnosa, Mexico, -lanceolata, N.
GALANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GALANTHUS.
567
Amer. megapotaviica^ Braz. mexicana, Mex.
odorata, N. West Amer. pinnatifida, N. W.
Amer. pukhella, N. Amer. Roezli, Calif.
simplex, N. W. Amer. spathtilata, N. W.
Amer. tontalensis , Argent.
GALANTHUS (Snowdrop}. — Always
loved in English gardens, the old Snow-
drop is now known to be only one mem-
ber of a large family most of which have
bud is, however, essential, as they can be
carried better and open fresher in water
than if cut when fully open. Buds
so gathered will remain beautiful for
ten days or longer, while flowers cut
after expansion will fade in about a
week.
The present growing' state of our know-
ledge of Snowdrops may best be gleaned
Gaillardia.
merits for garden culture. The Snow-
drop never looks better than when
naturalised amid tender herbage in old
orchards and paddocks, on the margins of
lawns, or beside woodland walks. Almost
any soil suits the Snowdrop, but rich
open soils are best. All the Snowdrops
are hardy, and may be naturalised in Grass,
or on the rock-garden, or in the wild
garden, where they may be associated
with Anemone, early Crocuses, Winter
Aconites. As cut flowers, Snowdrops are
most attractive, but to cull the flowers in
from a paper read by Mr. Jas. Allen
before the Royal Horticultural Society,
of which the following is an abstract : —
In speaking of Snowdrops we must not
forget that, besides the division into
species and sub-species, we have the ar-
rangements into classes, according to
colours and other peculiarities. Conse-
quently we hear of white Snowdrops and
yellow Snowdrops, and also green Snow-
drops.
G. IMPERATI.— I think no botanist
would be able to say where nivalis ended
568 GALANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GALAN'THUS.
and Imperati commenced. In the section
to which G. nivalis and G. Imperati be-
long there are some most lovely Snow-
drops, amongst which I would mention
first Mr. Melville's Dunrobin form. G. n.
Atkinsi is second to none in size, form,
quality, and freedom in growth. It is
the plant known to some as Imperati of
Atkins.
G. PLICATUS is very distinct and its best
forms possess great beauty. The fore-
most place in this section belongs to
G. p. maximus. G. plicatus usually
flowers late, but I have a selected form,
G. p. praecox, which flowers with the
early varieties of G. nivalis. Another
selected form, G. p. Omega, flowers with
the very latest.
G. ELWESI.— The best forms of this
are large and handsome, but it wants the
most sheltered spots in the garden to
thrive. Many find G. Elwesi difficult to
manage, but with me it grows very freely,
especially in one bed of very light soil,
where the seedlings are almost a nuisance.
G. LATIFOLIUS.— This is the most dis-
tinct of all Snowdrops, with its broad
grass-green foliage and small pure white
flowers, and it has a delicate beauty all
its own, more especially just before the
bud expands, when the two leaves curve
so lovingly round the flower-stem.
G. FOSTERI. — The markings on the inner
petals are very similar to those of G. Elwesi,
but the foliage is quite different, being broad
and somewhat blunt, and in shape and
colour much like the leaves of Scilla
sibirica. M. Max Leichtlin thinks very
highly of G. Fosteri, and considers it to
be the " king of Snowdrops."
G. ALLENI. — Mr. Barker thinks this is
probably a hybrid between G. latifolius
and G. caucasicus, as it has some of the
features of each species. The flower is
of much the same character as that of
G. latifolius, but nearly twice as large,
and the foliage corresponds in size with
the blossoms.
AUTUMNAL SNOWDROPS.— In Greece
and the adjacent countries several Snow-
drops have been found which flower in
the autumn or early winter. They seem
to belong to the nivalis section. One
peculiarity I have noticed in them' is that
they have a glaucous line running down
the centre of each leaf, and by this they
can be at once distinguished from the
spring-flowering forms of nivalis. So far
as I can learn, all these Snowdrops grow
on high ground, mostly on mountains. I
understand that the Snowdrops on the
lower grounds do not flower until early in
the year,
G. OLGJE.. — From the descriptions given
of it, G. Olgae must be a fine variety, and
it is very unfortunate that it is lost to
cultivation. M. Tanka, the Hungarian
botanist, asserts that this and G. octo-
brensis are identical, but I do not think so ;
and the difference between G. octobrensis
and G. Rachelae confirms my opinion.
G. OCTOBRENSIS. — Lord Walsingham,
when travelling in Albania about the year
1875, collected some bulbs on one of the
mountains and sent them to the late Rev.
H. Harpur-Crewe. Amongst these was
a bulb which proved to be a Snowdrop
flowering in the autumn, usually in
October. I am sorry to say that it is
somewhat delicate and increases very
slowly with me.
G. RACHEL/E. — This is of the same
type as G. octobrensis, but the flower is
a little larger, and the leaves are quite a
third broader, and it seems to have a
stronger constitution than that variety.
It also differs in being a week or ten days
later in flowering.
THE YELLOW SNOWDROPS form but
a small class, two varieties only being
known at present, G. lutescens, and G.
flavescens. It must not be supposed
that the petals of the flower are yellow ;
the name is given because of the rich
yellow colour of the ovary, and the mark-
ings on the inner petals are also of that
colour, instead of the usual green, and
even the flower-stalks are more yellow
than green.
THE WHITE SNOWDROPS also consist,
at present, of two varieties only. G.
poculiformis was first brought into notice
by Mr. D. Melville, who found it in the
grounds at Dunrobin Castle. It has
since been found in Wales by Mr. A.
D. Webster, and I have also received
bulbs of a very similar form from a lady
near Ayr, in whose garden it grew with
several other peculiar forms.
GREEN SNOWDROPS, form quite a large
class, but none of the blossoms are
entirely, or even mostly, green in colour.
They come into this class in consequence
of having more or less green on the outer
petals. G. Scharloki was so named
in 1868 by Professor Caspary in honour
of its discoverer, Herr Julius Scharlok,
who found it in the valley of the Nahe,
a tributary of the Rhine. This variety,
in addition to large pale-green spots
towards the tips of the outer petals, has
the peculiarity of a twin or divided spathe,
which curves down on the two sides much
like a pair of wings. This variety grows
and increases very freely. G. virescens
is a very singular-looking Snowdrop,
GALANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GALEGA.
569
reminding one somewhat of an Ornitho-
galum. The outer petals are pale green,
shading off to pure white at the edges,
and especially at the tips ; the inner
petals are entirely green. G. Fosteri
Leopard is a great curiosity, having
flowers of quite unusual shape, and at the
tip of each outer petal a large dark-green
spot. M. Max Leichtlin kindly sent me
ten collected bulbs of G. Fosteri in
January 1890, and one of these flowered
as described, and has kept true this season.
G. Fosteri Spot is quite distinct from
Leopard. It has long outer petals, some-
what pearshaped, and at the tip of each
is a small pale-green spot. The spots are
not sufficiently prominent to give a
decided character to the flower, but it is
valuable as a variety.
SOIL FOR SNOWDROPS.— With me G.
nivalis grows freely in all soils and
situations. G. plicatus is not very
particular, but still some of its varieties
require extra care, as they have an un-
pleasant way of disappearing. G. Elwesi
does not do well in close retentive soil.
G. latifolius and G. caucasicus, I believe,
prefer gritty loam, and I should say that
G. Fosteri would also like it. Mr. A. D.
Webster tells me that peat has quite a
magical effect on Snowdrops, but I have
not tried it. My ideal soil for Snow-
drops in general would be half good sweet
yellow loam and almost half unsifted river-
grit and a little leaf-mould. The situa-
tion I should choose would be a gently
sloping bank, more or less shaded by
trees whose roots were allowed to wander
freely among the Snowdrops. I believe
that all bulbs are healthier when planted
amongst active roots than in ordinary
beds. When the bulbs are at rest it is
very essential that the soil should be
kept s\veet by the activity of other roots.
We too often lose sight of this fact. I
think the autumnal-flowering Snowdrops
should be treated as alpine plants. All
my best Snowdrops are grown under
trees, the soil being quite full of their
roots. I do not use manure for them.
The only drawback to my situation for
these spring gems is the soiling of the
flowers from the drippings of the trees.
I should mention that the climate is so
trying that I cannot grow such hardy
plants as Primroses, Pinks, Daisies, etc.
All these disappear after a season or two.
I move most of my Snowdrops when in
full flower, and do not find they are
injured by it. I have noticed that
the more green colour there is in any
Snowdrop the more freely it grows and
the more rapidly it increases, while the
absence of green, or the substitution of
yellow for the green, makes the plant
delicate and slow of increase.
Galatella. See Aster.
GALAX ( Wand Plant}.— G. aphylla is
one of the neatest little plants for the rock-
garden ; its white wand-like flowers must
have suggested its common name ; its
round evergreen leaves are beautifully
toothed and tinted, on slender stems
6 or 8 in. high. Of easy culture in moist
peat or leaf-soil, in the bog-garden, or on
the margins of beds of dwarf shrubs in
peat. America.
GALEGA (Goafs Rue). — Graceful
perennials of the Pea family flourishing
Garrya elliptica.
in any soil. On account of their growth
they are useful for the wild garden, free
and are very effective in groups. They
are herbaceous perennials, growing from
2 to 5 ft. in height, according to position
and soil. The kinds are — G. officinalis,
or Common Goat's Rue, a native of
Southern Europe, and 3 to 5 ft. high, in
summer bearing dense clusters of Pea-
shaped blossoms of a pretty pink. There
is a white variety (alba) useful for
cutting. A variety called africana has
longer racemes and blossoms of a purple
tinge. G. orientalis is from the Caucasus,
3 to 4 ft. high, with bluish-purple flowers.
G. persica is a later-flowering kind, from
2 to 4 ft. high, with white flowers in dense
570 G ALTON I A.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
racemes on slender stalks. G. biloba has
pretty bluish-lilac flowers.
OALTOHIA(C^M««i«rt).-~A noble
bulb from the Cape, G. candicans having
spires of waxy, white bell-like blossoms,
i \ in. long, on stems 4 to 6 ft. high, in late
summer and autumn. It is of easy cul-
ture, hardy in light soils, and valuable for
bold groups in the mixed border, in
the flower garden, or between choice
shrubs and among hardy Fuchsias. In-
creased by offsets from the bulbs, or from
seeds, which flower about the fourth year.
The distinct habit of this plant makes it
one of the most valuable. Syn. Hyacin-
thus candicans.
GARRY A.— G. Elliptica is a fine Cali-
fornian Evergreen, and beautiful winter-
flowering shrub. In mild winters it begins
to flower as early as
December, and bears
among handsome
deep-green leaves
gracefully - drooping
tufts of pale-green
catkins, which if cut
with the twigs endure
a long time in vases,
and are welcome in
winter. Though often
grown on walls, it is
hardy and makes a
dense bush, 5 to 8 ft.
high. In cold districts
it is well to give it
shelter, but in the
south and west it does
Other varieties are G.
Fadyenii. Fremonti, Thureli and macro-
phylla, but G. elliptica is the best. There
are male and female forms, the most elegant
being the pollen-bearing or male plant.
GAULTHERIA (Partridge Berry}.—
Dwarf evergreen shrubs, G. prociimbens
having berries which give it a charm
in winter, when it is one of the brightest
plants on the rock-garden. Its drooping
white flowers are also pretty. A native
of sandy places and cool damp woods
from Canada to Virginia, and often found
in the shade of evergreens, it does best
in moist peat, and forms edgings to
beds where the soil is of that nature,
but it will also grow in loam. Easily
increased by division or seeds. Suitable
for the rock-garden, for the front margins
of borders, and for edgings to beds of
dwarf American plants, and it is best
where well exposed. G. Shallon is too
large for all but the rougher flanks of
the rock-garden, being a vigorous shrub.
GAURA. — G. Lindheimeri is a grace-
ful perennial, 3 to 4^ ft. high, flowering in
Garrya elliptica.
not require this.
Gaultheria procumbens.
summer and autumn, on long slender
spikes bearing numerous white and rose
flowers. It thrives
in borders, in sandy
loam, and plants for
the flower garden
may be used with
the larger bedding
plants. Increased by
division and seed. N.
America.
GAZANIA(7>m-
sure Flower]. —
Handsome and dis-
tinct dwarf plants ; of
much value, though only hardy enough for
our summers. They are most useful on
warm soils, and should always be placed in
open sunny spots and among dwarf plants.
They strike freely in a cold frame in
August, but later require bottom-heat.
Unless struck very early, spring-struck
plants are almost worthless, so that it is
best to put in the stock in August and let
them stand in cutting-pots till potting-off
time in spring. They will then come well
into flower when put out in May ; whereas,
if they are topped for spring cuttings, both
lots will be small and late. Short young
tops should be used for cuttings, and may
be inserted pretty thickly in the cutting-
pots. When established, they must be
just protected from frost, and kept in dry
airy quarters. If kept warm, they grow
too much, and are in spring poor lanky
plants that can hardly be handled ; but
cool airy treatment keeps them short and
sturdy. G. rigens is the best known. It has
long deep-green leaves, silvery beneath,
and bears flowers 2 in. across, which are
of bright orange-yellow, with a dark
Gaultheria shallon.
centre. G. splendens is a fine variety,
and there is also one with variegated
leaves.
The known species (from S. Africa) are :—
G. arctotoides, arminioides, Bnrchellii, caespi-
tosa, canescens, coronofiifolia, heterochaela,
Jurineaefolia, Kraussii, Krebsiana, Lichten-
steinii, lineariloba, longifolia, longiscapa, mu-
cronata, tmtlttjuga, nivea, othonnites, oxyloba,
Pavonia, pinnata, pygmaea, rigens, serrulata,
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GENISTA.
571
subbipinnatay subulata, tenuifolia, uniflora,
varians.
GENISTA (Rock Broom}.— Some of
these are good garden and rock-garden
shrubs, thriving in almost any soil which is
not too wet, and readily raised from seeds.
G. setnensis, a native of Sicily, is one
of the best kinds. In a young state
the twigs are sparsely clothed with linear
silky leaves, but when old no leaves
are developed, and the green slender
twigs perform the functions of leaves.
An old tree — for this species attains a
height of 12 ft. or more — is a beautiful
sight in July or August when in full
flower.
G. anglica (Needle Furze] is a prostrate
spiny shrub, sometimes growing to a
Gazania nivea.
height of 2 ft., widely distributed through-
out Western Europe, and in Britain
occurring on moist moors from Ross
southwards. The short leafy racemes of
yellow flowers appear in May and June.
G. aspalathoides, a native of South-
western Europe, makes a densely-
branched, compact, spiny bush from I ft.
to 2 ft. in height. It flowers in July
and August (the yellow blossoms are
somewhat smaller than those of G.
anglica), and is a good shrub for the rock-
garden. Other names for it are Spartium
aspalathoides and S. erinaceoides.
G. anxantica, found wild in the neigh-
bourhood of Naples, is very nearly allied
to our native Dyer's Greenweed (G.
tinctoria). It is very dwarf in habit,
and its racemes of golden-yellow flowers
are produced in great profusion in late
summer. A beautiful rock-garden plant.
~ G. ephedroides, a native of Sardinia, is
a much-branched shrub, 2 ft. in height,
bearing yellow flowers from June to
August. The aspect of the plant much
resembles that of Ephedra distachya.
G. germanica, a species widely dis-
tributed throughout Europe, makes a
Genista pilosa.
bright rock-garden shrub not more than a
couple of feet in height. It flowers very
freely during the summer and autumn
months, and the stems are inclined to-
arch when i ft. or more high. Some-
times met with under the name of Scorpius
spinosus.
G. hispanica, a native of South-western
Europe, is a compact undershrub, ever-
green from the colour of its shoots. It
scarcely attains more than i ft. or 18 in.
in height, and the crowded racemes of
yellow flowers are borne at the tips of the
spiny twigs from May onwards.
G. pilosa, a widely distributed European
species, is a dense, prostrate bush and a
delightful rock-garden plant. In Britain
it is rare and local, being confined to-
gravelly heaths in the south and south-
west of England. It grows freely and
flowers abundantly in May and June-
Like the rest of the British species of
the genus, it has bright yellow blossoms.
G. radiata is a native of Central and
Southern Europe, 3 ft. or 4 ft. in height, ever-
green from the colour of its much-branched!
spiny twigs. The ter- r-^
minal heads of bright
yellow flowers are pro-
duced throughout the
summer months. It is
quite hardy at any rate
in the South of Eng-
land.
G. ramosissima.— A
native of Southern Spain,
and one of the best gar-
den plants in the genus,
growing about 3 ft. high, the slender twigs
laden in July with bright yellow flowers.
This also passes under the name of G-
cinerea.
G. sagittalis is widely distributed
throughout Europe. In habit it differs
Genista radiata.
572 GENTIANA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
widely from any of the other species here
mentioned, the leaves being replaced by a
winged-jointed stem. It scarcely grows a
foot high, and forms a mass of branches
bearing racemes of yellow flowers in May
and June.
G. tinctoria (The DyeSs Greenwecd}.
Occurring in a wild state in Britain, it
rarely exceeds 18 in. in height, and is
.a spineless shrub bearing a profusion
of bright yellow flowers from July until
September. A double-flowered variety of
this makes a pretty rock-plant.
G. tinctoria var. elatior is a tall-grow-
ing form from the Caucasus, which under
cultivation frequently grows from 4 ft. to
5 ft. high, and bears huge paniculate
inflorescences.
G. virgata. — A native of Madeira and
one of the most beautiful species of the
genus. At Kew there are many old
plants from 6 ft. to 10 ft. high, and as much
through, which in July are one mass of
colour, every one of the slender branchlets
terminating in a raceme of golden-yellow
blossoms.
GENTIANA (Gentian}. — Dwarf
evergreen alpine plants, some of them
difficult to cultivate, but others easily
grown (on the rock-garden and in
borders). The most precious are the
perennial alpine kinds, which are such
a beautiful feature on the mountains of
Europe, and with care in our gardens
spread into healthy tufts and flower as
well as on the mountains. Of these
plants there are two sections — the first,
strong easily-grown kinds, suitable for
borders ; and the second, dwarfer kinds,
which should be grown in the rock-garden,
or in borders or beds of choice dwarf
plants. The Willow Gentian, some of the
American perennials, and those with
herbaceous shoots generally grow freely
in borders, in good moist soil. So does
the Gentianella (G. acaulis). The dwarfer
Gentians are represented most familiarly
by the Vernal Gentian (G. verna).
G. acaulis (Gentianella). — An old in-
habitant of English gardens, among the
most beautiful of the Gentians, and easily
cultivated, except on very dry soils. In
some places edgings are made of it, and
where it does well it should be used in every
garden, as, when in flower, edgings of it are
of great beauty, and, when not in flower, the
masses of little leaves gathered into com-
pact rosettes, form a good edging. It is
at home on the rock-garden, where there
are good masses of moist loam in which
it can root. It is also good for forming
carpets in the rock-garden or on raised
borders. With us the flowers open in
spring and in early summer, but on its
native hills they open according to posi-
tion, like the Vernal Gentian. G. alpina
is a marked variety with small broad
leaves, and there are several other varie-
ties. Their colours vary from the deepest
blue to white, and in one white flower the
tips of the corolla are a rich blue. In all
the forms except the white the throat of
the corolla is spotted with blue on a
greenish ground, and all have greenish
marks on the outside. Alps and Pyrenees.
G. asclepiadea (Willow Gentian}. —
A good herbaceous kind ; this gives no
trouble, but dies down out of harm's way
in winter. Well grown, it will spring up
Gentiaiia affinis.
to 2 ft. and freely produce good-sized
flowers of a purple-blue along nearly
the whole stem in late summer and
autumn. This Gentian will grow in open
woods. It may therefore be naturalised,
and its effect among the Grass in a wood
is charming. There is a white form.
Division. Europe.
G. bavarica (Bavarian Gentian). — In
size this resembles the Vernal Gentian,
but it has smaller Box-like leaves of
yellowish-green, and its tiny steins are
thickly clothed with dense little tufts of
foliage, from which arise flowers of lovely
iridescent blue. While G. verna is found
on dry ground, or on ground not over-
flowed by water, G. bavarica is in per-
fection in boggy spots, by some little rill.
We must imitate these conditions if we
desire to succeed, and a moist peat or
bog bed, and with no coarse plants near,
will enable us to grow this lovely plant.
Alps.
GENTIANA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GERANIUM.
575
Gr. septemfida (Crested Gentian}— &.
lovely plant, bearing on stems 6 to 12
in. high clusters of cylindrical flowers
widening towards the mouth, and a
beautiful blue-white inside, and greenish-
brown outside, having between each of
the larger segments one smaller and
finely cut. In the variety cordifolia leaves
are more cordate, but it grows about only
half the height of the type, with a much
neater habit. The dwarf form, again,
seems to subdivide itself when raised
from seed, and I have got plenty of plants
with very small leaves flowering at a height
of only 3 in. — J. W. One of the most
desirable species for the rock-garden,
and thriving best in moist sandy peat.
Division. Caucasus.
Gr. verna ( Vernal Gentian}. — One of the
most beautiful of alpine flowers, thriving in
deep sandy loam, with abundance of water
during the warm and dry months, and
perfect exposure to the sun. The absence
of these conditions is a frequent cause of
failure. It thrives wild in cool pastures
and uplands, where it is rarely subjected
to such drought as it is in a parched
border. Grit or broken limestone may be
mingled with the soil ; if there be plenty of
sand this is not essential ; a few pieces
half buried in the ground will tend to
prevent evaporation and guard the plant
till it has taken root. It is so dwarf,
that if weeds be allowed to grow round
it they soon injure it, and tall plants over-
shadow or overrun it. In moist districts
Gentiana verna.
it may be grown in a deep sandy loam, on
the front edge of a border carefully sur-
rounded by half-plunged stones. Well-
rooted plants should be secured to begin
with, as failure often occurs from imper-
fectly-rooted, half-dead plants. It is
abundant in mountain pastures on the
Alps, in Asia, and also in Britain.
There are other Gentians in cultivation,,
such as G. caucasica, adscendens pneumo-
nanthe, cruciata, affinis, algida, arvernensis,.
crimta, and Andrewsi. Most Gentians may
be raised from seed, but it is slow work.
GERANIUM (Cranesbill}.— The hardy
Geraniums are usually stout perennials
and natives of the fields and woods of
Europe and Britain, though some are
A group of hardy Geraniums.
dainty alpine flowers. The handsomest of
them is probably G. armenum. It is
sometimes 3 ft. in height, flowering in
midsummer abundantly, and sometimes
till late in autumn to a less degree. Its
flowers are large and handsome. It re-
quires only ordinary garden soil, and is
well suited for the mixed border, or for
grouping with the finer perennials in beds
or on the margins of shrubberies. Some
other kinds are showy, and the best of
these are : the dwarf G. sanguineum ; its
beautiful Lancashire variety, with rose-
coloured blossoms finely marked with dark
lines ; G. pratense, a tall kind, with large
purple flowers ; and its pure white variety.
There is also an intermediate form with
white and purple flowers. The Caucasian
species, G. gymnocaulon and ibericum,
are beautiful, with their rich purple
blossoms, 2 in. across, delicately pen-
cilled with black. G. platypetalum,
striatum, ibericum, and Lamberti are
suited for shrubbery borders, and most
of them are free and vigorous enough
for naturalisation. G. Endressi, with
light rose-coloured blossoms, is also
very attractive. All the above-mentioned
574 GERARDIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Geraniums are hardy, easily cultivated,
and grow in ordinary soil. The pretty
rock-garden kinds, G. cinereum and G.
argenteum, are charming alpine plants,
and, unlike stout perennials, they must be
associated with very dwarf rock-plants.
All the Geraniums are increased by seed,
and with the exception perhaps of the
G. cinereum, and G. argenteum, all are
freely multiplied by division.
GERARDIA.— I have never, either in
gardens or in the wild land or in the
Alpine mountains, where beauty of plant
life is at its highest, seen anything that
struck me more than a Gerardia I once
met with in the roadside in New Jersey,
growing abundantly here and there, like
a little tree inhabit, 15 in. to 18 in. high,
bearing most graceful miniature Pent-
stemon-like flowers, but far more refined
in colour and distinct in form than any
Pentstemon. Naturally I asked why
such a plant was not in cultivation, and
learnt that the Gerardias are mostly
parasites on the roots of other plants. In
spite of this, I brought home some seed
of one or two kinds and sowed it where I
thought it would have some chance, but
nothing ever came of it. There are a
number of kinds in America, and some of
the plants are pretty, but hitherto they
seemed to have resisted all attempts at
cultivation. Gerardia is a genus called
after John Gerard, who wrote the famous
Herbal in the time of Queen Elizabeth,
and is as a group of the highest interest.
I hope that some of them may be intro-
duced. G. temiifolia is a species long
known, which thrives in the open, and
forms charming tufts covered with pretty
flowers in summer. It is dwarf and bushy
in habit, light and graceful effect with its
numerous pale blue flowers.
GERBEKA. — G.Jamesoni is a curious
perennial, hardy in southern counties,
but too tender for northerly places.
Its leathery dark-green leaves are
arranged in a rosette, and the flower
head glowing scarlet. Where it cannot
be grown in the border, it should be
placed in pots in the greenhouse, in which
it succeeds well. At*Kew the plant is
grown in a mixture of loam, peat, and
sand, and is watered as one would water
a Cineraria. It is kept in a sunny, airy
greenhouse all the year round. S. Africa.
GEUM. — Dwarf handsome perennial
herbs, G. montanum being one of the
best of the dwarf kinds for the rock-gar-
den, and very beautiful when well estab-
lished in early spring. It has a compact
habit, the leaves lying close on the ground,
the erect stems of solitary clear yellow
flowers being abundant. It likes plenty of
moisture. G. reptans is also a pretty rock-
plant, differing from G. montanum in its
finely cut leaves, large flowers, and in pro-
ducingstolons, which are absent in G. mon-
tanum. There is a variety, however, of the
latter, which is by far the most ornamental
plant of the European kinds. It is of a very
vigorous habit, with large, fine leaves, and
bears freely deep yellow flowers on each
stem. This form was cultivated in the
Liverpool Botanic Garden over twenty
years, and is said to be of garden
origin.
G. chiloense.— A double-flowered form
of this was figured in The Garden,
December 2 ist, 1878, under the name of
G. coccineum fl.-pl., an erroneous name,
under which it is known in many gardens.
A very large-flowered variety, under the
name of G. chiloense grandiflorum, was
figured in the Botanical Register, vol. xvi.,
t. 1348. This I think is one of the best
single-floweredforms in the genus, and does
not seem to have altered much since the
above-mentioned plate was drawn. At
t. 1088 of the same work another plant is
figured as G. coccineum, but this does not
at all agree with the original figure in
Sibthorp's Flora Grcsca, t. 485, and may
be taken to represent as nearly as possible
the typical G. chiloense. A native of
Chiloe, introduced to cultivation some-
where about 1826.
G. chiloense var. grandiflorum (syn.,
coccineum grandiflorum} is a magnificent
border plant, its dazzling scarlet flowers
and bold habit making it a favourite with
all who love brilliant patches in their
mixed borders. The double-flowered form
of this, however, seems to be a more
general favourite, the blooms lasting
longer, though I think they lack the
elegance of those of the simpler form.
They begin to expand soon after May and
continue until October.
G. chiloense var. miniatum.— This
plant, figured in The Garden in 1890, is
said to have originated in the nursery of
Robert Parker at Tooting, and was
named by him G. miniatum. Another
plant known as the Altrincham variety,
or G. hybridum, was raised about the
same time, but unless in the flowers being
brighter, I see no difference. But there
can be no question as to the value of this
plant, its robust constitution standing it in
good stead in almost every kind of soil,
and enabling it to be propagated with the
greatest facility by cutting the tufts in
pieces. It flowers from April until the
end of July, and when doing well often
attains a height of from 2 ft. to 3 ft.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GLADIOLUS.
575
Gr. coccineum is a rare and entirely
different plant. A native of Mount
Olympus. — D. K.
GILIA. — Hardy annuals, i to 2 ft. high,
and bearing for a long time a succession
of blossoms either blue, white, lavender,
or rose-coloured. Seed may be sown in
autumn for spring-blooming, and in April
for summer and autumn blooming. Gilias
should be grown in masses and the soil
should be light and enriched with
decomposed manure ; they are useful for
small bouquets or vases, and last for a
long time in water. The best are G.
achilleasfolia major (blue), G. a. alba
(white), G. capitata (lavender), G. tricolor
(white and purple), G. rosea splendens
(rose), G. nivalis (white), G. liniflora, G.
dianthoides, and G. laciniata. A mixed
packet of seed will give a fine variety of
colours. They may occasionally be made
graceful use of as carpet plants, or used
effectively among annuals.
GILLENIA.— G. trifoliata is a Spiraea-
like plant with numerous erect slender
stems, about 2. ft. high, and branching in
the upper part into a loose panicle of white
flowers. Distinct and graceful, is of value
for the garden growing in peat or free
loamy soil, and may be given a place in
the shrubbery, or in the wild garden.
North America. Division.
G. stipulacea.— This is a rather taller
plant and not quite so compact in habit,
but it is graceful, and no more charming
plant could be introduced to parts of the
garden where there chances to be an extra
amount of moisture and a little shade from
mid-day sun.
Mr. J. Wood says : "It makes more
distinct offsets, so that in the case of
plants a few years old you may take the
rooted offsets with a fair amount of fibre,
and they make good plants the first year.
The Gillenias have a distinct and delicate
beauty all their own, and are pre-eminently
suited for growing in semi-boggy places
interspersed with such subjects as the Bog
Lilies, Irises, Bamboos, and other similar
strong growers."
GLADIOLUS (Sword Lily}.— Beautiful
bulbs, for the most part natives of S. Africa.
Every species ntroduced is of ornamental
value, is easily grown, and is suitable for
many garden uses. The chief charm of
the Gladiolus is derived from the beautiful
hybrid varieties now in cultivation. G.
gandavensis and brenchleyensis are the
principal kinds from which these hybrids
come, and are by far the most important
class, though the earlier-flowering kinds
(descendants of G. ramosus, Colvillei,
trimaculatus, and others) are valuable for
early summer-flowering. The gandavensis
section suffers from cold autumn rains,
and the bulbs must be lifted in autumn.
In growing Gladioli it is necessary to
prepare soil where they will be most
effective. They are happy in clumps be-
tween Dahlias, Phloxes, Roses, and sub-
jects of a somewhat similar character, and
are very effective in clumps alternating
with Tritomas, and also when associated
with masses of Cannas ; while they are
suitable for intermixing with American
plants, whose dark foliage shows off rich
flowers to good advantage. The position
should be marked out in the autumn or
winter, and a few spadefuls of manure
should be dug in. As a rule, the space
of each clump should be 18 in. in
diameter, and the soil should be turned
up to a depth of 18 to 24 in. March and
April are the best months for planting, as
Gladioli planted then are at their best
during August and the early part of
September. A succession of planting is
desirable to secure a late bloom. Those
who desire their gardens to be beautiful
late in the autumn should not fail to
employ the Gladiolus largely, as it is the
handsomest of late-blooming garden
plants, and its spikes are seen to great
advantage about the time of heavy
autumn rains. When spikes of extra fine
bloom are required it is necessary to give
special treatment, and an open situation
is of the utmost importance. A deep loamy
soil, not too heavy, is the most suitable
for spikes for exhibition, but very satis-
factory results even may be obtained
by deep digging and liberal manuring
in soils of an uncongenial character. Early
in autumn the soil should be liberally
dressed with manure from an old hotbed.
After it is spread regularly over the surface,
trench the soil up to a depth of 2 ft., and
leave the surface as rough as possible, so
as to expose a large body of it to winter
frost and rain ; this is of special import-
ance in the case of heavy soils, which
should be thoroughly pulverised by the
weather. If this is done, the soil will be
fit for working in spring, and a pricking
over with the fork will reduce it to a fine
tilth, and will admit of the bulbs being
planted, even in wet seasons, without
unnecessary delay. Planting should com-
mence in March, and be continued until
June, at intervals of a fortnight. By this
means will be obtained a succession
of bloom, from the earliest moment at
which the show varieties may be had in
flower until the end of the season. The
beds should be 4 ft. in width, with rows
1 8 in. apart. They will then admit of a
576 GLADIOLUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GLADIOLI-:-.
row down the centre, and one on each side,
these outside rows being 6 in. from the
edge of the bed. As soon as the plants
have made sufficient progress to require
support, stout stakes should be put to them.
The top of the stake must not be higher
than the first bloom, and the stem should
have one tie only, a strong one of bast.
After staking, the bed should be covered
with partly-decayed manure, to a uni-
form depth of 2 to 3 in. This dressing
materially assists during hot weather in
keeping the soil cool and moist about the
roots. As soon as the plants show bloom,
liquid manure promotes full development
of the flowers. For exhibition the spikes
should be cut when about two thirds of
the blooms are expanded, as the lower
flowers are generally finer than those
towards the top.
To ensure a given number of spikes at
a particular date, a number of different
sorts should be planted. For example,
instead of six to twelve bulbs of a sort, it
is preferable to plant one to three, and
to increase the number of sorts ; and, in
purchasing a hundred bulbs, to select fifty
to seventy varieties. For decoration it
is also better to have a large number of
sorts, because of the greater variety of
colour they afford. The improvements
of the last few years have been so rapid,
that many sorts which a few years ago
occupied a foremost position are now
surpassed, and for exhibition purposes are
comparatively worthless. Most large
nurseries and seed houses supply the
finest exhibition bulbs, as well as bulbs
for ordinary planting.
EARLY-FLOWERING KINDS.— During
the past few years these beautiful flowers
have rapidly become popular on account
of their great value for cutting. They
have been obtained by hybridising several
South African species, particularly G.
ramosus (the branching kinds which are a
distinct group), G. trimaculatus, G. bland-
us, G. venustus, and G. Colvillei forming
what is known as the nanus section. Of
G. ramosus a great number of varieties
are dwarfer in habit, more graceful in
appearance, earlier in flower, than those
of G. gandavensis, and almost as variable
in colour ; they are, moreover, much
hardier, and beds of them may be left
unprotected during winter, so as to afford
early flowers for cutting, for, unless the
weather is very severe, these beds never
require any covering. This remark
applies only to bulbs established in the
ground, for fresh bulbs are as tender as
other Gladioli, and must be protected
from frost. Amateurs often make a
mistake in this matter. Many plants are
hardy only after they are well established.
The nanus section has a great many
varieties of almost every shade of colour,.
i to 2 ft. high, and invariably having the
three characteristic blotches of G. trima-
culatus on the lower segments of the
flower. G. Colvillei is one of the prettiest
and hardiest of all, and is most valuable
for cutting, particularly the white variety,
which has many beautiful white flowers
in early summer. The time of flowering
depends upon the time of planting, but
the dwarf sections are the earliest. If
the varieties of G. ramosus are planted
at the same time as the dwarfs, the dwarfs
are in flower a fortnight before the others.
Gladiolus the Bride.
These early-flowering kinds are of simple
culture, and succeed best in well-drained
raised beds of good loamy soil, in a sunny
position. Some varieties, such as Colvillei
are safe if undisturbed, but some persons
prefer to take the bulbs up and thoroughly
dry them, and then to plant them again
about November ; in which case they will
flower early in June. If the bulbs remain
in the ground through the winter, care
must be taken to protect them in severe
cold. Propagation may be effected rapidly
by seeds and offsets. By seeds, flowering
bulbs are produced the second season,
and can be left in the ground during
GLADIOLUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GLADIOLUS.
577
the winter, provided the soil is light and
dry and the bulbs are protected from
frost. These Gladioli are extremely useful
for pot culture, and, by gentle forcing, can
be had in flower at mid-winter, and, for
securing bloom between the flowering
of the forced plants and of the plants in
the open beds, they may be grown in cold
frames. For this purpose a bed of loam,
leaf-mould, and sand in nearly equal pro-
portions should be made up in October.
It should be about i ft. deep and well
drained, and in it the bulbs may be planted
thickly 4 in. in depth. The lights should
then be replaced, and air left on always,
except during severe frosts. No water
should be given until the leaves appear
(which will be about February, or earlier
if the season be mild), and then only
enough to keep the soil moist. The
lights should be removed during mild
weather, and altogether in April. During
the latter part of May and in June plenty
of bloom may be cut for decoration.
Besides those named, the following are
some of the best kinds : The Bride, Groot-
voorst, Rubens, Maori Chief, The Fairy,
Elvira, Rembrandt, Philip Miller, Beatrice,
Baron von Humboldt, Sir Walter Raleigh,
and Rose Distinctive.
Another interesting race of hybrids
has lately been obtained between G.
gandavensis and G. purpureo-auratus,
a Cape species, with yellow and purple
flowers. These hybrids have large
flowers of a creamy-white and a deep
purplish-crimson. The named kinds are
G. hybridus Frcebeli, G. h. Lemoinei, and
Marie Lemoine. Although by no means
so showy as many others, they are most
graceful and distinct in port, and in the
shape and colour of their flowers. In
deep sandy soil they attain a height of
nearly 5 ft., and the gradual development
of the flowers renders them effective for
at least five weeks after the first and
lowermost blossom. As graceful plants
they well deserve culture, being hardier
than many home-raised hybrids ; but a
warm deep soil and a sheltered position
near the foot of a south or west wall
are the most congenial to their strong
growth.
A few of the true species almost equal
the hybrids in beauty. One of the finest
is G. Saundersi, about 2 ft. high, with
large flowers of a brilliant scarlet and
a conspicuous pure white centre. It is
not often grown, though hardy and of
very easy culture, and only requiring a
sunny position in a light rich soil.
The European Gladioli are pretty
plants for the mixed border. There is
a strong similarity among them, all of
them being from i to i^ ft. high, and
bearing rather small rosy-purple flowers.
The best-known are G. byzantinus, com-
munis, segetus, illyricus, neglectus, sero-
tinus. They like warm dry soil and a
sunny situation. They are of particular
interest from their free and hardy habit,
which makes them as easy to grow as
native plants. They are admirable for
Hybrid Gladiolus (Lemoine's).
the wild garden as they thrive in copses,
open warm woods, in snug spots in
broken hedgerow banks, and on fringes
of shrubbery in the garden.
DISEASE. — This is frequently, if not
always, accompanied by some condition
of the fungus known as Copper-web, the
Rhizoctonia crocorum of De Candolle,
which is known in France under the
name of Tacon. The fungus attacks
also the Narcissus, the Crocus, Asparagus,
Potatoes, and other bulbs, roots, etc. A
good deal of attention was paid to it in
P P
GLAUCIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
GUNNER A.
1876, when Mr. G. W. Smith detected in j
abundance the curious fungus named by I
him Urocystis Gladioli. The Urocystis i
and Rhizoctonia are probably two con-
ditions of the same thing, the Rhizoctonia '
being possibly the spawn and the Uro-
cystis the fruit. The latter Urocystis is
capable of remaining in a resting state
for a year or more, and is frequently ,
found in the decayed red-brown portions
of the diseased conn. No attempts have
been made in the direction of a cure,
as far as we know. The disease is
confined to certain localities and to cer-
tain gardens, and is unknown in some
districts.
GLAUCIUM (Horned Poppy}.— Plants
of the Poppy family, mostly biennials.
G. luteuin is quite hardy and has hand-
some silver foliage, almost as white as
the silvery Centaurea. The leaves are
much more deeply cut, and, planted close,
are effective either in masses or lines.
To ensure strong plants for winter borders
or beds, seed should be sown about May,
as the plant is a biennial. When in
bloom it makes a striking border plant,
the flowers being large and orange-red.
G. Fischeri is a handsome plant ; its
snow-white woolly foliage is very telling,
and its blossom is an unusual flame
colour. G. corniculatum is similar, but
not so handsome. Both require the same
treatment as G. luteum.
GLOBULARIA (Globe Daisy}.— Inter-
esting and dwarf alpine plants, good on the
rock-garden in light and peaty soils. G.
Alypum is among the best ; it inhabits
dry rocks. Other kinds are G. cordifolia,
G. nana, G. nudicaulis, and G. tricho-
santha.
GOODYERA (Rattlesnake Plantain}.—
A beautiful little Orchid, G. pubescens
having leaves close to the ground, deli-
cately veined with silver ; hardy, distinct,
and charming, though its flowers are not
showy. It has long been grown in
botanic and choice collections, thriving
in a shady posit on, such as may be
found in a good rock-garden, in moist
peaty soil, with here and there a soft
sandstone for its roots to run among.
Eastern United States. G. repens and
Menziesi are less desirable and much
rarer.
GRAMMANTHES. — A pretty half-
hardy annual, G. gentianoides being a
capital plant for the dry parts of a rock- j
garden, about 2 in. high, forming a dense
tuft, with fleshy leaves about \ in. long,
with many flowers, about § in. across :
orange when first expanded, with a
distinct V-shaped mark at the base of
each petal, but finally assuming a deep
red. G. gentianoides is sometimes used
with good effect in the flower-garden,
and succeeds in dry warm soil. Seeds
should be sown in heat in February and
March, and the seedlings planted out in
May. Stonecrop family. Cape of Good
Hope.
GREVILLEA. — Australian shrubs,
generally grown in the greenhouse, but a
few are quite hardy enough for wall culture ;
and G. sulphurea, the hardiest in cultiva-
tion, lives against walls about London.
Its pale yellow flowers, of curious shape,
as in all Grevilleas, come throughout
the summer. G. rosmarinifolia is another
hardy kind with Rosemary - like leaves
and clusters of red flowers. The Grevil-
leas do best against a warm wall in a
sheltered situation.
GUNNERA (Prickly Rhubarb}.— South
American plants remarkable for large
and handsome foliage, somewhat resem-
bling that of gigantic Rhubarb. They are
hardy if slightly protected during the
severest cold, for instance by a layer of
dry leaves placed among the stems, and
having their own leaves bent down upon
them. In spring these dry leaves should
be removed, and the tender growth slightly
protected by a piece of canvas-shading or
by an ordinary mat. In mild winters this
precaution is scarcely necessary, especially
in the south and other favoured localities.
Where there is any diversity of surface it
will be easy to select a spot well open to
the sun and yet sheltered by shrubs. A
large hole, about 6 by 4 ft. deep, should
be dug out, a good layer of drainage
material put at the bottom, and the hole
filled with a rich compost of loam and
manure. In summer the plants ought to
have plenty of water, and a ridge of turf
should be placed round them, to compel
the water to sink down about their roots.
They should also have a mulching of
well-rotted manure early in every spring.
They thrive on the margins of ponds or
lakes where their roots can penetrate the
moist soil, and if judiciously placed in
such a position, they have a fine effect.
Though the two kinds G. scabra and G.
manicata greatly resemble each other,
they have well-marked characteristics.
The leaves of G. manicata are more
kidney-shaped and attain a much larger
size, often measuring 4 to 6 ft. across.
The spikes of fruit are also much longer,
and the secondary spikes are long and
flexuose, whereas in G. scabra they are
short and stiff. Propagated by seed or
division of established plants.
G. manicata. — Writing from Trelissick
GYNERIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
GYNERIUM.
579
Truro, Mr. W. Sangwin says : " It never
attains the extraordinary dimensions it is
capable of, unless planted in deep rich !
soil with its roots in the water by the side
of a pond or stream. Our plant covers
a space fully 30 ft. across, and consists of
from twenty-five to thirty leaves, some of
them over 9 ft. in diameter, upon clear stems
8 ft. high. The crowns are as large as a
man's body, of a delicate pink colour.
Flower-spikes are produced freely, which ;
should be cut as soon as seen, or they j
will check the growth of the leaves.
When they die down in autumn, the
leaves should be placed loosely over the
crowns, with their stems on top to prevent
them being blown away by the wind.
Protected in this way the plants have
noble Grass, G. argenteum, 6 to 14 ft. high,
according to soil or district, is most
precious for our gardens, but in many
districts suffers from our severe winters,
and we seldom now see the fine plants of it
that were not uncommon soon after its
introduction. Some varieties are better
in habit than others, and flower earlier,
and it would be better to patiently
divide such than to trust to seedlings.
There are a number of varieties, some of
a delicate rosy colour, and one variegated.
The soils of many gardens are insufficient
to give it the highest vigour, and no plant
better repays a thorough preparation, and
we rarely see such fine specimens as in
quiet nooks where it is sheltered by the
surrounding vegetation. It should be
* ^w r
Gunner.i manicata at Narrow Water Park. Engraved from a photograph sent by Mr. F. W. Burbidge.
stood the winter with a thermometer
ranging on several occasions below zero.
It grows freely from seed, but it can be
divided as easily as Rhubarb. The
individual flowers are very minute,
more curious than beautiful, the chief
attraction being in the truly magnificent
leaves."
The known species of Gunnera are : G. Ber-
teroi, Chili, bracteata, do. brephogea, N. Granada.
chilensis, Chili, comnnttata^ do. cordifolta, Tas-
man. densiflora, N. Zeal, scabra, J. Fernand.
Hamiltoni, N. Zeal, insignis, Chili, lobata.
Magellans. macrophylla, Java, magellanzca,
Magellans. manicata, Brazil, monoica, N. Zeal.
tie It at a, J. Fernand. perpensa, E. Africa, peta-
loides, Sandwich Isles, •broretiens, N. Zeal, stri-
gosa, do.
GYNERIUM (Pampas Grass}.— This
I planted about the beginning of April
I in deep open soil mulched with rotten
i manure, and watered copiously in hot
j dry weather. G. jubatum is very well
j spoken of, but as yet has not been tried
much except in favoured spots. The
! leaves resemble those of G. argenteum,
but are of deeper green, and droop
elegantly at the extremities. From the
centre of the tuft, and exceeding it by 2
or 3 ft., arise numerous stems, each bear-
ing an immense loose panicle of long
filamentous silvery flowers, of a rosy tint
with silvery sheen. It is a native of
Ecuador, and is earlier in bloom than G.
argenteum. The sexes are borne on
separate plants in all the species, and the
plumes of male flowers are neither so
P P 2
580 GYPSOPHILA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HAIIRANTHUS.
handsome nor so durable as the plumes of
female flowers.
GYPSOPHILA.— Plants of the Stitch-
wort family, the larger kinds usually very
elegant, and bearing myriads of tiny white
blossoms on slender spreading panicles.
Of these the best is G. paniculata,
which forms a dense compact bush, 3 ft.
or more high, the numerous flowers small
white, on thread-like stalks on much-
branched stems, with the light, airy effect
of certain Grasses, and very useful for
cutting. G. paniculata thrives in any
soil, and is suitable for borders and for
naturalisation in woods or banks. G.
fastigiata, perfoliata, altissima Steveni, are
very similar. G. prostrata is a pretty
species for the rock-garden or the mixed
border. It grows in spreading masses,
and from midsummer to September has
loose graceful panicles of small white or
pink flowers, on slender stems. G.
cerastioides is about 2 in. high, and has a
Gypsophila cerastioides.
spreading habit ; the leaves are about \\
in. long, and small clusters of blossoms,
\ in. across, white with violet streaks.
It is from Northern India, and quite
unlike any of the group now in our
gardens, being dwarfer and having larger
flowers. It is a rapid grower, and in
good soil and an open position on the
rock-garden soon spreads into a broad
tuft. Division, seeds, or cuttings in spring.
G. elegans is a graceful feathery annual
much used for bouquets.
HABENAEIA (Rein Orchis}.— Terres-
trial Orchids from N. America, I to 2 ft.
high, some of which are pretty. For out-
door culture, a partially-shaded spot should
be prepared with about equal parts of leaf-
mould or peat and sand, and well mulched
with leaves, grass, or other material, to
"keep it moist. H. blephariglottis bears
in July spikes of white flowers beautifully
'fringed. H. ciliaris has bright orange-
yellow flowers with a conspicuous fringe,
and appear from July to September.
H. fimbriata has a long spike of lilac-
purple flowers beautifully fringed. H.
psycodes bears spikes 4 to 10 in. long
of handsome and fragrant purple flowers.
They are charming plants for the bog-
garden.
HABEELEA.— //. rhodopensis is a
pretty little rock-plant resembling a
Gloxinia in miniature, forming dense tufts
of small rosettes of leaves, which somewhat
resemble those of the Pyrenean Ramondia
(R. pyrenaica), every rosette bearing in
spring one to five slender flower-stalks,
each with two to four blossoms nearly
i in. long, of a bluish-lilac colour with a
yellowish throat. Messrs. Frcebel of
Zurich, who grow it well, write of it :
" We have treated this plant in the same
manner as the Pyrenean Ramondia, i.e.
we have planted it on the north side of
the rock-garden ; so that the sun never
directly reaches it. We grow it in fibrous
peat, and fix the plants, if possible, in the
fissures of the rock-garden, so that its
rosettes hang in an oblique position, just
as they do in their native country. It
succeeds well in this way ; but if no rock-
garden be at hand, it may be grown
equally well on the north side of a
Rhododendron bed. \Ve have it thus
situated quite close to a stone edging — a
way in which we also grow the Ramondia,
— and the Haberlea flowers profusely
every year in May and June. The plant
is very hardy, having withstood our often
very hard winters, without any protection."
It is a native of the Balkan Mountains,
where it is found among moss and leaves
on damp, shady, steep declivities at high
elevations.
HABEANTHUS.— A brilliant bulb
, of the Amaryllis family, hardy, at least
in the southern and eastern parts of the
i country. H. pratensis has stout and
I erect flower-stems, about i ft. high, and
! the brightest scarlet flowers, feathered
I here and there at the base with yellow.
The variety fulgens is the finest form. It
blooms freely in the open border of the
Rev. Mr. Nelson's garden at Aldborough,
in Norfolk, flowering at the end of May
or beginning of June. It grows very
freely in strong loam improved by the
addition of a little leaf-mould and sand.
j Its propagation is too easy, for in many
; soils it is said to split up into offsets
! instead of growing to a flowering size.
At Aldborough it made numerous offsets.
A choice plant for the select bulb-garden
or rock-garden. Chili. H. Andersoni is
much inferior.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Halesia tetraptera.
HALESIA (Snowdrop Tree].— Beauti-
ful North American trees, hardy in this
country. The commonest is H. tetraptera,
one of the prettiest of flowering trees. It
grows in England from 20 to 30 ft. high,
has a rounded head, with sharply-toothed
leaves, in May bearing many pure white
blossoms, in form like the Snowdrop,
hence its popular
name. It is of
moderately rapid
growth, and flour-
ishes in any good
garden soil, and as
it grows naturally
by river banks, it
enjoys a moist, but
not waterlogged
soil. In some parts
it ripens its seed
in abundance. A
similar species, dis-
tinguished in hav-
ing but two wings
to the seed-vessel
(tetraptera having
four), is H. diptera,
of smaller growth,
and not such a suitable tree for this
climate ; neither is H. parviflora, which,
like the others, has small bell-like flowers.
As a lawn tree, or planted near the
margin of a lake or stream, H. tetraptera
is very beautiful.
HALIMONDENDRON (Salt-tree} —
H. argenteum is a small shrub belonging
to the Pea family, with elegant leaves,
silky and whitish, the flowers purplish in
early summer : a native of Asiatic Russia,
it is hardy, and grows from 5 to 6 ft. high,
and sometimes is grafted on to the tall
stems of the Laburnum.
HAMAMELIS( Witch Hazel\—Rz.r&y
shrubs with singular blossoms flowering
in winter. They have a peculiar value as
ornamental shrubs, and one species at
least is worth planting in all good gardens.
This is H. arborea, or Tree Witch Hazel,
though in this country it does not rise
generally above 8 ft. high. In January,
and sometimes before, its leafless
branches are covered with flowers, which
have twisted, bright yellow petals and
crimson calyces, so that a well-flowered
plant is very pretty. It is a hardy
Japanese shrub, and thrives in most kinds
of soil, but must have an open situation.
Another Japanese species is H. japonica,
a smaller and dwarfer plant than H.
arborea, and bearing flowers of a lighter
yellow colour, while that called H. Zuc-
cariniana is very similar to it. Of less
value perhaps is the American Witch
Hazel, which has small yellowish flowers
in winter, and sometimes in autumn.
Though not so showy when in flower as
the Japanese species, it is a pretty
shrub, and, like the others, thrives in
any soil.
HEDERA (Ivy).—H. Helix is the most
beautiful evergreen climber of our north-
ern and temperate world, and is a noble gar-
den plant that may be used in many ways.
The common Ivy of the woods is familiar
to all, but its many beautiful varieties are
not so common as this. All are not of
the same vigorous habit, as will easily
be seen by cultivating a collection ; but
the rich self green-leaved kinds are
usually as free and as hardy as the wild
plant. Although there are many varieties,
there are only two accepted species — the
Australian, that is confined to the
continent of Australia ; and Hedera Helix,
which is found wild in the British Isles,
and spreads over Europe, reaching into
N. Africa and Central Asia. It is under
our English Ivy that the large number of
forms in cultivation are classed. Although
there are only two species, we can classify
the Ivies in several groups, after the
variation in the leaves. If we want Ivies
in their fullest beauty, it is necessary to
pay some attention to position, soil, and
training. This applies to all kinds, but
especially to the more delicate varieties.
Ordinary garden soil will grow the Ivy
well, and the strong growers, as Emerald
Gem, Rasgneriana algeriensis, canariensis
or the Irish Ivy, sagittasfolia, lucida,
palmata, gracilis, dentata, digitata, pedata,
and angularis,will need no special position ;
but in the case of kinds like madeirensis
variegata, a showy form, some little care
is needed. It is better to plant these
kinds as edgings to a bed of shrubs or
permit them to clamber over a root-stump,
arbour, or form a pyramid of them, where
they will be less exposed to the full force
of wind than if they were stiffly trained
on walls. Cuttings may be struck in the
latter part of the summer, and quickly
root if put in a shady border where
the soil is fairly good. It is sometimes
well to cut the plants down to the
ground after the first year, as often the
shoots are very weak ; but this severe
pruning induces a stronger growth later
on. . As regards the best time to plant,
the spring months are the most suitable ;
but the Ivy may be planted any time
if it is in a pot, and during the first sum-
mer, if the weather is hot, give plenty of
water. In the case of variegated sorts,
it is advisable to plant in a poor soil,
so as to bring out the variegation. A
582
HEDYCHIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HELENIt'M.
word should be said for Tree Ivies, which
make fine bushes in the garden, and may
be associated with other shrubs in beds.
Healthy plants make dense rounded
heads of foliage, relieved during the
blooming season with many flowers. By
far the most important Ivies, however,
are the green - leaved forms, — many,
various, and nearly all beautiful in form.
Whatever kinds among these we may
prefer, a fuller and more graceful use of
the Ivy in or near the flower-
garden and its surround-
ings is desirable.
HEDYCHIUM. — H.
Gardneriamtin, though
usually grown in the green-
house, will flower out-of-
doors, and live through
an ordinary winter with a
little protection. It should
be planted out in May, in
a loose sandy loam, en-
riched with manure. While
the plant is making its
growth a mulching should
be given, and in dry
weather an occasional
watering of liquid manure.
It is excellent for choice
groups in the sub-tropical
garden, in warm sheltered
spots. A heap of cinders
or half-rotten leaves laid
over the crowns in winter
will ensure their safety ; or
the roots may be lifted in
autumn and wintered in
any dry place with Dahlias
and Cannas. It is in-
creased by dividing the
roots in spring, but each
piece must have a young
crown attached.
HED YSARUM (French
Honeysuckle}. — Plants of
the Pea order, mostly
weedy, only a few peren-
nials being ornamental.
H. coronarium is a showy
plant, 3 or 4 ft. high, bearing in summer
dense spikes of red flowers. It grows in
any ordinary soil, but is not a perennial,
though it usually sows itself where it is
established. There is a white variety.
Among the dwarfer kinds the two following
are desirable : H. obscurum, a brilliant and
compact perennial ; 6 to 12 in. high, with
racemes of showy purple flowers. It is
suitable for the rock-garden, for borders,
and for naturalisation amongst vegetation
not more than i ft. high, chiefly on banks
and slopes in sandy loam, and is increased
by division or seed. H. Mackenzii is
said to be the handsomest of the genus.
It grows about 2 ft. high, and has long
racemes of from seven to thirty rather
large rosy-purple Pea-like flowers. It is
perfectly hardy in any situation, and
flowers in June and July. It is rather too
tall for the rock-garden, and is more
suited for the mixed border.
HELENIUM (Sneeze-weed].— Vigorous
Pyramid of large-leaved Ivy, 7 it. high.
Composites from North America, flowering
in autumn, and thriving in any soil, and,
where rightly used, excellent plants.
There are two or three species, the most
useful being H. autumnale, about 6 ft.
high, bearing yellow flower-heads. The
varieties grandiceps and pumilum are very
distinct : grandiceps being of gigantic
growth with a fasciated head of bloom,
which makes it very showy ; pumilum
being much dwarfer and better than the
type. H. atropurpureum grows 3 or 4 ft.
HELIANTHEMUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. . HELIANTHUS. 583
high, and has reddish-brown flower-heads.
H. Hoopesi is desirable, as it flowers in
early summer, but is a rather coarse
grower, with large yellow flowers. The
first-mentioned species and its varieties
are excellent border plants, and, though
vigorous, remain long in bloom. They
are very useful for cutting, as they remain
a long time fresh.
HELIANTHEMUM (Sun Rose}. -
Though strictly shrubby plants for the
most part, these dwarf evergreens possess
so much the aspect of rock-plants, that
they cannot well be separated from them.
There are few
more brilliant
sights than
masses of them
when in full
beauty, and they
are of the easi-
est possible cul-
ture, dwarf and
compact, bear-
ing in great pro-
fusion flowers
with fine diver-
sity of colour.
The common
Sun Rose (H.
vulgare) is vari-
able in colour,
and from it have
sprung the many
varieties enumerated in trade lists ;
indeed, we need only this species to
represent, for garden purposes, the vari-
ation in all the dwarf shrubby species of
the family. The colours range from
white and yellow to deep crimson. There
are also double-flowered kinds and one
with variegated foliage. Other pretty,
dwarf, shrubby species, similar to H. vul-
gare, are H. rosmarinifolium, pilosum, and
croceum. There is also a herbaceous
perennial species, H. Tuberaria (Truffle
Sun Rose), which in aspect differs com-
pletely from the shrubby species, and is
second to none in beauty. It grows 6
to 12 in. high, with flowers 2 in. across
resembling a single yellow Rose, with
dark centre, and drooping when in bud.
It is suited for warm ledges o'n the rock-
garden in well-drained sandy or calcar-
eous soil. When sufficiently plentiful it
should be used in the mixed border. It
is propagated by either seed or division.
When a full collection is required there
are other species introduced, but the
above fairly represent the beauty of the
family.
HELIANTHUS (Sunflower}— PEREN-
NIAL SUNFLOWERS. — Usually stout,
Helianthemum lignosum.
vigorous, and showy plants, typical of the
coarse yellow Composites abounding in
North America, of which not a few have
found their way into English gardens.
All the perennials are vigorous growers,
and generally attain a great height, being
most precious for the autumnal garden
when well placed. Sunflowers may be
cultivated with the greatest ease ; they
are gross feeders, and the richer the
soil the better the result. It is true that
not a few of this genus are coarse and
weedy, unfitted for the flower-garden, but
a good many, some of which are not yet
in general cultivation, could be utilised
with striking effect in the best-kept flower-
garden ; and for mixed borders, etc., they
are valuable. The Sunflowers, like the
Michaelmas Daisies, could ill be spared
from the autumn garden, where, when most
other hardy perennials are beginning to
show the sere and yellow leaf, they are
generally at their best and in their greatest
numbers. Although the flowers are some-
what restricted in their range of colouring,
the plants vary considerably in their
seasons of blooming, in habit, and also in
the positions in which the most may be
made of them. From their robust growth,
the majority of them are essentially suitable
for borders where plenty of scope may be
had, and where attention may be given to
the proper grouping of the different species
and varieties. Some few of the species
which may not be considered showy
enough for the flower border proper
could be planted in the woods, in isolated
beds or among
shrubs, where their
particular arid char-
acteristic habits
could be seen to
advantage.
It would hardly
be policy to grow
the whole genus in
any one garden un-
less shrubberies
abound on a large
scale. H. multi-
florus and its
varieties, H.rigidus
and its varieties, Helianthemum sabrosum.
H. decapetalus,
and a few others are essentially border
plants, where, when doing well and in full
flower, they form a feature of no mean
beauty. H. laetiflorus, H. orgyalis, H.
lasvigatus, and H. divaricatus would make
handsome groups in open shrubberies,
and giganteus, doronicoides, grosse-
serratus and others might with advantage
be relegated to the wood, where, in open
584 HELIANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HELIANTHUS.
exposed positions, they would form inter-
esting groups. They increase so rapidly
as a whole that it will be needless to say
anything about propagation, which may be
done in autumn or spring with good
results. Other species not mentioned,
but which may be of interest to many, are
H. angustifolius, Maximiliani, mollis, and
occidentalis, the two last being early-
flowering species rare in gardens.
H. DECAPETALUS is one of the most
charming species in the whole genus
as a background to mixed borders
or as a feature in open shrubberies. It
forms large, bushy, well-balanced plants
4 to 6 ft. in height, with strong, much-
branched stems, rough on the upper half
Double Perennial Sunflower.
and usually quite smooth on the lower.
The leaves are broadly oval, pointed and
thin in texture ; flowers 2 to 3 in. in
diameter, of a rich sulphur-yellow, pro-
duced in great abundance, and very showy.
It is found plentifully on the banks of
streams in Canada and Georgia.
H. GIGANTEUS is a very tall, elegant
plant. The stems often exceed loto 12 ft.
high, the leaves narrow, tapering to both
ends ; the flowers deep yellow, 2 to 3
in. in diameter. It is one of the latest to
flower, and has been found variable under
cultivation, giving rise to several garden
names. Moist ground, Canada and
Louisiana.
H. L^ETIFLORUS is a handsome species,
very little known in gardens, although the
name was freely used for forms of H.
rigidus. It is, as a rule, rather later in
flowering than the H. rigidus forms, and
unfortunately in cold wet seasons or early
winters does not bear good flowers. It is
a much taller and stronger plant than H.
rigidus, the flowers, 4 to 5 in. across, of
a bright yellow with yellow disc. The
leaves are thin, entire, or coarsely toothed,
and the bracts of the involucre always
acute, a very distinctive character in this
genus. The roots are somewhat similar
to those of H. rigidus, perhaps larger, and
they certainly travel further. It is a
native of prairies and barrens, Illinois,
Wisconsin.
H. MULTIFLORUS.— The late Dr. Asa
Gray always considered this plant a garden
variety of H. decapetalus. There is strong
evidence, however, of its being a hybrid,
the parents of which it would be difficult
now to ascertain with accuracy. It is so
very distinct from all the other species so
well known in gardens under its present
name, and such a good all-round plant, that
it well deserves specific rank. It rarely
exceeds 3 to 5 ft. in height, producing
numerous large fine rich yellow flowers,
remaining a considerable time in good
form. The var. maximus has larger
flowers with more pointed rays, and the
varieties plenus and Soleil d'Or are both
very desirable double-flowered forms. All
the varieties of H. multiflorus should find
a place in collections, however small.
H. ORGYALIS, though a small-flowered
plant, is yet one of the best of the genus
for the picturesque garden in southern
counties. It is one of the late-flowering
species, and is often damaged by early
frosts. It grows from 6 to 10 ft. high,
having numerous linear leaves and bunches
of deep golden yellow flowers. It should
be grown in sheltered spots, otherwise it
requires a great deal of staking. It is a
native of dry plains of Nebraska and
Texas.
H. RIGIDUS.— This distinct, though
variable species is perhaps the best known
of all the perennial Sunflowers. It is still
found labelled Harpalium rigidum in some
gardens, and is often confounded with
H. missuricus and H. atro-rubens, the
latter of which, so far as I know, is not
now in cultivation. Typical H. rigidus is
figured in the Botanical Register, t. 508,
and Botanical Magazine, t. 2668, as H.
atro-rubens. H. rigidus grows from 4 to
5 ft. in height, with a rough hispid stem,
the upper leaves always alternate, dis-
tinctly three-nerved and veined. The
lower ones are opposite, broader, thinner,
often serrated, and rarely pointed. All
HELIANTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HELICHRYSUM. 585
the leaves narrow to a winged petiole, and
are easily distinguished from those of any
other species. The flowers, bright yellow
and very showy, are produced very freely.
It is a native of the plains and prairies of
Georgia and Texas. The varieties of this
species, most of which have undoubtedly
originated in gardens, are superior to the
type as garden plants.
H. grandiflorus, semi-plenus, elegans,
and asstivus are all worth a place in the
flower border. All should, however, be
grouped by themselves, as they form
underground tubers, which spread a con-
siderable distance from the parent plant in
the course of a year. Some of these
varieties have been tried at Kew and else-
where grouped singly in beds, and are
always much admired in the autumn
months when the members of this genus
are so much in evidence. — D. D.
ANNUAL SUNFLOWERS.— All the larger
kinds are noble plants, requiring plenty of
space, a sheltered position, and a good
background. They are all easily raised
from seed, which may be sown in pans in
early March or in the open air in April
where they are intended to flower, and
thinned out to from a foot to a yard apart
according to the vigour of the plant. The
regulation row of Sunflowers along a
choice mixed border often ruins its effect,
but there are various ways of arranging
the annual Sunflowers with excellent effect
— among large beds of fine-leaved plants
being one of them.
H. ANNUUS (Common Sunflower). —
Although often regarded only as a
cottagers' flower, the annual Sunflower is
one of the noblest plants we have, and
one of the most effective for various
positions. In order to dispense with
support, it should be planted in a sheltered
place, as among tall shrubs. Here it
assumes a dense branching tree-like habit,
and often produces flowers each over a
foot in diameter. It requires a strong rich
soil, to which may be added a quantity of
old cow manure just before planting.
There are many varieties in gardens, the
most notable being one called californicus,
a more robust and darker-flowered form. I
Macrocarpus, lenticularis, and ovatus, are
synonyms or slight varieties of the culti- I
vated annual Sunflower ; sulphureus, j
multiflorus, globosus, grandiflorus, and ;
fistulosus are garden variations. The
sulphur-coloured variety is charming, and
less strong in growth than the richer
yellow forms. North America. H. argo-
phyllus, little more than a variety of H.
annuus, is a charming plant from Texas,
for the back of mixed borders, open
borders, and in thin shrubberies. The
whole plant is white, being covered with
soft and silky wool, the flowers large with
very broad ray florets. H. Dammanni
and H. D. var. sulphureus are said to be
garden hybrids between H. argophyllus
and H. annuus. H. cucumerifolius, the
miniature Sunflower, is a good annual,
growing from 2 to 3 ft. high, usually with
purple mottling on the stems, the leaves
thin, and bright apple-green. The stems
are much branched, and when allowed
plenty of room the plants form perfect
symmetrical specimens. The flowers are
yellow, about 3 in. in diameter, nicely
set off with the almost black disc.
Sandy soil in woods from Texas west-
wards.
H. EXILIS. — A very slender species,
rarely more than a couple of feet in height,
Annual Sunflowers.
with lance-shaped leaves and yellow
flowers about 2 in. in diameter. N. Cali-
fornia.
H. PETIOLARIS.— A fine kind rarely
seen in gardens, though from its neat
habit and profusion of flowers it should
be a welcome addition to the mixed
border. It grows about a yard high,
loosely branched, the stem as well as the
leaves being covered with stiff hairs ;
flowers yellow, 3 to 4 in. in diameter.
The variety canescens is covered with
white pubescence. Texas.
H. SCABERRIMUS. — A very distinct
plant with large deep yellow flowers,
stout branching stems, and broad, oval,
coarsely-toothed leaves. California. — D.
HELICHRYSUM (Everlasting
Flower). — Composites, mostly natives of
the Cape of Good Hope, of which a few are
586
HEI.IOPHILA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HELI.EBORUS.
cultivated. The most important garden
plants are H.macranthum and H. bractea-
tum. They are generally treated as an-
nuals, and, unless exceptionally well man- i
aged by being sown early under glass, they
commence flowering so late that the best j
period for laying on the brightest colours j
is lost, and early frosts find them just
approaching their best. They are par-
ticularly suited for background plants on
dry borders. If they are sown in pans or
boxes where they can be slightly protected
during winter, and are planted out early
in April, they have a chance of producing
a good crop of flowers for drying. The
colours vary from deep crimson to yellow
and white. The hardy perennials are
not important, and seldom succeed. H.
orientale, which furnishes the Immortelle
of the French, flowers poorly except in
very hot seasons. None of the other hardy
kinds are worth growing, except perhaps
H. arenarium, which has bright golden-
yellow flowers.
HELIOPHILA. — Small and pretty
Cruciferous annuals. H. araboides is a
pretty blue annual, of which occasional use
might be made, being dwarf, and free in
growth and flower. Another kind is H.
pilosa.
HELIOTKOPIUM (Cherry />*>).— A
great favourite for flower gardens on ac-
count of its delicate fragrance. For the
flower garden spring-struck plants are the
best. It is a good plan to lift a few plants
from the beds in September, winter them
in a warm greenhouse, and in spring to
put them in a warm place, where they will
soon produce plenty of. cuttings. These
cuttings may be struck on slight heat like
Verbenas, potted on, made to grow
rapidly, so as to be fit to plant out at
the end of May when danger of frost is
past. Heliotropes may be raised from |
seed and flowered the same year — in fact, j
treated as annuals. Sown early — in Feb-
ruary or the beginning of March — they
become sturdy little plants before planting j
time. When bedded out they should be
placed in good dry soil. The following |
are good varieties, and new varieties are
raised from time to time : Anna Turrell,
General Garfield, Roi des Noirs, Triomphe
de Liege, and the old H. peruvianum,
which many like from its associations if
for no other reason. Heliotropes, though
quiet in colour, are charming flower-
garden plants, either when grown for
their own sakes as simple masses or when
associated with tall plants which grow
above them.
HELLEBORUS (Christmas Rose}.—
One of the most valuable classes of hardy ]
perennials we have, as they flower in the
open air when there is little else in bloom.
They appear in succession from October
till April, beginning with the Christmas
Rose (H. niger), and ending with the
handsome crimson kinds. The old white
Christmas Rose is well known and much
admired, but the handsome kinds with
coloured flowers have, hitherto, not been
much known. Recently too there have
appeared some really beautiful hybrids,
which add a great deal of beauty to our
winter and spring garden, for their flowers
withstand the \vinter, and their verdure
and the vigorous growth of their leaves
distinguish them throughout the year.
The Hellebores, besides being excellent
border flowers, are suited for naturalising.
There are a few kinds — those with incon-
spicuous flowers, but handsome foliage —
whose only place is the wild garden, such
as the native H. fcetidus, H. lividus, viridus,
and H. Bocconi, which have elegant foliage
when well developed in a shady place
in rich soil, like that usually found in
woods. The Hellebores may be classed
in three groups, according to the colour
of the flowers — those with white flowers,
those with red, and those with green,
which last will get little place in the
garden. The white-flowered group is
the most important, as it contains the
beautiful old Christmas Rose.
H. niger is a well-known kind, scarcely
needing description. It may be recognised
at once by its pale green smooth leathery
leaves, divided into seven or nine seg-
ments, 3 to 6 in. long and I to 2 in. broad.
The flowers, which are usually borne
singly on stems 6 in. long, are about 3 in.
across, and vary from a waxy-white to a
delicate blush tint. The variety minor
is smaller in every part, and is also known
as H. angustifolius. H. altifolius, though
sometimes considered a variety of H.
niger, is a distinct kind, and much larger
than H. niger. It has leaf-stalks over I ft.
long, and blossoms 3 to 5 in. across which
are borne on branching steins, each stem
bearing from two to seven flowers, which
have a stronger tendency to assume a rosy
hue than the ordinary kind. Another
characteristic is that the leaf and flower
stems are beautifully mottled with purple
and green, while in H. niger they are of
a pale green. H. altifolius also flowers
much earlier — in some seasons in the
beginning of October. It has been known
a long time under the names of H. niger
var. major, maximus, giganteus, and
grandiflorus.
Other white kinds are H. olympicus — a
tall slender species with cup-shaped bios-
HELLEBORUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HELLEBORUS.
soms that appear in early spring and vary
from pure white to greenish-Avhite. H.
guttatus is like it, but has the inside of
the blossoms spotted with purple. There
are several forms ; in some the markings
assume the form of small dots, in others
of thin streaks. It is one of the parents
of the many beautiful hybrids.
The finest of the red or crimson kinds
is H. colchicus, which is larger than any
produced from the end of January to the
end of March. A fine hybrid has been
obtained by crossing it with H. guttatus,
the result being a form with large spread-
ing flowers lighter than in H. colchicus,
and profusely marked with dark carmine
streaks. Another hybrid between this
and H. altifolius resulted in a form with
larger flowers of a lighter purple. H.
atro-rubens has leaves much thinner and
Christinas Rose.
other, and may be readily recognised by
thick dark green leaves, with five to seven
broad and coarsely-toothed divisions, the
veins of which are raised on the under
sides, and are of a dark purple when young.
The blossoms, borne on forked stems
rising considerably above the foliage, are
dark purple. Under good cultivation the
leaves attain the length of i^ and 2 ft.,
forming fine specimens, and flowers are
flowers much smaller than H. colchicus,
the latter dull purple on the outside and
greenish-purple within. It is a native of
Hungary, and is common in gardens, but
is often confused with H. abchasicus, a
taller and more slender plant, the flower-
stems of which are longer, and the blos-
soms nodding and smaller. H. abchasicus
is much superior to atro-rubens, the colour
of the blossoms — a deep ruby-crimson —
588
HELLEBORUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HEMEROCALLIS.
making them very attractive. Other fine
varieties of the red-flowered group are
Gretchen Heinemann, James Atkins,
and Apotheker Bogren, all worthy of
culture. Other reddish kinds, such as H.
purpurascens and H. cupreus, are not
worth growing.
All the kinds will thrive in ordinary
garden soil, but for the choicer kinds a
prepared soil is preferable. This should
consist of equal parts of good fibry loam
and well-decomposed manure, half fibry
peat and half coarse sand. Thorough
drainage should always be given, as stag-
nant moisture is very injurious. A moist
and sheltered situation, where they will
obtain partial shade, such as the margins
of shrubberies, is best, but care should
be taken to keep the roots of shrubs
from exhausting the border. In the
flowering season a thin mulching of moss
or similar material should be placed on
the soil round the plants, as this prevents
the blossoms from being spattered by
heavy rains, etc. Any one beginning
to grow these useful plants should give
the soil a good preparation. If well
trenched and manured, they will not re-
quire replanting for at least seven years ;
but a top-dressing of well-decayed manure
and a little liquid manure might be given
during the growing season when the
plants are making their foliage, as upon
the size and substance of the leaves will
depend the size of the flowers. The
common white Christmas Rose is a fav-
ourite pot-plant, and if required for pot-
ting its foliage should be protected from
injury ; when the blooming season is over
it should be protected by a frame until
genial weather permits it to be plunged
in the open air. Hardy subjects like the
Christmas Rose frequently suffer when
removed from under glass, for although
hardy enough to withstand our severest
winters when continuously exposed, their
growth, when made under more exciting
circumstances, will not withstand sudden
variations of temperature. For this reason
it is advisable to keep them in as cool a
position as possible when in flower, so
that the growth of young foliage may not
be excited before its natural season.
Propagation may be effected by division
or by seeds, which, in favourable seasons,
are plentiful ; as soon as thoroughly
ripened they should be sown in pans
under glass, for they soon lose their
vitality. As soon as the seedlings are
large enough they should be pricked off
thickly into a shady border, in a light
rich soil ; the second year they should be
transplanted to their permanent place,
and in the third season most of them will
bloom. In division the clumps must be
well-established, with root-stocks large
enough to cut up. The divided plants,
if placed in a bed of good light soil, and
undisturbed, will be good flowering plants
in a couple of years, but four years are
required to bring a Christmas Rose to
perfection. By July the Hellebore is in
its strongest vigour, and lifting and divid-
ing the plants should then be carried
out.
HELONIAS (Stud Flower).— A dis-
tinct and handsome bog perennial, H. bul-
lata being 12 to 16 in. high, with hand-
some purplish-rose flowers in an oval spike.
It is suitable for the bog-garden or for
moist ground near a rivulet. In fine sandy
and very moist soil it thrives as a border
plant. N. America. Syn., H. latifolia.
HEMEROCALLIS (Day Lily}.— The
Day Lilies, though not numbering many
distinct species, are varied both in habit
and flower, and are very useful in the mixed
border and in groups by the water-side.
Few plants surpass a strong well-flowered
clump of Hemerocallis fulva, as we have
seen it mixed with a group of male Fern
near a brook. The leaves of this Day
Lily were overhanging the banks of the
stream, intermingled with the Fern fronds,
while the flower-heads, tall and straight,
were towering upwards. If the ground is
well broken up and some lasting manure
supplied at planting time, they may be
left undisturbed for years. The forms of
H. disticha, both single and double, are
also useful for clumps by water, or inter-
mixed with other robust or bold-foliaged
plants ; indeed, there seems no reason
why all the Day Lilies could not be
treated in this picturesque way, the
trouble entailed being small, and that
chiefly at planting time only. For cut-
ting, H. flava, minor, and Dumortieri are
useful, the flowers lasting a few days and
the buds opening well in water. The
fragrance of these flowers is delightful,
they are readily increased by division,
and grow with such rapidity that in the
course of a few years they may be in-
creased to almost any extent.
The following are the species as they
are now recognised, with the principal
varieties : —
H. DUMORTIERI (Dumortier's Day
Lily). — This valuable kind is the first
to flower of all the Day Lilies. Coming
as it does from Japan and W. Siberia,
it proves hardy in the open air. It does
not require protection during winter, and
we have never known it fail to bear freely
its charming and fragrant flowers. The
HEMEROCALLIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HEMEROCALLIS. 589
blooms are short-lived, but the reserves ;
are so numerous as to keep up the suc-
cession for a long time. This Day Lily !
dwindles in vigour of the plants and size |
of the flowers if allowed to remain too I
long in one place. If the plants are I
examined, the centres will be found to i
be matted together, the stronger shoots |
appearing on the outside. If the whole i
plant is divided and replanted it will I
amply repay the trouble by increased j
vigour and flowers. It is closely allied
to H. minor, also known as H. graminea,
but it is a much stronger plant, however,
with leaves twice as broad, the flower-
stems short, and the divisions of the
perianth divided almost or entirely to
their base. The leaves are about five
or six to a growth, about 18 in. long and
half an inch broad, bright green above
and pale but not glaucous on the under
surface ; flower-stem i to 2 ft. in height, '
bearing a corymb of large orange-yellow '
flowers. H. rutilans and Sieboldi of j
gardens belong to the same species.
H. FLAVA (the yellow Day Lily). — Few
plants can be grown with so little trouble
in the border, and give such a valuable
return as this one. The flowers large |
and in such quantities, emitting such an
agreeable fragrance, as to earn the name
of yellow Tuberose. The length of time
the flowers last enhances its value as a j
border plant. It is hardy, and though
not so robust in habit as H. fulva, it j
increases rapidly, and where the soil is \
good might be naturalised. On banks
the beautiful light green curving leaves
hang gracefully, surmounted by bunches
of large yellow heads of flower in June
and July. Europe and N. Asia. H. '
Thunbergi and japonica are forms of
this species.
H. FULVA (copper-coloured Day Lily) |
is a much larger plant than H. flava, and i
more suitable for extensive planting in j
semi-wild or rough parts of the garden.
It is variable under cultivation, and the |
numerous forms now grown, many with-
out names, are all worthy of attention.
H. disticha is a well-known garden variety
of this species, notable for the fan-like
form of its growths. The flower-stem is
forked near the summit, and carries two
or three heads of flowers, six to eight
blooms on each, of a brown-orange colour.
There is also a double-flowered variety of
this. H. Kwanso is a variety with varie-
gated or striated leaves. It is a handsome
plant for edgings or for the rock-garden.
Of this there is also a double-flowered
form. H. f. var. angustifolia, narrow-
leaved; longituba, crocea, natives of
China, flowering in July and August,
belong to this section.
H. MIDDENDORFIANA is from Amur-
land, in appearance resembling H.
Dumortieri ; the leaves are, however,
broader, the flowers about the same size,
closer, and paler in colour, and with a
distinct cylindrical tube half an inch or
so long. It is of easy cultivation.
H. MINOR, also known in many gardens
under the highly characteristic name of
H. graminea, from its Grass-like foliage,
was formerly classed by the older botanists
Yellow Day Lily (Hemerocallis flava).
as a variety of H. flava, though now con-
sidered distinct. It is the smallest, though
not the least showy, and, like flava, sweetly
scented, the flowers lasting two or three
days. It makes a handsome plant for
a rocky bank, and even when flowers are
absent the pretty Grass-like leaves are
welcome. It flowers during June and
July. It is also known under the names
graminifolia and pumila. Siberia.
H. AURANTIACA MAJOR. — This is the
name given by Mr. Baker of Kew to a
new and handsome kind from Japan, and
590
HERACLEUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
HESPERIS.
of which a coloured plate was given in
The Garden, November 23, 1895. It is
certainly one of the finest new hardy
plants of recent years, and reminds one
of H. fulva (syn., H. disticha). The
new kind has bold leafage, a glaucous
tinge overlying the deep green body
colour ; the flowers are rich apricot
in colour, open out widely, and of great
substance.
HERACLEUM (Giant Parsnip}. -
Umbelliferous perennials, mostly of gi-
gantic growth, having huge spreading
leaves and tall flower-stems, with um-
belled clusters of small white flowers i ft.
or more across. Though well-developed
plants of the large kinds have a fine
effect when isolated in a position not too
obstructive, they are generally suitable
only for the rougher parts of pleasure-
grounds, the banks of rivers or lakes, and
i to 3 ft. high, and has pinkish flowers,
but the double kinds are much more
valued. There are two distinct forms of
the double white Rocket, as well as of the
double purple Rocket in cultivation. One
is a tall white, turning to a pale flesh
colour with age ; the other is the old
white variety, of dwarfer growth, with
smaller and more compact flowers. It is
met with in the north, but is little known
in the south, where it does not flourish so
well as the common variety. There is
the old purple double Rocket and a free-
growing dwarf form known as Compact-
ness, which has also larger and darker
flowers. Rockets require care in cultivat-
ing, and will soon be lost if left to them-
selves. They should be divided at least
every second year and transplanted, for
they seem to tire of the soil and to require
more change than most perennials. If
Double White Rocket.
other places where they can grow freely j
and well, and can show their stately
growth to advantage. The finest are H. |
giganteum, lanatum, sibiricum, eminens,
Wilhelmsi, and pubescens, all of which,
when in flower, are 5 to 10 ft. high. All
are increased by seed.
HERNIARIA. — Dwarf perennial
trailers, forming a dense turfy mass, green
throughout the year. There are two or
three species, but the most important is
H. glabra, which has been largely used as
a carpeting plant on account of its dwarf
growth. Always a deep green, even in
a hot and dry season.
HESPERIS (Rocket).— H. matronalis is .
a popular old garden plant, and among the I
most desirable of hardy flowers. It bears i
showy varied, and fragrant flower-spikes.
The original single-flowered kind grows
the young shoots are formed into cuttings
when they are about 3 in. long, they strike
very freely in the open ground, and the
spikes of bloom on the remaining stems
are all the finer when some of the others
have been removed. When shaded from
the sun for about three weeks with a few
Laurel branches, the cuttings do better
than when covered with a pot or box, as
has been advised. They like a rich soil,
rather moist, and are all the better for
repeated applications of liquid manure if
the soil is not as deep and good as it
should be. Double Rockets really belong
to the garden plants requiring annual
attention, and they therefore cannot well
be used as true perennials. It is always
worth while having a bed of them in the
reserve garden in case the plants should
be lost or neglected in the borders. We
HEUCHERA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HIBISCUS.
591
have seen them best grown where there
was a yearly transfer of plants from the
reserve garden to the mixed border,
and the groups look very well. The
single Rocket is easily naturalised, and
is a showy • plant in woods or shrub-
beries.
H. tristis (Night-scented Stock}.— A
quaint plant with dull-coloured flowers,
sweet-scented at night. It is rather
tender, and requires a light warm soil
and a sheltered position.
HEUCHERA (Alum Roof}. — Dwarf,
tufted, perennial herbs, with distinct and
sometimes finely-coloured leaves and
modest but inconspicuous flowers. Of
little value for their flowers, one or two
kinds give pretty effects of foliage either
as edgings to or beneath groups of shrubs ;
the best are also worth growing for their
leaves for cutting for the house in winter,
lasting as they do fresh for weeks in winter,
the foliage being good in form as well as
colour. Among the best are H. hispida
(Richardsoni], americana, pubescens, and
sanguined, the last the only one with any
showy bloom. They are North American
plants, of the easiest cultivation in ordinary
soil. Division. Saxifrage order.
HIBISCUS (Rose Mallow}.— Shrubby
and herbaceous perennials and annuals.
They are numerous in hothouses, but few
are suited for the flower-garden. The
splendid hardy Rose Mallows of the woods
and swamps of N. America will live with
us, but our climate is not warm enough
for them, though it would be well to try
tufts of them in warm sunny places in the
southern parts of England, in deep, moist
soil. They have splendid crimson or rosy
flowers, as large as saucers, and are from
4 to 7 ft. high. The finest are H. Mos-
cheutos, H. palustris, H. grandiflorus,
and H. coccineus. They seldom bloom
in the open air in England, as they
flower late in the season. There are two
or three annual kinds, the finest being
H. Manihot, which forms handsome
pyramids 4 to 6 ft. high, the flowers being
3 or 4 in. across, and pale yellow with
a dark centre. H. Manihot should be
treated as a half-hardy annual, sown in
heat in February, and in May planted out
in good deep soil. H. africanus is a
hardy annual with showy pale yellow
flowers that only open in fine weather.
In light soil it usually sows itself.
H. Trionum appears to be extremely
variable, and has long been cultivated
in gardens. It is widely scattered over
all the warm regions of the Old World,
and is usually described as a common
sub-tropical weed, found plentifully in
cultivated fields in Afghanistan. It is
found in several places in China, and is a
very common weed in waste garden
ground and rich damp soil throughout
the Cape Colony, and has given rise to
almost innumerable varieties, a few of
which are so distinct as to have at one
time been considered species. The great
objection to the type is the short-lived
flowers, which Gerard says open at eight
in the morning and close at nine, and
which supposed fact gave rise to the
curious appellations, " Flower of an hour,"
" Good night at noon," or " Good night at
nine."
In a fine form, figured in The Garden,
this objection is quite done away with,
the flowers opening in the morning, and,
on bright days, remaining so until late in
the afternoon. Individual flowers do not
last very long, but there is a succession on
a well-grown plant, and these are large
and beautiful. It is quite as hardy as the
Venice Mallow (Hibiscus Trionum).
one usually grown, seeds as freely, and
much more striking, especially in bold
clumps. Simply scatter the seeds in the
open on the spots where they are intended
to grow, thinning, where too close together,
to 6 in. or i ft. apart, and leaving the sun,
etc., to do the rest. It will even sow it-
self, the seeds coming up in plenty the
following spring if the winter has
not been too severe, but sowings should
be made at different times to ensure
bloom all through the summer and
autumn.
H. Syriacus (Syrian Mallow, Rose of
Sharon}. — A beautiful shrub, bearing
showy blossoms in late summer and in
autumn. It is a very old favourite, and
in good moist 'soils it rises 8 and even
10 ft. high. The wild form has bluish-
purple flowers with crimson centres, but
now there are forms representing every
592 HIERACIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HOTTONIA.
tint from white (to/its albus] to crimson
and purple, while the blooms of one sort
(Celeste] are almost blue. There are also
double flowers of varied colours. The
best kinds, single and double, are Totus
albus, Celeste, Violet Clair, Leopoldi,
bicolor, roseus plenus, Pompon Rouge,
carneoplenus, Du^ de Brabant, albus
plenus, puniceus plenus, and anemonce-
florus.
In the South German gardens this
shrub assumes a larger growth, and bears
much larger flowers than in England.
The usual form has
flowers not so attrac-
tive in colour as some
of the newer forms
raised from seed main-
ly in France, and there
are some double kinds
poor in colour and ef-
fect. The pure white
kind (totus albus] and a
few others lead to the
hope that it is a plant
capable of real improve-
Hibiscus syriacus. ment through raising
seedling forms, and
perpetuating the best of them. Our
experience of this shrub in our own
islands is that it is best on free and warm
soils ; not too dry. Where it thrives it is
well worth more attention than is usually
the fate of flowering trees in the British
shrubbery ; all the more so now that we
are getting varieties of good colour — like
the pure white one named above, and
Celeste.
HIERACIUM (Hawkweed\— Peren-
nial herbs with yellow flowers, very numer-
ous, and often beautiful in nature, but not
much grown in gardens. Among the best
are aurantiacum with orange flowers, a
good plant, but apt to spread too much in
the garden ; and villosum, the Shaggy
Hawkweed, a handsome plant with silvery
leaves and large yellow flowers. Free in
ordinary soil. Borders. Division. Daisy
order.
HIPPOPHJE (Sea Buckthorn).— H.
rhamnoides is a beautiful seashore native
the rich
ly soil but hungry clay and peat. The
best position for it is a rather damp spot
near a running stream, where the subsoil
is always moist. It forms, when wild, a
straggling bush, which, when the shrub
is sheltered, rises 8 or 10 ft. high. In
gardens it grows taller. The Sea Buck-
thorn has silvery-looking Willow-like
leaves and bears a profusion of orange
berries.
rnajnnoiaes is a oeauinui seasnore native
shrub, developing its full beauty in the ricl
soils of inland gardens, though it is happj
in any soil but hungry clav and peat. Th<
HOLBCELLIA.— //. lati folia is a beau-
j tiful evergreen climbing shrub from the
Himalayas, hardy against walls in the
southern and the warm districts. The
foliage is thick with three or five leaflets of
a deep shining green. The flowers are a
deliciously fragrant dull purplish green, but
it does not bloom so freely out of doors as in
a cool conservatory. As it is of tall growth,
it must be planted against a high wall,
such as that of a house or stable. It is
known also as Stauntonia latifolia. The
variety angustifolia has smaller and more
numerous leaflets.
HORDEUM.— Grasses, of which the
Barley is the most familiar type, few of
ornamental value except H. jubatum
(Squirrel-tail Grass), which has long
feathery spikes. It grows in any soil in
open places, is easily raised as an
annual, and is one of the most distinct
dwarfer Grasses. Sow in autumn or
spring.
HOTEIA.— H.japonica is a fine tufted
herbaceous plant i ft. to 16 in. high, with
Hippophae rhamnoides.
! silvery-white flowers early in summer in
a panicled cluster. In a rich soil it is
excellent for a shady border. Strong
clumps planted in autumn will flower in
the following spring. Where there are
forced plants to spare they may be planted
out when they have done blooming, but
| will not make much show in the following
season. Much used indoors, is seldom
good in the open garden, partly because
it does badly in heavy and poor soils.
Where it thrives and flowers well it would
be a graceful aid in the varied flower-
garden. Increased by division in autumn.
Japan. Syns., Spiraea japonica, Astilbe
barbata.
HOTTONIA( Water Violet].— H.palus-
tris is a pretty British water-plant, which,
HOUSTONIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. HYACINTHUS. 593
however, .thrives better on soft mud-banks
than when submerged. The deep-cut
leaves form a dwarf deep-green tuft over
the mud, and from this tuft arise stems
bearing at intervals whorls of handsome
pale lilac or pink flowers. As water and
bog may be associated with the rock-
garden, this plant may with advantage
be grown at its margin in the water or
on a bank of wet soil. It grows from
9 in. to 2 ft. high, flowers in early
summer, and is abundant in many parts
of England.
HOUSTONIA (Bluets).— A very pretty
little American plant, H. ccerulea forming
small, dense cushion-like tufts, and from
late spring to autumn bearing crowds of
specimen to
centre of a
Houstonia coerulea.
tiny slender stems, about 3 in. high. The
flowers are pale blue, changing to white.
There is also a white variety. It succeeds
best in peaty or sandy soil, in sheltered
shady nooks on well-drained parts of the
rock-garden. As it sometimes perishes
in winter, it is advisable to keep reserve
plants in pots. Propagated by careful
division in spring, or by seed. H. serpyl-
lifolia and H. purpurea are allied species
and alike in stature and wants.
HUME A. —A very graceful half-hardy
biennial, 3 to 8 ft. high, H. elegans having
large leaves with a strong balsamic odour,
and forming, when in flower, an elegant
feathery pyramid of reddish-brown blos-
soms. It is highly ornamental as a
back line to a long border, as a single
let into the lawn, as the
bed or vase, or in masses
with other elegant foliage plants. Ex-
cellent effects may be obtained by com-
bining it in masses or groups with other
good plants. For cutting, its light feathery
sprays are useful. The proper time to
sow seed is July or August, as plants
do not bloom the first year, and, if raised
before those months, get too large to
winter conveniently, often becoming
leafless below, and the nakedness of
stem detracts from their beauty. To
.prevent this, they should be well fed
during winter with weak liquid manure,
and be shifted into larger pots early in
spring. Rich soil should be used, as
they can only be kept healthy by good
feeding. When planting them out in
beds, which may be done by the first
week in June, put under each a spadeful
of rotten manure and mix it up with the
soil. As the plants, when large, hold a
good deal of wind, they must be securely
staked to prevent their being damaged.
Composite. Australia.
HUMULUS (Common Hop}. — H.
Liipitlus, a well-known vigorous twining
perennial is admirable for bowers, especi-
ally when vegetation that disappears in
winter is desired ; and will soon run wild
in almost any soil, among shrubs or hedge-
rows. A slender plant climbing up an
Apple or other fruit tree, near the mixed
border, looks well. Division.
HUNNEMANNIA.— H.fumat icefoUa
is an erect perennial, 2 to 3 ft. high, with
glaucous foliage, like some of the Fumi-
tories. Its flowers are large and showy, of
a rich orange, and in form are like Esch-
sc.holtzia californica. They continue long
in perfection. Being a native of Mexico,
it is rather tender, and not satisfactory for
open-air culture. Poppy family.
HUTCHINSIA.— A neat little alpine
plant, H. alpina having shining leaves and
white flowers, in clusters about i in. high,
quite free in sandy soil, and easily
increased by division or seeds. In an
open spot, either in the rock-garden or in
good free border soil, it becomes a mass
of white flowers. Its proper home is the
rock-garden, though in borders of dwarf
and choice hardy plants it may be grown
with success. Central and S. Europe.
Cruciferae.
HYACINTHUS (Hyacinth"). — The
familiar garden Hyacinth is not generally
included among hardy plants, though it is
perfectly hardy, and, when treated as it
should be, is most important. The parent
of all the varieties is H. orientalis ; this is
as hardy as a Daffodil, and its varieties are
Q Q
594
HYACINTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HYACINTHUS.
scarcely less hardy. Hyacinths in the open
air are generally the refuse, as it were, of
the forced bulbs of preceding years, but
even these create a good display in suit-
able positions. To have a fine bloom of
Hyacinths in the open air, however, it is
essential that the bulbs should be good
and sound, and due regard paid to assort-
ment of colour, as tints massed by them-
selves are far more effective than a con-
fusion of various colours. Now that bulbs
may be obtained cheap there is no diffi-
culty. The hyacinth will grow well in
any good garden soil, but a light rich soil
suits it best, and the bed should be
effectually drained, for though the plant
loves moisture, it cannot stand in a boLr
flowering, if there is fully 6 in. of earth
over the crowns. No protection is better
than dry litter, but a thin coat of half-
rotten manure spread over the bed is safer
if severe frosts are likely to come at any
time before the growth has fairly pushed
through. The bulbs need no further
attention until the flower-stems are much
advanced, unless very severe weather
intervenes, when a mat or some oiled
calico should be thrown over them.
Waterproof calico is also useful in very
wet weather, as too much water, especially
when iced by February frosts and March
winds, is by no means good for Hyacinths,
which will thrive all the better for a water-
proof covering. Hyacinths in the open
Hyacinths.
•during the winter. It is advisable to
plant early and deep. If a rich effect is I
required, the bulbs should be 6 in. apart,
but a good effect may be produced by
planting them 9 in. or even more apart.
The time of blooming may to some extent
be influenced by the time and manner of
planting, but no rules can be given to suit
particular cases. Late planting and deep
planting both tend to defer the bloom,
but make no great difference, and as a
rule late bloom is to be preferred, being
less liable to injury from frost. The
shallowest planting should ensure a
depth of 3 in. of earth above the crown
of the bulb, but, generally speaking,
they will flower better, be a few days
later, and form stronger bulbs after
air seldom require artificial watering, the
natural moisture of the soil and the
strength of the manure mixed with it
being sufficient. When grown in beds
| they do not require sticks or ties ; simply
proper planting. After blooming, the
bulbs, if intended to flower again, must be
| left undisturbed until the leaves wither or
I die. The bulbs should then be taken up,
i dried in a stack for a week or two, and
finally placed in the sun for a few hours,
the dry leaves being pulled off. Offsets
; should also be removed from the bulbs,
and stored' in dry sand or earth till the
next planting time. Some take up the
bulbs every year, but we have seen hand-
j some beds that were not disturbed for
several years. Offsets, carefully cultivated
HYACINTHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HYDRANGEA.
595
in rich light soil for two or three years,
will produce many flowering bulbs, but,
as a rule, imported ones are stronger.
However carefully cultivated in England,
they seldom flower again so well as in the
first season, but it is a mistake to throw
them away, as many people do. Selections
for bedding in distinct colours of red,
yellow, white, blue, or mixed are to be
bought cheap.
H. azureus. — One of the earliest as well
as the most charming of our early spring
flowers. Indeed, one of its chief charms
lies in the fact of its producing its numerous
dense heads of pretty azure blooms long
before we have ceased to expect falls of
snow. Many a time have I gone in quest
of flowers when the ground was white with
its winter covering and have only been
able to obtain flowers of this and some
Snowdrops and Crocuses. In the case of
a dwarf bulb of this kind flowering so
early a handlight or bell-glass is simply
placed over the clump on the approach of
a storm, taking the cover off when all
danger is past. The flowers stand any
amount of frost without injury, and it is
only the chance of their being broken
with snow that renders a covering neces-
sary. H. azureus is one of those half-way
types that one finds so often in the Lily
order. It has the habit, appearance, and
many of the characters of a Muscari, with
the campanulate flowers of a Hyacinth.
It was first brought to the Vienna Botanic
Garden by Kotschy in 1856, and it was
some years after before it was in cultiva-
tion in England. The bulb is whitish,
round, an inch or so in diameter, produc-
ing in great abundance stolons or bulbils I
from the base ; the leaves, in number
from six to eight to a bulb, are broad, strap-
shaped, glaucous, and deeply channelled ;
the flower-heads dense, conical, upper
flowers sky-blue, campanulate, the lower
deep azure blue, and larger than those of
the ordinary Grape Hyacinth. It is an
excellent plant for the rock-garden, and
even in situations where it gets densely
shaded by overhanging plants.
H. amethystinus, though nearly
related to H. azureus, is quite different,
and flowers a month later and at a time
when there is a dearth of flowers of this
description in the hardy bulb-garden. It
is one of the very old plants, and although
cultivated by M-iller as early as 1759, it
was until recently a scarce plant. The
great mistake with a bulb like this is to
have two or three or even a dozen in a
clump. Instead of the dozen it should be
grown by the hundred, and no prettier
sight can well' be imagined than a large
sheet of this graceful Hyacinth, with its
loose racemes of vivid amethyst flowers.
Its pleasing flowers are produced in May
and June, when there is little chance of
their being disfigured by frosts. Spain
and Italy.— D. K.
H. candicans. See GALTONIA.
HYDRANGEA.— Handsome flowering
shrubs, some well known in gardens,
others neglected. In warm districts and
on good warm soils it would be well
worth while to grow many of the rarer
and finer forms of the common Hydrangea,
which always flowers best in seashore
districts where its shoots are not cut
down by frost or by the knife every winter.
H. Hortensia. — The common Hydran-
gea (H. Hortensia), from China, may be
grown well out-of-doors, but is not
always satisfactory in the midlands and
the north, being liable to injury in winter.
It likes a sheltered yet sunny spot and
Hyacinthus amethystinus.
good soil. In order to get good heads of
bloom, the Hydrangea must be pruned so
as to induce the growth of strong shoots.
In favoured spots it reaches a height of
6 ft., and as much through, making a
beautiful object on a lawn or in the
shrubbery margin. From time to time,
and especially in recent years, other forms
have been introduced and described, some
of them as distinct species. Dr. Maxi-
mowicz, who has had opportunities of
studying them in European and Japan-
ese gardens, and also in a wild state,
arranges the following forms under H.
Hortensia : —
(a] H. Hortensia acuminata. — A
much-branched shrub, 2 to 5 ft. high ;
flowers blue. It sports according to
locality, and Maximowicz enumerates
four such sports, viz.: In open places and
in a rich soil it is stouter,. with erect thick
Q Q 2
596
HYDRANGEA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HYDRANGEA.
branches, large, broad, firm leaves, and
larger flowers with somewhat fleshy
sepals ; under cultivation it becomes more
showy, passing into H. Belzonii. In
woods and on the shady banks of rivers
it grows taller with slender stems, pointed
leaves, and much smaller flowers. In a
very fertile soil, a stout plant with toothed
sepals in the barren flowers, which are
commonly of a blue colour. This is the
true H. Buergeri of Siebold and Zuccarini's
Flora Japonica, and the H. japonica
ccerulescens of Regel. Sometimes it
produces white or rose-coloured flowers,
and then it is the H. roseo-alba, as figured
in the Flore des Serres. These varia-
tions are all beautiful, but perhaps not
constant.
(£) H. Hortensia japonica.— This is
the H. japonica of Siebold and Zuccarini's
Flora Japonica, and the H. japonica
Hydrangea quercifolia.
macrosepala of Regel's Gartenflora.
It is exactly like acuminata, save that the
flowers are tinged with red, and the
sepals of the barren flowers are elegantly
toothed.
(c) H. Hortensia Belzonii. — A
short stout plant, with beautiful flowers,
the inner sterile ones being of an indigo-
blue, and the enlarged sterile ones white,
or only slightly tinged with blue, and
having entire sepals. There is a sport of
this in which the leaves are elegantly
variegated with white. This was raised
by Messrs. Rovelli, of Pallanza.
(d) H. Hortensia Otaksa. -- This
has all the flowers sterile and enlarged.
A very handsome variety with rich dark
green leaves nearly as broad as long, and
large hemispherical heads of pale pink or
flesh-coloured flowers, very fine when well
grown.
(e) H. Hortensia communis. — This
is the old variety with rose-pink flowers,
commonly cultivated in European gardens.
It differs from the last in being perfectly
glabrous in its longer, less-rounded
leaves, and in its deeper-coloured
flowers.
(/) H. Hortensia Azisia. — This is
not in cultivation, but it differs remark-
ably from all of the preceding varieties in
the sterile flowers, which have a very long,
slender calyx tube.
(g) H. Hortensia stellata. — The
chief character of this variety is in the
flowers, which are all' sterile and double.
The variety in cultivation has pink flowers,
but they are described as being either
pale blue or rose, finally changing to
a greenish colour, and distinctly net-
veined.
The white variety Thomas Hogg is a
very fine one, now widely cultivated.
Most of the above-named deserve the
attention of all who have soil and climate
suited to these shrubs.
H. paniculata (Plumed Hydrangea}.
— A shrub or small tree. According
to Maximowicz, the only Japanese
Hydrangea which becomes a tree. It
grows as much as 25 ft. high, with a
The Plumed Hydrangea.
dense rounded head and a straight
trunk 6 in. in diameter. But it more
commonly forms a shrub a few feet high,
bearing enormous panicles of flower.
With the exception of H. Hortensia, it
HYDRANGEA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
HYPERICUM.
597
is the commonest species in Japan,
growing throughout that country both in
the mountains and the plains, being more
abundant in the northern parts, and it is
said to vary very much. It is commonly
cultivated by the Japanese. The massive
clusters of pure white blossoms, terminat-
ing every shoot in autumn, are very
beautiful, and there are few finer autumn
effects than a well-flowered mass of this
shrub. It must have a good soil, and be
well mulched with manure in winter. To
encourage the new growth the old and
useless shoots must be cut away. It is
from 3 to 4 ft. high, and spreads its
branches gracefully and widely on all
sides. The clusters are often i ft. long
and half as much in diameter, but to
get such flowers we must cultivate
well and prune the shrubs hard down in
winter.
H. hirta (Nettle-leaved #!)— A dwarf
shrub, 3 or 4 ft. high, with slender hairy
branches and Nettle-like leaves. The
leaves and branches become nearly or
quite glabrous with age. This, although
not a showy species, seems to be a pretty,
compact dwarf shrub, with numerous
clusters of white flowers. A. native of the
mountains of Japan.
H. virens (Changing H.} — This is a
remarkable and elegant shrub, varying in
height from 2 to 6 ft. The branches,
straight, slender, and polished, bearing
small, thin, deeply-toothed leaves, 2 to
3 in. long, yellowish-green above, and
pale beneath, with small clusters of
flowers, some of which are sterile.
Altogether this is a pretty little shrub,
and it is somewhat surprising that it has
not been introduced, as it is common in
the neighbourhood of Nagasaki in
Japan.
H. chinensis (Fortune's H.}— Near
the last, but of more robust habit, with
leaves 3 to 5 in. long, and with cymes of
flowers much larger. It differs from H.
virens in the leaves being green on both
sides, and in the enlarged sepals being
nearly equal in size, much thicker, in fact
almost fleshy in substance, and remaining
on the branches until the fruit of the
fertile flowers is ripe. This species
was collected by Mr. Fortune in N.
China.
H. Thunbergi.— A small shrub with
slender branches, small leaves, and small
cymes of flowers. A few only of the outer-
most ones are sterile, and these are not
more than \ in. in diameter. Accord-
ing to the Gardeners' Chronicle, Messrs.
Cripps, of Tunbridge Wells, flowered this
species in June 1870. They describe it as
hardy, though not so showy as some of
the varieties of H. paniculata and H.
Hortensia. The sterile flowers are of
a delicate Peach-blossom colour. It is a
native of the mountains of Sikok and
Nippon, Japan.
H. quercifolia (Oak-leaved H.}— This
is a fine distinct kind, and though not
showy like the popular kinds, it is an
excellent shrub, and one I have noticed
growing with fine vigour in sea-shore
gardens. The leaves have a good deep
colour in the autumn, and the flowers are
beautiful, while old plants have a pictur-
esque habit.
The whole family is in want of look-
ing up by some enthusiastic admirers
who have good soil and other favourable
conditions. Although there is a large
range of land in Great Britain in which
Hydrangeas seem happy, there are other
inland and cold districts in which they
make poor growth, or are cut down so
frequently that experiments come to little.
I made a trial myself on a cool hill-side
in Sussex without getting any bloom or a
healthy growth ; but on the other hand we
see, especially in the South of England and
Ireland, beautiful results in warm valleys
and on sandy and alluvial soils even from
the use of one kind, so that I have often
thought that any one who should take up
the Hydrangeas in earnest, and grow them
and group them well, might have some
very interesting results.
HYDROCHARIS (Frog-bit\ — H.
Morsus-rance is a pretty native water-
plant, having floating leaves and attractive
white flowers, and well worth introducing
in artificial water. It may often be
gathered from ponds or streams in spring,
when it floats after being submerged in
winter.
HYPEEICUM (St. John's Wort}. -
Often handsome plants, for the most part
shrubs and under-shrubs, but including a
few herbaceous perennials and annuals.
The Rose of Sharon (H. calycinum) is
probably the most familiar, but there are
other shrubby species of some beauty.
Some of the perennials are good border
and rock-garden plants, and the best of
these is H. olympicum, one of the largest
flowered kinds, though not more than i
ft. high. It is known by its very glaucous
foliage and erect single stems, with bright
yellow flowers about 2 in. across. It
forms handsome specimens that flower
early, and its value as a choice border
plant can scarcely be over- rated. It may
be propagated easily by cuttings, which
should be put in when the shoots are
fully ripened, so that the young plants
598
HYPOLEPIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Hypericum uralum.
may become well established before
winter. H. elodes is a pretty native
plant suitable for the banks of pools and
lakes. H. nummularium and humifusum,
both dwarf trailers, are also desirable for
the rock-garden. Owing to their dwarf
compact growth, several of the shrubby
species are well suited for the rock-garden.
Of these, the best are H. aegyptiacum,
balearicum, empetrifolium, Coris, patulum,
uralum, and oblongifolium. The last three
are larger than the others, but as they
droop they have a good effect among the
boulders of a
large rock - gar-
den, or on banks.
H. Hookerianum,
triflorum, aureum,
orientale are a-
mong the kinds
having some
beauty, but the
species from war-
mer countries than
ours are apt to disappear after hard
winters. H. Moserianum is a handsome
hybrid kind raised in France and well
worth a place.
HYPOLEPIS (New Zealand Bracken}.
— H. millefolium is a very elegant New
Zealand Fern, with a stout and wide-
spreading rhizome, from which arise erect
light green fronds, I to ii ft. high, very
finely cut. There can be no doubt about
its hardiness, as it has- flourished for two
or three years in a Surrey garden, and was
also quite hardy and vigorous in Mr. F.
Lubbock's garden in Kent. It requires
a sheltered nook and peaty soil.
IBEEIS (Candytuft}. -Valuable hardy
perennials and annuals, the perennials
somewhat shrubby and evergreen, and
precious as rock-garden, border, and
margining plants : —
I. corifolia.— A dwarf kind 3 or 4 in.
high, and covered with small white
blooms early in May. Few alpine plants
are more worthy of general culture either
in the rock-garden or the mixed border —
for the front of which it is well suited.
It is probably a small variety of I. sem-
pervirens, but is distinct and true to its
character. Easily propagated by seeds
or cuttings, and thriving in any soil.
Sicily.
I. correaefolia is known by its large
leaves, its compact heads of large white
flowers, by flowering later than other
common white kinds, and both the flowers
and the corymb are larger and denser
than in the other species. It is an in-
valuable hardy plant, and useful in coming
into beauty about the end of May when
the other kinds are fading. It is excellent
for the rock-garden, the mixed border,
and the spring-garden, and is well suited
for the margins of choice shrubberies,
and may be used as an edging to beds.
Said to be a hybrid. Increased by cut-
tings, not coming true from seed.
I. gibraltarica, a beautiful plant, larger
in all its parts than the other kinds, with
flowers of delicate lilac in low close heads,
in spring and early summer. It is a pretty
species, but does not rival the best white
Iberis gibraltarica.
border kinds. Its hardiness is doubtful, and
it should, therefore, be planted on sunny
spots in the rock-garden or on banks in
light soil, and wintered in frames. In-
creased by cuttings, as it rarely produces
seeds in our climate. Spain.
I. jucunda, distinct, growing about
T.\ in. high, the leaves small, the flowers,
in small clusters, of a pleasing flesh
colour and prettily veined with rose in
early summer. It does not possess the
vigour of the common evergreen Iberises,
but it is valuable as a rock-plant, and is
fitted for association with dwarf alpine
flowers on warm and sunny parts of the
rock-garden in well-drained sandy loam.
Syn. I. yEthionema.
I. petraea, a pretty alpine species, 3 in.
high, with a flat cluster of pure white
flowers, relieved in the centre by a tinge
of red, thriving among the rock-plants.
Many cultivators cannot succeed with it,
but it thrives in a well-drained position,
with plenty of moisture.
IRERIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ILEX.
599
I. semperflorens.— A shrubby plant,
with large dense corymbs of white
flowers, and not suited for border culture,
but hardy enough to stand our winters
when grown at the foot of a south wall
or in a very sunny corner of the rock-
garden. Under those favourable con-
ditions it forms a pretty evergreen bush
in bloom nearly all the year. Sicily and
other Mediterranean islands.
I. sempervirens.— The common rock
or perennial Candytuft, and as often seen
as the yellow Alyssum and the white
Arabis. Half-shrubby, dwarf, spreading,
evergreen, and perfectly hardy, it escapes
Iberis jucunda.
where many plants are destroyed by cold ;
and in April and May its neat tufts of
dark green change into masses of snowy
white. Where a very dwarf evergreen
edging is required for a shrubbery, or for
beds of shrubs, it is one of the best
plants known, as on any soil it quickly
iforms a spreading mass almost as low as
the lawn-grass. Like all its relatives, it
should be exposed to the full sun rather
than shaded Readily increased by seeds
or cuttings. Its common garden name
is I. saxatilis. I. Garrexiana is not
sufficiently distinct to be worthy of cul-
tivation ; in fact, it and several other
Iberises prove, when grown side by side,
to be very slight varieties of I. semper-
virens ; it, however, seeds more abund-
antly, and is less spreading. I. superba,
another variety, is of good bushy habit,
and bears many large dense heads of
pure white flowers. . - *&MZ
I. Tenoreana is a dwarf species, with
white flowers, changing to purple. As
the commonly-cultivated 'kinds are pure
i white, I. Tenoreana will be more valuable
| from its purplish tone as well as its neat
1 habit. It has not, however, the perfect
| hardiness of the white kinds, being very
j apt to perish on heavy soils in winter ; but
' on light sandy soils and in well-drained
positions on the rock-garden it is pretty.
1 Where no rock-garden exists it should be
I placed on raised beds or banks, and is
| easily raised from seed ; it should be
i treated as a biennial. S. Italy.
I. umbellata (Annual Candyttiff). —
i This and its ally (I. coronaria) are the
hardy annual Candytufts. They are
varied in colour, and are among the
most beautiful of annual flowers. They
may be sown at all seasons, but, as in
the case of most other hardy annuals,
the finest flowers are from autumn-sown
plants, which flower from May to July.
They like a rich soil and plenty of room
to flower freely. There are a great
number of varieties, differing both in
growth and colour. What are known as
the dwarf or nana strain are neat and
dwarf in growth, are abundant bloomers
and showy. I. umbellata nana rosea and
alba are two of the most distinct, being
about 9 in. high ; the dark crimson,
carmine, lilac, and purple sorts, about
i ft. high, are also fine. The Rocket
Candytuft (I. coronaria) in good soil
grows 12 to 1 6 in. high, with pure white
flowers in long dense heads, and there
is a dwarf variety of it (pumila), 4 to 6 in.
high, forming spreading tufts i ft. or
more across. The Giant Snowflake is
also an excellent variety. These Rocket
Candytufts require the same treatment as
the common varieties.
IDESIA /. polycarpa is a Japanese
tree of recent introduction, growing out of
doors in mild districts ; but we have no
proof of its hardiness for our country
generally. It has large leaves, bright
green above, and whitish beneath. The
flowers form long, drooping branched
racemes and are fragrant. The colour is
not brilliant, but their effect, combined
with the red leaf stalks, the varying green
of the leaves, and their drooping habit is
good. There are male and female forms,
and, although the tree may be increased
by cuttings, it is better raised from seed.
There is a crisp-leaved form. Syn.
flacourtia.
ILEX (Holly}. — Beautiful evergreen
shrubs of northern temperate countries,
of which the most precious is our own
native Holly, Ilex Aquifolium. It would
be difficult to exaggerate the value of
this plant, whether as an evergreen tree,
as the best of all fence-shelters for our
600 ILEX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
1LLICIUM.
fields, or as a lovely ornament of our
gardens ; whether grown naturally or
clipped as it must be to form fences ;
embracing also in its numerous varieties
the most enduring of variegated shrubs
known, — variegation in most other things
being mere disease, whereas in the Holly
it is quite consistent with health and
beauty. No other shrub known to us
may be so often used with good effect
near the house and garden, and it will be
clear, therefore, how much one should
consider the common Holly in all its
forms and ways. Valuable as many
varieties are, probably none are quite so
good as seedlings of the common kind.
Good seedling plants are the easiest
to transplant and establish. The art of
grafting — most delusive as well as most
curious of arts — should be carefully
guarded against as regards Hollies.
Hitherto the way has been to graft the
many variegated kinds on the common
Holly, and although we often see good
results in that way, it is by far the safer
plan to insist on the variegated and
curious kinds being raised from layers
or cuttings. Nurserymen are very apt,
having large quantities of stocks of com-
mon things, to graft indiscriminately ;
and though time seems at first to be
gained by it, it is dead against the cul-
tivator in the end in almost every case.
It will perhaps take a long time to
recognise the immense superiority of
own-root plants, but if purchasers in-
quire for and insist upon getting them,
it will very much hasten progress. My
own experience is that old plants grafted
are extremely difficult to move with
safety, and, generally, Hollies and other
trees are best not moved when old. It is
an expensive and troublesome business,
and often a failure. Young healthy
bushes, seedling or layer, will in a few
years beat old grafted trees, — that at
least is my experience. Very often old
specimens from the nursery live for a
number of years, but their appearance is
deplorable, whereas healthy well-grown
young plants, from 3 to 5 ft. high, when
transplanted in May, are often beautiful
from the first. No doubt healthy seed-
ling plants might be transplanted at
various times, but experience has proved
that there is a distinct gain in transplant-
ing Hollies in May ; and if we transplant
them carefully at that time we shall
probably see good healthy growth the
same year.
As regards the uses of the Holly, they
are so many in the garden that it is
difficult even to generalise them. As
shelter in bold groups, dividing lines,
hedges, beautiful effects of fruit in
autumn, masses of evergreen foliage,
bright glistening colour from variegated
kinds ; elegant groups of the most beau-
tiful varieties, — every kind of delightful
use may be found for them in gardens.
According to the late Mr. Shirley
Hibberd, who was a very keen observer
of the Holly, the following is a good
selection of varieties. In the selection
of Hollies it will be well to bear in
mind that the variety known as Scotica
answers best of any plant near the sea.
The variety known as Hodgins's is the
most free in growth in a town garden,
being less affected by smoke than most
others. The most fruitful varieties are
catalogued as foemina, glabra, madeirensis,
balearica, lutea, and flava. The most
distinct and beautiful of the variegated
kinds are Golden Queen, Silver Queen,
Painted Lady, Broad-leaved Silver, Gold
Milkmaid, Watereriana, and Argentea
marginata. The following classification of
Hollies in relation to their several char-
acters will be useful : —
" MALE-FLOWERING HOLLIES.— Cili-
ata, Heterophylla, Latispina, Laurifolia,
Tortuosa, Gold Tortuosa, Bcetii, Cookii,
Gold Cookii, Cornuta, Doningtonensis,
Ferox, Ferox fol. arg., Ferox aurea, Foxii,
Furcata, Ovata, Picta marginata, Golden
Queen, Longifolia aurea, Longifolia
argentea, Watereriana, Gold Few-spined,
Silver Queen, Shepherclii.
" FEMALE - FLOWERING HOLLIES.—
Angustifolia, Angustifolia aurea pendula,
Angustifolia medio picta pendula, Bal-
earica, Broad leaf, Dark shoot, Fisherii,
Flavo fructo aurea, Fcemina, Golden
Milkmaid, Glabra, Handsworthiana,
Silver Handsworthiana, Heterophylla,
Hodginsii, Latifolia argentea, Latifolia
aurea, Lutea, Madame Briot, Madeirensis,
Madeirensis nigrescens, Madeirensis
variegata, Myrtifolia, Milkmaid, red berry ;
Milkmaid, yellow berry ; Moonlight,
Perry's weeping, Picta aurea, Platyphylla,
Scotica, Watereriana, Weeping.
" HERMAPHRODITE-FLOWERING HOL-
LIES. — Shepherdii, Smithiana, Silver
Queen, Heterophylla, Hodginsii, Lauri-
folia, Handsworthiana, Lutea, Flava,
Scotica, Balearica, Rotundifolia."
By far the best of all known Hollies is
our native Holly, but there are other
Japanese and American kinds worth
growing, such as Ilex crenata, and the
fine I. latifolia. This, however requires
our most temperate districts to thrive.
ILLICIUM. — An interesting half-hardy
evergreen shrub from the Southern States
IMPATIENS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IOXOPSIDIUM. 601
of N. America, /. floridanum bearing
fragrant flowers of a deep red, like those
of the Carolina Allspice. I. religiosum,
also known as I. anisatum, from China
and Japan, with pale yellow flowers, is
also interesting, if not worthy of general
culture. It may be grown against walls
in warm localities.
IMPATIENS (Balsam}.— The species
of Impatiens that thrive -in the open air are
all annual and hardy, and sow themselves
freely where they get a chance. The best
are — the common I. glandulifera, which
attains a height of 4 to 6 ft., and bears
numerous flowers, varying in colour from
white to rose. It will soon take possession
of the shrubbery if not checked ; and it is
seen to advantage in cottage gardens.
I. longicornu is beautiful, and has the
same habit as glandulifera, but the lower
part of its helmet-shaped flowers is bright
yellow, marked by tranverse lines of dark
brown ; while the upper part is rose colour,
I. Roylei is much dwarfer than the pre-
ceding, and has blossoms of a deep rose. I .
cristata has light rose-coloured blossoms.
I. balsamina (Garden Balsam} may be
grown in the open air, and makes a pretty
display in warm places. The plants
should be raised in a frame and trans-
planted. Soil which is too rich should be
avoided ; but soil manured for a previous
crop, and which has been well pulverised
by forking, gives the finest flowers and a
less sappy growth. Colours and markings
in any good and valued strain include the
following, and probably a few others, as
some sorts sport continually : Pure white,
buff-white, rosy- white, lavender- white, pale
mauve, peach, pink, carmine, scarlet-cerise,
crimson, violet, purple, purple-white blotch,
scarlet-white blotch and others.
INCARVILLEA.— Interesting shrub-
by plants, hardy only in southern counties.
There are few kinds. I. Delavayi has
lately come from China, and has proved
hardy, Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich, writing
that it has been a year or more in the
open border, having stood the full brunt
of a zero temperature. The flowers are
in corymbs, lengthening into racemes, and
like those of Bignonia grandiflora, twelve
•or thirteen to a raceme, and delicate
rose or rose-pink in colour, the throat
yellow streaked with purple. Where it is
not happy out-of-doors it is worth growing
in the greenhouse. I. Olgas was intro-
duced earlier from Turkestan and has
purple flowers ; it grows from 3 to 4^ ft.
high.
INDIGOFERA. — /. Gerardiana is a
pretty plant which may be grown as a bush
or against a wall, which it clothes grace-
fully with feathery leaves, towards the close
of summer, bearing small Pea-like bright
pink blooms. In cold districts it may be
well to give it protection in cold winters if
not against a wall, and the only attention
it requires is close pruning in early winter.
The kinds known as I, floribunda, I.
coronillaefolia, and by other names, are
either synonymous with I. Gerardiana or
varieties of it. I. decora, from China, is
sometimes grown against a wall in warm
parts, but is much less hardy than
I. Gerardiana, which comes from the
Himalayas.
INULA.— Perennial Composites, few of
which are important for the garden. I.
Helenium (Elecampane), a vigorous
British plant, 3 or 4 ft. high, with a stout
Inula glandulosa
stem, large leaves, and yellow flowers, is
well suited for planting with other large-
leaved plants, or in isolated specimens on
rough slopes or wild places, in good soil.
I. Oculus Christi grows IT? to 2 ft. high,
and bears orange flowers in summer. I.
salicina, montana, and glandulosa are
similar, the last being the finest. Easily
propagated by division or seed.
IONOPSIDIUM ( Violet Cress). — /.
acaule is a charming little Portuguese an-
nual about 2 in. high, whose dense tufts of
violet flowers spring up freely where plants
of it have existed the previous season.
Its peculiar beauty makes it useful for
various purposes. On the rock-garden,
associated with even the choicest of
alpine plants, it holds its own as regards
beauty, and never overruns its neighbours,
and it is particularly suitable for sowing
near pathways or rugged steps, growing
freely in such places ; indeed it would even
602 IPOM.^A.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IRIS.
flourish on a hard gravel walk. It flowers
a couple of months after sowing, and often
produces a second crop of blossoms
in the autumn. Portugal and Morocco.
Cruciferae.
IPOIOI! A (Morning Glory}.— Beautiful,
slender, twining plants of the Convolvulus
family, for the most part tropical. A
few succeed in the open air when treated
as half-hardy annuals. The most popular
of these is —
I. purpurea, or Convolvulus major as
it is called, which is too well known to
need description, as it is one of the
oldest cultivated plants. Its varieties are
numerous ; there are white, rose, and deep
violet varieties, while Burridgei is crimson,
Ditksoni deep blue, and tricolor striped
with red, white and blue. A mixed packet
of seed would contain most of these. This
beautiful though common plant deserves
much attention, as its uses are various.
It may be used for the open border, for
festooning branches, for covering arbours,
trellises, and the like, or for rambling over
shrubs, growing freely in any good
ordinary garden soil. Seeds should be
sown in heat in early spring, and the
seedlings transplanted in May as soon
as large enough. In some localities seed
may be sown at once in the open border,
but as a rule plants raised under glass
succeed best. It is known also as Phar-
bitis hispida. Tropical America and
Asia.
I. hederacea (Ivy-leaved Morning
Glory) is somewhat similar to the
common Morning Glory (I. purpurea),
but has lobed leaves like Ivy. Its flowers,
too, are smaller, of a deep blue striped
with red. The varieties grandiflora (light-
blue), superba (light-blue, bordered with
white), and atroviolacea (dark-violet and
white) are all worth cultivating, and so are
the Japanese variety, Huberi, and its
variegated-leaved form. The Ivy-leaved
Morning Glory is somewhat hardier than
I. purpurea, and seeds may be sown in
the open border in April, in light rich
soil, where it will flower from July to
September. It is also known as I. Nil. —
North America. Other kinds of I pomaeas
for open-air culture are I. rubroccerulea,
a half-hardy annual, and I. leptophylla, a
hardy perennial from North America, but
neither is so pretty as those mentioned
above.
IPOMOPSIS. — Graceful biennials from
California, thriving in light, dry, and warm
soils in the milder districts. There are
three kinds ; each forms a tuft of finely-
cut feathery foliage, and has slender
flower spikes from 2 to 3 ft. high thickly
set with flowers that open in succession.
In I. elegans the flowers are scarlet and
thickly spotted, and in I. superba they
are much the same, while in the rosea
variety they are a deep pink. The seeds
should be sown in spring in pots in the
open border in ordinary soil. During
the first year the plants make growth,
and early the following summer they
flower. If planted out to stand the
winter it is advisable to give a little pro-
tection. Other kinds mentioned in cata-
logues belong to Gilia, of which Ipomopsis
is really a synonym. On light soils early
autumn-sowing should be tried. These
plants are very seldom well grown.
IRESINE.— Dwarf half-hardy plants,
remarkable for their foliage, and much
used in the flower garden with other
tender plants in summer. There are two
types, from which have sprung several
varieties. I. Herbsti grows from I to 2
ft. high, and has crimson stems and rich
carmine-veined foliage, the brilliancy of
which continues until late in autumn, and
is more effective in wet than in hot dry
seasons. It requires a moist rich soil,
and is readily increased by cuttings taken
in September and wintered in a green-
house. In early spring the plants should
be repotted, and grown on in heat, and
fresh cuttings taken in March and April
will make them fit to put out in May. I.
brilliantissima and Wallisi are two varie-
ties possessing more brightness of colour
in their foliage. Lindeni is quite distinct
from the foregoing, having more pointed
leaves, which are of a deep blood-red.
It is compact and graceful, and bears
pinching back and pegging down to any
height. It makes a good edging plant,
and requires the same treatment as I.
Herbsti. Amarantaceae.
IRIS (Flag). — Beautiful bulbous or
tuberous plants numerous in kind and won-
derfully varied in beauty, more than most
flowers. By some, Irises have been com-
pared to Orchids, and those who delight in
singular and beautiful colour, and to whom
greenhouses and hothouses are denied,
may find a substitute for Orchids in Irises.
The plants are for the most part hardy
and have much diversity of habit and
colour, varying in height from a few
inches to 6 ft. They may be conveni-
ently divided into two classes — those
with bulbous roots, which are now called
Xiphions, and those (the greatest number)
with creeping stems. In treating of cul-
ture it is well to consider these separately.
The bulbous kinds should have a warm
and sheltered situation, such as the pro-
tection of a south wall, and succeed in
IRIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IRIS. 603
almost any light garden soil, but prefer
one that is friable, and sandy, not too
poor, but enriched with rotten leaf-mould
and manure. Sun they must have, and
the shelter must be without shade. They
need an autumn drought to ripen, and a
dry soil in winter to preserve the bulbs
and keep them at rest, but in spring, when
the leaves are pushing up, they love
moderate rain. These observations apply
to the Spanish and English Irises as well
as the rarer bulbous kinds. The great
point is not to meddle with the bulbs as
long as the plants are doing well, and,
when the soil is exhausted and it is
necessary to transplant, the bulbs should
not be allowed to become dry or shrivelled.
It is advisable to place a thin layer of
Cocoa-nut fibre refuse or some similar
material for protection during severe
weather, and to prevent the flowers from
being bespattered by mud during heavy
rain. Some kinds produce seeds very
freely in some seasons, which should be
carefully collected, and when well ripened
sown at once. This will be found a ready
way of increasing the stock, as they will
make strong flowering bulbs in about
three years.
Most of the non-bulbous Irises like rich
soil, the coarser and stronger forms relish-
ing even rank manure, but to the more
delicate ones this is almost poison ; and
all indeed thrive the better if the manure
is given in a decayed state. If it is well
rotted they can hardly have too much of
it. As regards moisture, they vary a good
deal. The condition that suits most is
comparative dryness in winter and an
abundance of water in summer. Un-
fortunately, this is the reverse of what
they generally get, and they also vary a
good deal as to the nature of the soil they
like best, some preferring a deep, some-
what stiff, but rich loam, and their long
thong-like roots reach down an amazing-
distance, while others prefer a lighter,
looser soil, richer in vegetable matter.
The more vigorous kinds are suited for
planting among large shrubs, which ought
to be wider apart than they generally are
in shrubberies ; and may be enjoyed in
tufts near water, in isolated groups on the
Grass, and also on mixed borders and
beds. In the smallest gardens, where
there is not space to plant them in these
various ways, one of the best ways would
be to establish healthy tufts in the fringes
of the shrubbery. Another good way is
to place them here and there in carpets of
low evergreens, above which their flowers
would be seen in early summer. Tufts of
the finest kinds look very beautiful here
and there among dwarf Roses. The
flowering season of the Iris extends over
the greater part of the year. The follow-
ing selection of the more important kinds
for our gardens is arranged in alphabetical
order for convenience of reference.
I. alata (Scorpion Iris}. — A beautiful
bulbous kind with fine large blossoms, the
ground colour delicate lilac-blue, with
showy blotches of bright yellow, copiously
Iris asiatica.
spotted with a darker hue. The foliage,
which appears with the flowers, much
resembles that of a Leek. I. alata gener-
ally commences to bloom in October, and,
if the weather is not too severe, flowers
also about Christmas time. It is easy to
grow, requiring a warm, dry, sunny border ;
the bulbs should be planted in autumn in
ordinary garden soil.
I. asiatica (Asiatic Flag].— Allied to
the German Iris, but the handsome flowers
are much larger, the lip especially being
very long and broad ; its colour is a very
fine pale purplish-blue, the standards a
little paler than the falls. A good border
kind.
I. atro-purpurea. — This Iris may be
604 IRIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
considered as coming within the iberica
group, as the foliage is not unlike that kind,
and the stem, though always of some
length, never rises very high. The flower
is somewhat small, and for the most part
of deep purple colouring. The plant varies
somewhat, one variety being called
" Odysseus."
I. aurea (Golden Flag}. — This is a fine
Iris, a native of the H imalayas, with golden-
yellow flowers of great beauty, is a tall
stately kind, hardy in. the coldest soils.
It does well among shrubs or in borders
of the best perennials, and groups of it so
placed are very handsome. Division and
seed.
I. Bakeriana. — This is one of the most
beautiful of the bulbous early spring flower-
Iris cristata.
ing Irises. It comes from Armenia, and
the flowers,which smell like violets, remind
one strongly of those of the netted Iris (I.
reticulata). The colouring varies, the
yellow streak on the fall, which is con-
spicuous in some of the forms, being
almost entirely absent in others ; the size
and number of the violet spots and the
breadth of the rich violet edging as well
as the size and brilliancy of their tints
vary in individual flowers. It blooms quite
early in the year, and is delightful in
pots.
I. Barnumae. This Iris, a native of
the hills of Kurdistan, belongs to the
iberica group. The flower is smaller than
that of that Flag, and both falls and
standards are vinous red-purple marked
with darker veins, the standard berni;
lighter in colour than the fall and its veins
more conspicuous. There is a yellow
variety described by Prof. Foster a's " an
exceedingly charming plant," and fragrant,
the odour not being unlike the Lily of
the Valley.
I. biflora.— A handsome Flag, 9 to 1 5
in. high, bearing large violet flowers on
stout stems. Similar to it are I. sub-
biflora and I. nudicaulis, which is one of
the best of the dwarf Flags, from 4 to 10
in. high ; its flowers large, of a rich violet-
blue, four to seven on a stem in early
summer. It has the vigour of the German
Iris and the dwarfness of the Crimean
Iris, but is much sturdier, and is suited for
the margin of the herbaceous border and
for the rock-garden.
I. Bismarckiana. — This "Cushion" Iris,
found in Lebanon, is little known as yet,
but it is described as having a flower as
large as I. susiana, with gray falls and
sky-blue standards.
I. cristata (Dwarf-crested Iris] is a
charming dwarf Flag, flowering in spring
and also in autumn, delicate blue and
richly marked. It is a fragile plant, 4 to 6
in. high, with broad leaves, and throws
out long slender rhizomes, wholly above
ground, thriving in sandy earth in beds,
borders, or on the rock garden.
I. florentina (Florentine Flag). — Its
large delicate flowers are nearly 6 in. deep,
faintly tinged with blue, the falls veined
with yellow, and green at the base, with an
orange-yellow beard, whilst the broad
leaves are rich dark-green. A native of
Southern Europe, flowering during May
and June. The variety albicans is almost
pure white.
I. fcetidissima (Gladwin}. — A British
plant, 1 1 to 2 ft. high, with bluish flowers.
There is a variety with variegated leaves.
The common green form is worth growing
in semi-wild places for its brilliant coral-
red seeds.
I. G-atesi. — This is a remarkably hand-
some Flag from Armenia, and very near to
susiana, but the rhizome is more compact,
and the foliage smaller, shorter, and
narrower, and of a darker green than in
susiana. The stem is taller, i^ ft. or
even 2 ft., and the flower when well
grown larger. The prevailing colour of
the specimens so far cultivated is, when
the flower is seen at a distance, a soft deli-
cate gray, brought about by very thin clear
veins and minute dots or points of purple
on a creamy-white ground, the dots being
predominant on the fall and the veins on
IRIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IRIS.
605
the standard. The ripe capsule is as
much as 5 in. in length.
I. germanica (Common German Flag].
—This is common in gardens, and is one
of the few plants that succeed well in
London. I. nepalensis is a charming
form from India, with flowers from 5 in. to
6 in. long, the standards rich dark violet-
purple, the falls intense violet, striped
white and purple at the base, with yellow
and reddish markings. It flowers during
May and June, and may be increased
quickly. The German Flags flourish in
ordinary garden, dry gravelly soil, or sandy
banks, for which they are well suited. A
good selection of varieties of the German
Iris, all good garden flowers, would be
composed of Atro-purpurea, Aurea, Brides-
maid, Calypso, Celeste, Gracchus, Mme.
Chereau, Queen of May, Rigolette, Vic-
torine, and George Thorbeck.
I. Histrio. — This beautiful bulbous
Iris, when peeping through the ground
in winter or early spring, reminds one
of I. reticulata, but it is rather taller, and
its sweetly-scented flowers are broader and
more' conspicuously spotted or blotched,
the colour being rich bluish-purple, flushed
towards the base of the petals with rose-
pink, whilst the markings are of the
deepest purple, relieved by a crest of
gold. Syria.
I. histrioides.— One of the most charm-
ing of the spring flowering bulbous Irises.
So far, though it has only been in cultivation
a few years, it has proved of easy culture.
The flowers are larger than those of any of
the group, the falls mottled with white and
rich lilac both on the claw and on the broad
rounded blade. It is a native of Eastern
Anatolia, and blooms in early March.
I. iberica (Iberian Flag}.— One of the
most singular and handsome of Irises.
The flowers are large, the standards white,
pencilled and spotted with purple or violet,
while the falls are veined with dark purple
or purple-black on a yellowish ground, with
a conspicuous dark blotch in the centre.
This is the colour of the commonest
form, but there are several, and one,
ochracea, is very distinct, is hardy and
thrives best in a rich fibrous loam, where
it can send its long roots deep into the
soil. The rhizome should not be planted
deep, but only just below the surface as in
most cases the roots perish when planted
deeply. Coarse river sand should be used,
the rhizome being planted completely in
it, and by this means it is kept rather dry
during the winter. Dry borders or warm
spots on the rock-garden.
I. juncea (Rush-leaved Flag] is a lovely
bulbous Iris, graceful in habit and with
bright yellow flowers of a delightful frag-
rance, whilst it can be grown almost as
easily as the English Irises. It requires
a light, rich deep soil, and will be all the
better if planted where it can be kept
fairly dry during winter. Spain.
I. Ksempferi (Japanese Ftag).—The
many varieties in cultivation under this
name have sprung from I. laevigata and
I. setosa, and form a fine race of garden
plants, whilst every year many beautiful
sorts are added, chiefly from Japan,
though many seedlings have been raised
in this country. The flowers are variable
in size and colour, some measuring as
much as 9 and loin, across. The varieties
of I. setosa differ from those of I. leevigata
Iris foetidissima (Gladwin).
in having broader and less-drooping petals,
and the three inner petals are often of the
same size as the outer, so that the flower is
symmetrical. I. Kaempferi will grow in
almost any soil, but is best in a good
loam, with peat added to it, though this is
not so much for nourishment as to retain
moisture during the hot and dry summer
months, for this Flag likes moisture, and
its numerous roots will often go 2 ft. deep
in search of it. It dislikes shade, prefer-
ring a warm sunny position, being especi-
ally happy when planted by the margin of a
lake, pond, or stream. Two-year-old seed-
ling plants of it bloom in June and July, and
amongst them will be found an endless
variety of colours from white to the
richest plum, the deep blues being very
rich. The mottled flowers are objection-
able, and unfortunately these are common,
606 IRIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IRIS.
but they are poor in effect, nothing like
so handsome as the self-coloured kinds,
nor do we care about the more double
varieties. In these the natural grace and
fine outline of the flower are lost. When
transplanted this moisture-loving Flag
does not bloom well until the second
season after planting. Propagated by
division or seeds, which should be sown
as soon as gathered either in pots or in
the open ground; they will vegetate in the
following spring.
I. Kolpakowskiana. — An ally of I.
reticulata and introduced from Turke-
stan, it is perfectly hardy in the open air,
flowering about the same time, and effec-
tive in groups. The chief difference from
the netted Iris is in the bulb and leaves,
which are narrow, linear, deeply channelled
Iris iberica.
on the inner face, with a central band or
rib like a Crocus leaf, and pale-green with-
out the glaucous tint usual to this group.
The falls are deep violet-purple, with a
beardless bright yellow keel from which are
purplish branchings, whilst the standards
are pale self-lilac with creamy anthers.
I. Korolkowi. — Of this the leaves are
tall, narrow, and upright, the scape, which
is about i ft. or so high, bearing two large
flowers of delicate shades of gray and
brown, and beautifully veined. Warm
and dry spots on the rock garden.
I. lacustris (Dwarf Lake Iris}. — A
dainty, quite hardy Iris, with beautiful
sky-blue flowers in spring and again in
the autumn. It belongs to the rhizo-
matose group, is free both in growth and
bloom, and succeeds in full sun and in
sandy soil. North America.
I. Lorteti. — This Iris comes from
South Lebanon. In general features it is
near to I. Sari, but its wonderful colouring
makes it, perhaps, the most beautiful Iris
in the world. " In a plant flowered by
myself this summer (1893)," writes Prof.
Foster, " the falls showed a creamy-yellow
ground marked with crimson spots, con-
centrated at the centre into a dark crimson
signal, while the standards were nearly
pure white, marked with very thin violet
veins, hardly visible at a distance.
I. lupina (Wolfs Ear It is}.— This is
from Armenia and Central Asia Minor,
and resembles both I. susiana and I.
iberica. The rhizome is compact and the
foliage, though somewhat variable, is
dwarf like that of I. iberica, and 3 in. or
so in length. The flower, borne on a
stem varying from I in. to 6 in. or even
more in length, differs in form from both
I. susiana and I. iberica in that the fall is
distinctly lance-shaped, whilst the colour-
ing consists of irregular brownish-red
veins on a yellow or greenish-yellow
ground, the red of the veins often
merging into purple. The claw of the
standard is furnished with quite numerous
hairs.
I. Marise, which belongs to the iberica
group, was discovered on the confines of
Egypt and Palestine. The rhizome is
compact, rather slender, the foliage being
not unlike that of iberica, but narrower.
The flowers, on a stem of about 6' in. high,
are somewhat smaller than I. iberica, of a
uniform lilac colour, though marked with
veins, but the uniformity is broken by a
conspicuous "signal" patch of deep purple
on the fall. The standard is larger and
more rounded than the fall, whilst the claw
of the latter is beset by numerous deep
purple hairs, which, scattered at the sides,
are crowded together along the middle
line more after the fashion of the beard of
an ordinary bearded Flag.
I. Meda is a native of Persia, and has
a small, slender, and compact rhizome.
The leaves are narrower than I. iberica,
and for the most part erect, the stem being
about 6 in. in length, more or less, but
seems to vary a good deal. The fall,
which spreads horizontally, is narrow and
pointed, the blade being sharply curled
back on itself. The standard is rather
larger than the fall, and the style, which
lies close down on the claw of the fall,
is narrow, ending in two small triangular
crests.
I. missouriensis (Missouri Flag). —
This was found in the Rocky Mountains,
and is a good kind, graceful, and with
delicate purplish-blue flowers, which are
valuable to cut in the month of May. It
grows well in a border of good soil, and is
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IRIS. 607
not seen as often as one might expect in
gardens.
I. Monnieri. — A noble Flag, distinct
from any other in cultivation, the leaves
being dark-green, and the flower-stem
nearly 4<ft. high, whilst the outer divisions
of the flowers, which are very fragrant,
are recurved, and of a rich golden-yellow,
margined with white. It is by no
means common, and blooms later than
most of the other species, in most seasons
even after the varieties of K?empfer's Flag.
It is a native of Crete, and succeeds best
in rather moist soil, whilst increased easily
by division or seed.
I. Monspur is a seedling, raised by
Prof. Foster, between I. Monnieri and I.
spuria, and is a very beautiful plant. The
variety Notha differs from I. spuria in
being altogether larger, considerably more
rigid both in stem and leaves, and with a
much longer spathe valve. This plant is
said to be found in the salt marshes of
Siberia. When grown well, by no means
difficult in ordinary garden soil, it is most
effective in full flower. Some of the
varieties, such as stenogyna, sub-barbata,
&c., have been bandied about between I.
spuria and the nearly allied I. Gulden-
staedtiana, but the simpler way is to call
them all varieties of I. spuria.
I. neglecta is amongst the commonest
Flags in cultivation, and one of the tallest
growing species, having given rise to
numerous garden varieties. Its flowers
rarely measure more than 2^ in. across,
the standards being of a pale blue, with
darker shading, and the much reflexedfalls
are of a deep blue, veined with purplish-
red ; the crest or beard is bright yellow,
and very striking.
I. ochroleuca ( Yellow-banded Flag). —
There are few handsomer or more stately
Flags than this. It is an old plant in our
gardens, but never seems to have become
common. The foliage is slender, about 4
ft. long, and comes up in a most graceful
twist. The spikes usually bear four or five
flowers, white or nearly so, with large
yellow blotch on the fall, and some reach
nearly 6 ft. in height, strong clumps pro-
ducing four or five. It does not seem
particular as to moisture in the soil, and
few Flags will thrive better or give more
satisfactory results in the ordinary mixed
border, where its large flowers and
luxuriant foliage present a fine appear-
ance. There is a variety called gigantea
which has larger and finer flowers, but
differs in no other way. I. Kerneriana
differs only in its smaller flowers and
much narrower leaves. *
I. orchioides.— There are a great beauty
and distinctness in the rich, dark yellow
blossoms of this lovely species that are not
found in any other Iris of spring, while the
black spots on the lower petals only tend
to make the flowers still more effective.
Added to this distinct beauty is the vigor-
Iris ochroleuca.
ous leafy growth so characteristic of this
kind. Coupled with this is the fact of its
being also a profuse flowering species,
often bearing as many as six blossoms on
a single spike. It is a tuberous-rooted
608 IRIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IRIS.
species and a handsome plant when
thoroughly established. It seems hardy
and free at least on warm soils.
I. pallida (Great Purple Fta/).—Th\s
is a variety of the common German Flag
and one of the stateliest and most beautiful
some distance in front of the end of the
style, comes abruptly and squarely to an
end, being marked off by a cross bar of
rich crimson devoid of hairs. The small
portion of the fall in front of this bar is
of a creamy-white, traversed by radiating
thick dark-purple veins, which are so
closely set as to leave little of the ground
visible. The plant varies much in size and
colour, and the total effect of the flower
is very striking and beautiful.
I. persica (Persian Iris].— This is one
of the most charming of the early kinds,
and deserves a place wherever the soil is
warm and dry. Its flowers, produced from
a tuft of bright green leaves that just peep
over the soil, are white, suffused with pale
Prussian blue, and blotched with velvety
purple. It comes from Persia, and is
therefore somewhat tender, but in warm
sheltered spots, in light sandy soil, suc-
ceeds well enough, and flowers in winter
and spring, according to the weather.
I. Pseudo-acorus (Common ]Va1et
Flag). — Common as is this Flag, every one
who has grown it fairly will admit its beauty.
Whoever has in his garden a pond or a
ditch, or even a thoroughly damp spot,
ought to plant this Flag.
Iris pallida.
of the genus. When in full vigour, the
spikes will reach 4 ft. in height, with a
succession of from eight to twelve of its
large pale-mauve or purple flowers, scented
like the elder. It is known also as the
Turkey Flag, and there are forms of it,
such as the Dalmatian and also Man-
dralisca?, which have deep blue flowers.
It is a fine border-plant, and charming in
large groups.
I. paradoxa. — This is a singular
Cushion Iris, a native of West Persia and
the Caucasus, and fitly called " paradoxi-
cal." The fall is reduced to a narrow
strap half an inch or less in width, but the
standard is large, erect, and while the
small fall is stout and firm, almost leathery,
is delicate and flimsy in texture. The
ground colour of the claw is a rich crimson
or deep pink, but beneath the claw and
for some little distance in front of it the
crimson hue is all but entirely hid by
numerous short dark-purple, almost black,
hairs, so thickly set as to imitate velvet
very closely indeed. This velvet area, at
I. pumila (Dwarf Flag]. — The best of
the dwarf Flags, for to it we owe the many
lovely varieties that create such a rich dis-
play of bloom in spring. It grows from 4
to 8 in. high, and has deep violet flowers,
unusually large for its size. There are
several named varieties, the most attrac-
IRIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
609
tive being the sky-blue (ccerulea), which
in early spring forms sheets of bright
colour edgings in free soil.
I. reticulata (Netted Iris}.— One of the
most beautiful of hardy flowers. While
the snow is still on the ground — in January,
Iris persica.
or even earlier — its leaves begin to shoot,
and while these are only a few inches high,
the bud opens to the pale wintry sun a
beauty of violet and gold. After the
flower has faded, the erect narrow leaves
grow apace, attaining a height of I ft. or
more, and, as in the Crocus, the ripened
ovary is in due time thrust upwards from the
soil. This little treasure is indeed the Iris
companion of the Crocus, and those who
have seen large clumps of it growing in
some shelteredbut sunny spot in the bright
and gusty days of February or March, may
well wish that its netted bulbs were as plen-
tiful as Crocus corms. The plant comes
from some parts of the Caucasus and from
Palestine, and there are several varieties.
Krelagei may be recognised by flowers of
a purple or plum colour, with the yellow
marking less vivid, and the whole flower is
smaller, also less fragrant, in fact is almost
wholly without scent, and it flowers ten
or fourteen days earlier. An exquisite
gem is I. r. cyanea which is very bright in
colour, a slaty blue, and dwarf. Sopho-
nensis, with red-purple flowers and a bold
crest, is a native of Asia Minor, and blooms
in early February. I. r. purpurea, a small
variety with deep purple flowers, is pleas-
ing. A sunny sheltered spot is, however,
advisable, that its tall narrow leaves may,
after flowering, be protected from the wind.
Sandy soil will do, but it is not particular
in this respect. Sometimes, however, it
refuses to grow, and in damp places the
bulbs rot in summer. Since the flowers
come before the leaves grow tall it makes
a good pot plant, and a well-grown clump
is a charming addition to the Christmas
table. Unfortunately I. reticulata refuses
to grow at all in some localities through
disease. Although this disease may be
somewhat retarded by lifting and careful
storing it is very difficult to eradicate, and
in wet seasons carries the bulbs off by
the thousand.
I. Rosenbachiana.— This is a charming
bulbous Iris, and found on the mountains
of East Buchara, Turkestan, at an eleva-
tion of 6,000 ft. to 7,000 ft., we are told,
in two varieties, both growing together,
the flowers of one form being blue, those
of the other of a fine violet, whilst the
bulbs of both the varieties are small, with
thin tunics, never reticulated, as in the
netted Iris.
I. Sari. This derives its name from
the river Sar, in Cilicia, in the neighbour-
hood of which it was found. It comes near
to I. susiana, having a compact rhizome,
relatively large foliage, a fairly tall (a foot
or less in height) stem and large flowers ;
indeed the var. lurida, which Prof. Foster
Iris reticulata
mentions as the only one he has seen in
cultivation, is often mistaken by a casual
observer for I. susiana.
I. sibirica (Siberian Flag}.— Pi. slender
plant, 2 to 3 ft. high, with narrow grassy
leaves and in summer somewhat small
R R
6lO IRIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IRIS.
showy blue flowers, beautifully veined with
white and violet. There are several
varieties, the white variety, also called I.
flexuosa, being pretty, and so is I. acuta,
but the double-flowered form is not. The
finest variety is I. orientalis, having larger
flowers of a deeper colour, with a different
veining, and the falls especially broad and
expanding. The Siberian Iris is very
flowers hidden in grassy foliage. \Vhen
mixed with even the most delicate
flowers of the stove or Orchid-house, its
silky sky-blue fragrant flowers possess a
charm and softness equalled by scarcely
any other flower of the same colour.
Although the plant is hardy, its flowers
are so delicate that it should have protec-
tion from heavy rains unless the position
Iris susiana.
hardy and spare plants are easily estab-
lished in ditches or damp spots.
I. sindjarensis.— This is an interesting
species with the habit and general
character of I. caucasica, but has bluish
flowers and a distinct crest. It flowers
however at a time when no other Iris
except I. reticulata is in bloom, and
possesses a certain distinctive charm.
I. stylosa (Algerian Iris).—& beauti-
ful plant, flowering in mid -winter, its
is well sheltered. It is perhaps best
known as I. stylosa. There are several
varieties in catalogues, speciosa being one
of the best, this having larger flowers of
a deep blue colour. Alba has white
flowers. They all require very light warm
soil on well-drained or raised borders in
sheltered gardens. Division.
I. susiana (Mourning Iiis}— One of
the most singular of all flowers, from i^
to i\ ft. high ; the flowers very large and
IRIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IRIS. 611
densely spotted and striped with dark
purple on a gray ground. It should be
grown in sunny nooks in the rock-garden,
or on sheltered banks or borders, but
always in light, warm, or chalky soils.
We have seen it flowering well in a bor-
der in the Archbishop of Canterbury's
garden near Broadstairs, where it is hardy.
Asia Minor. Division.
I. tuberosa (Snakes-head). — This is an
interesting if quiet-coloured kind, 12 or 13
in. high, the flowers small, brownish-green
marked with yellow, and a purplish-brown
tinge on the upper part. There are
usually two tubers. It is not showy
enough for every garden, but where ad-
mired it may be naturalised in light soil.
S. Europe.
I. variegata is a handsome Flag of the
Germanica group, I to 2 ft. high, with
large, slightly fragrant flowers, having
bright yellow standards and claret-red
falls beautifully veined. Similar in aspect
is I. aphylla, with deep lilac falls and
white standards veined with purple, whilst
there are numerous varieties, the colours
of which are varied and beautiful. I.lurida
and its varieties also come under this group.
I. xiphioides (English Iris].— This is a
beautiful flower, and the many garden
varieties are amongst the finest things we
have in early summer.
The English Iris got its popular name
in a rather curious way, being sent from
its Pyrenean home, where its distribution
is limited, to Bristol traders, thence to
Holland. The Dutch, supposing it to be
a native of our shores, called it the
English Iris. The flowers are quite dis-
tinct in aspect from those of the Spanish
Iris and appear a fortnight or so later.
They are broad and display a delightful
diversity of colour, from deepest purple
to pure white. Among the good varieties
are Leon Tolstoi, Mont Blanc, Grande
Celeste, King of the Blues, La Charmante,
and Vainqueur. There are, of course,
many other varieties in which one gets
flowers splashed and mottled with various
colours. These are not so fine as the bold
self kinds, and raisers should think less of
them, rather giving us self colours, which
are always more effective both in the gar-
den and when gathered for the house.
There is a curious variety called Thunder-
bolt, which is of a dusky dull colour.
Dr. Wallace, of Colchester, writes as
follows : — "The English Irises are easily
cultivated and well worthy of a place in
all gardens. Flowering at the end of
June and during July, they come in when
most of the other Irises are over, and a
bed of their large flowers is beautiful for
several weeks, their strong spikes mostly
carrying two or more flowers, in all shades
of white, blue, and reddish-purple, some
splashed and streaked, others with clear
decided colours, formidable rivals to the
Iris Kaempferi, which they closely re-
semble in shape and pose of flower,
but of dwarfer habit. I find them quite
hardy here at Colchester planted out in
light soil, with plenty of sand round the
bulbs. They increase rapidly, and are
"The English Iris."
best taken up and divided about every
two years, at the beginning of August
when the bulbs are at rest. Starting
again into growth early, they should not
be planted after the middle of November,
otherwise success will be less certain."
I. Xiphium (Spanish fris).—A very
beautiful flower, and an old inhabitant of
gardens. The prevailing colours are blue,
with various shades of purple or violet,
yellow, and white. The blue tints of the
cultivated seedlings seem to be derived
from the typical Spanish plant ; the yellow
hues may be traced to the Portuguese
variety, sometimes known as I. lusitanica.
The Spanish Iris must not be water-
logged in autumn and winter, preferring
R R 2
6l2 ISOPYRUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IXIA.
a loose, friable, sandy soil, which, how-
ever, should not be too poor, for it repays
feeding with thoroughly rotten leaf-mould
or manure. Sun it must have, but as its
slender stalks suffer from winds it should
have shelter without shade. The golden
rule of not meddling over-much applies
distinctly to the Spanish Iris, as the new
roots begin to shoot out almost before the
old stalk has withered, and the bulb must
not be kept out of the ground. Plant,
then, the Spanish Iris in clumps on some
rich, loose, friable plot, where their bright
colour may be shown to advantage, and
let them stay there year after year until
compact, the flowers \ in. across, star-
shaped, and of a pale blue, continuing a
long time, even till cut off by frosts. If
preserved in a frame during winter, after
the manner of bedding Lobelias, it is
perennial, and may be propagated in spring
by cuttings. New Holland.
IXIA. — Charming South African bulbs,
slender and elegant in growth, and
brilliant in flower. They are not grown
much because some are tender and
require glass protection. For culture
outdoors, choose a light loamy soil,
thoroughly drained, and with a due south
aspect ; if backed by a wall or a green-
Spanish Iris (I. xiphium).
the dwindling foliage tells you that they
have exhausted their soil. The beautiful
varieties of Spanish Iris are well worth a
place in the reserve garden for supplying
cut flowers.
ISOPYRUM.— A graceful little plant
allied to the Meadow Rues, but /. thalic-
troides has prettier white flowers, and is
valuable for its Maiden-hair Fern-like
foliage. It is well suited for the rock-
garden, and for the front edge of the mixed
border, is hardy, and easy to grow on any
soil. Division or seed. Europe. Ranun-
culacece.
ISOTOMA.— 7. axillaris is a showy
half-hardy plant, resembling some of the
dwarfer Lobelias, its growth dense and
house so much the better. Plant from
September to January, 3 to 4 in. deep,
and i to 3 in. apart. As the early plant-
ings make foliage during the autumn, it is
necessary to give protection during severe
frost, and this may be best accomplished
by hooping the beds over and covering
when necessary with mats ; or if tiffany is
used it may be allowed to remain till the
danger of severe frosts has ceased. The
December and January plantings require
no protection in winter, but as they will
flower later in the summer than the early
plantings, an aspect where the sun's rays
are somewhat broken will prolong the
blooming period. On stiff soil, or on
soils that lie rather wet in winter, the
IXIOLIRIOX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
JASIONE. 613
beds should be raised, and the bulbs
should be surrounded with sand, care
being taken that they are planted i or
2 in. above the level of the path ; and,
where protection cannot conveniently be
given, planting should not take place till
December or January. A large number
of varieties are in cultivation, and the
chief species from which they appear to
be derived are I. crateroides, patens,
maculata, fusco-citrina, ochroleuca, colu-
mellaris, speciosa, and viridiflora, which
last is of a beautiful sea-green, a colour
quite unique among cultivated plants,
and in no case to be omitted. A collec-
tion of varieties might include the follow-
ing : Achievement, Amanda, aurantiaca,
Cleopatra, Conqueror, Duchess of Edin-
burgh, Gracchus, Hercules, Hypatia,
Isabelle, Lady of the Lake, Lesbia,
Loela, Miralba, Nosegay, Pallas, Pearl,
Princess Alexandra, Sunbeam, Surprise,
Titian, and Vulcan.
IXIOLIRION (Ixia Lily}.— Beautiful
plants of the Amaryllis Order somewhat
resembling each other, and about i to i| ft.
high, with grassy foliage, and bearing large
trumpet-shaped flowers in a loose elegant
manner. I. Pallasi has flowers of the
deepest shade, and I. tataricum of the
palest, the intermediate shades being I.
montanum and I. Ledebouri. Such
beautiful hardy plants are deserving of
a place in the most select collection, and
the flowers last long on the plants. They
should be treated like the rarer bulbs,
such as Calochorti, Habranthi, and
Zephyranthes, for though they may be
hardy, it is not advisable to plant out
such rare bulbs in ordinary borders.
They should be grown in an open and
dry position — in a sunny border, for
example, which is all the better with a
wall at the back, so as to catch all the
sun-heat possible in early spring, when
the bulbs are pushing up their young
leaves. The border should be well
drained, and a bed of light, rich
loamy soil, about i ft. in depth, placed
upon the drainage. When the young
growth appears, place a common hand-
light over the plants — even two panes of
glass will be beneficial — and if similar
protection is afforded at the latter part of
summer, it will tend to keep the soil dry
and warm, and so ripen the bulbs. A
handful of dry sharp sand placed in a
layer under and around the bulbs is
conducive to the formation of roots.
Western Asia.
JAMESIA.— /. americana is a dwarf
shrub from the Rocky Mountains, 2 to
3 ft. high, with deciduous leaves, and in
summer many clusters of white flowers,
which, with the whitish foliage, give the
plant a pretty appearance. It is hardy,
of easy culture in ordinary soil, and fitted
for association with flowering shrubs of a
medium size.
JANK-ffiA.— /. Heldreickiis one of the
prettiest of the Ramondia family, a native
of the mountains of Macedonia, growing
in ravines. It has been considered a miffy
plant, dying away in our gardens in spite
of the most careful handling, but it is
likely to grow as well as other Ramondias
Jankaea Heldreichi.
if its special wants are attended to. It likes
to be moderately moist at the roots and
have shade and moisture in the air. Some
place on a well-constructed rock-garden
should be chosen, where it will thrive in
peat. The blooms are of a deep blue, nod-
ding, and shaped like those of a Soldanella,
and it has silver grey leaves. — M. L.
JASIONE (Sheep's Scabious).— Dwarf
perennials and annuals of the Bell-flower
family. J. humilis is a creeping tufted
plant, about 6 in. high, bearing small
heads of pretty blue flowers in July and
August. Though a native of the high
Pyrenees, it often succumbs to the damp
and frosts of our climate, and it therefore
requires a dry well-drained part of the
rock-garden, and should have a little
protection in winter during severe cold
and wet. J. perennis is taller, often
above i ft. high, with dense heads of
bright blue flowers, from June to August ;
it is a rock-garden plant, stronger than
the preceding, thriving in good light loam,
and a native of the mountains of Central
and South Europe. These perennial
kinds may be propagated best from seed
as they do not divide well. J. montana
is a neat, hardy annual with small, pretty
bright blue flower-heads in summer.
614 JASMINUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
JUGLAXS.
Seed in autumn or spring. A native
plant.
JASMINUM (Jasmine}. — Beautiful
shrubs, the hardy ones among the best
introduced to our country, and of very wide
and precious use.
J. fruticans (Shrubby Jasmine] .— This
is a wiry-looking shrub from Southern
Europe and the
Mediterranean
region; hardy in
England, and
though not so
important as
some of the free-
growing kinds,
is worth a place
on dry banks. It
has numerous
small yellow
flowers.
J. humile (In-
dian Yellow
Jasmin e). — A
handsome kind,
being quite
hardy for wall
culture in all parts ; with evergreen foliage,
which adds to its value. It flowers freely,
and its yellow bloom amidst the deep green
foliage is welcome in summer and autumn.
Being an Indian plant it should have a
warm aspect and good warm soil. (Syn.
J. revolutum and/, wallichianum.}
J. nudiflorum (Winter Jasmine).— k
lovely Chinese bush which is happyenough
in our northern climate to flower very often
in the depth of winter, clustering round
cottage walls and shelters, and often very
lovely when not too tightly trained. In wet
Jasminum fruticans.
Jasminum humile.
years it will be noticed increasing as freely
as twitch at the points of the shoots. It
should be planted in different aspects so as
to prolong the bloom, planting each side of
a house or cottage, for example. The sun
coming out after hard frost may destroy
Jasminum officinale.
the bloom on one side, and it may escape
on the other.
J. officinale ( White Jasmine}.— The old
white Jasmine of our gardens, one of the
most charming shrubs ever introduced for
walls and warm banks ; it is best on warm
and sandy soils and often thrives in the
heart of our cities.
The white Jasmine should be planted in
every garden against a wall, or used for
trailing overarbours. It is one of the best of
all climbing shrubs
on account of its
hardiness and rapid
growth in almost
any soil. There are
several varieties of
it, the best being/.
affine, with flowers
larger than those of
the ordinary kind.
There is a varie-
gated-leaved kind,
not of much value,
and one with golden
foliage, and there
is a rare double-
flowered form. It is almost evergreen,
except in exposed places.
It is a native of .Persia and the north
western mountains of India, but
naturalised here and there in Southern
Europe.
JEFFERSONIA(7W;;-/m/).- An in-
teresting dwarf plant, allied to the Blood-
root,/, diphylla being from 6 to 10 in. high,
the flowers white, about I in. across, in early
spring. It is a good plant for peaty and
somewhat shady spots on the rock-garden,
and for the margins of beds of dwarf
American plants. Seed should be sown
in sandy soil as soon as gathered, but
careful division of the root in winter
is the best way to increase the plant.
A native of rich shady woods in N.
America.
JUGLANS (Walnut}.— Stately trees of
northern and eastern regions, among them
being our noble European Walnut. A
tree as well known to the ancients as to
ourselves, and useful and beautiful in all
ways.
Our Walnut (/. regia\ like many other
fruit trees, is cultivated so long that no one is
clear as to its origin, but it is a tree of wide
distribution in the east, and in countries
where it is much cultivated has many
varieties, differing very much in size and in
the tenderness of their shells and even in
earliness. Though the Walnut is not so
much grown in Britain as in countries of
Southern Europe, it is very happy in some
of our southern, western and eastern
JUNCUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
JUNIPERUS. 615
counties, occasionally attaining fine pro-
portions, especially on warm and chalky
soil ; but as we go further north it becomes
less and less likely to ripen its fruit, and
in Scotland it has to be grown against
walls. In parts of Central and Southern
Europe it is so much cultivated that the
wood and fruit and oil produced by it form
.a principal source of commerce. There
is very much of interest as regards the
uses of the various products of the
Walnut in countries where it is at home,
but here we are concerned with its culture
and beauty as a lawn, pleasure ground or
•orchard tree, and in this way with us it
thrives best in good and rather dry soils
on calcareous base though thriving in
•other soils.
The form of single trees is often very fine,
as indeed it is as a group, and sometimes
as a short avenue. It may also be grown
as an orchard tree where the soil is favour-
able and there is plenty of room. The
finest specimens are occasionally nearly
100 feet in diameter in spread of branch.
The cut-leaved form will appeal to some.
Among the other species there are remark-
able trees, but our common Walnut has in
Europe so many good qualities that it is
the best to plant, although some of the other
species are good for collections of hardy
trees, such as J. cineria, the butternut, J.
nigra, the black WTalnut, both of America ;
a very hardy, fine tree which would thrive
in situations where our common Walnut
might not be so free ; J. mandshurica, of
the Amoor region ; J. rupestris, of the
Western United States ; and J. Sieboldi,
•of Japan ; besides several hybrids be-
tween the common Walnut and other
species.
JUNCUS (Rush).— Water or marsh
plants, generally with long round leaves.
J. effusus spiralis is a very singular plant,
whose spreading tufts of leaves, instead of
.growing straight, are twisted in a cork-
screw form. It is worth cultivating on the
margins of water. It is easily multiplied
by division of the tufts. J. zebrinus is
apparently a form of the common Rush
(J. communis). The long round leaves
are barred with bands of yellow and
green, and it is a striking plant, as its
rigid habit and singular markings stand
out in bold relief.
JUNIPERUS.— Evergreen shrubs and
medium sized trees, natives of northern
and temperate countries. The wood of
some kinds is fragrant and the foliage
containing an acrid principle as in the
Savin. The Junipers vary much in size
and habit in their native countries owing
to their usually wide geographical range, i
and growing in all sorts and conditions
of soil and climate, probably mere forms
of varieties have been considered species.
Some are too tender for our climate,
although of much value in their own,
while others are quite hardy and vigorous
with us. Such beauty as the hardy kinds
possess is very much diminished by the
common way of planting among shrubs,
or, in the case of the pinetum, isolating in
grass, both ways being against their good
effect and even good cultivation. Where
possible the really effective way is to
group them. The good effect of this is
well seen in the case of the common
Savin, as indeed it would be in most of
the others, and where there is no room to
do this, and do them justice, it would be
better to leave them out altogether, as,
starving in the embraces of the common
British shrubbery, they soon come to a
bad end. The following embrace, so far
as we know, the most distinct of the hardy
kinds only :—
J. CHINENSIS (The Winter-flowering
Juniper}. — A low tree or bush, hardy and
useful in gardens as during winter or in
early spring, when covered with its yellow
Juniperus chinensis.
male flowers, it is beautiful, and of the easiest
culture, succeeding well on loamy soil ; several
6l6 JUNIPERUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
JUNIPERUS.
Juniperus communis.
varieties are in cultivation. J. Japonica is
thought to be an Alpine form of this.
J. COMMUNIS (The British Juniper) is
chiefly found growing in England on sandy
or chalky soils or on
open downs, while in
Scotland, its native
home is amongst the
granite or trap on hill
and mountain sides.
The Irish Juniper is a
close erect form, not
confined to Ireland but
occurring also wherever
the Juniper is plentiful.
J. communis varies
much in gardens, and
we often see forms of
it where the wild plant is
never cultivated, though
we doubt if any of the
varieties are better, if
as good. The Swedish
and Canadian Junipers are supposed to be
varieties of this. J. oxycedrus is the Mediter-
ranean representative of
our common Juniper,
but in our climate it
does not generally
thrive.
J. DRUPACEA (Plum-
fruited Juniper) is a
native of Syria and Asia
Minor, on the moun-
tains there attaining a
height of some 15 ft.
Thrives in gardens best
on good well-drained
soil. It has a close, coni-
cal habit of growth with
branches of a light
grassy - green colour.
This Juniper makes a
good tree for a lawn. The fruit is a fleshy one, en-
closing a hard kernel, about the size of the Sloe,
and of a plum-
like purple.
J. EXCEI.SA
( Treefttnipcr).
— A graceful
tree native of
many countries
in Northern
India, Persia,
Arabia and
Asia Minor,
in some of the
most favour-
able conditions
forming large
forests at very
high eleva-
tions. A close
tapering form
was sent out
from Messrs.
Rollisson's nurseries as J. e. stricta, and is
a very glaucous and attractive shrub.
Juniperus oxycedrus.
Juniperus drupacea.
J. PHCENICEA (PJucnicea Juniper).-— \
shrub of conical form from the Mediterranean
region, the male and female flowers on the
same plant but on dif-
ferent branches. Al-
though long introduced
to our country it is as
yet far from common.
J. RECURVA (Weep-
ing Juniper). — A dis-
tinct kind with graceful
drooping branches, from
the mountains of India
and Cashmere, varying
in size from a low bush
to a medium sized tree
according to climate
and soil. The male
form is more close in
habit than the seed-
bearing one. A grace-
ful kind for banks or
the outer flanks of
the rock-garden. At
Brynmeirig, near the Penrhyn slate quarries,
there is a number of these graceful junipers,
which for size are perhaps not excelled in
Britain. The soil is loam and peat resting
on shaly slate rock — the situation is shady
and with a northern aspect, which seems
to suit this species.
J. RIGIDA (Mount Hakone Juniper).— A.
graceful and picturesque kind with free and
often drooping habit, and in southern England
at least vigorous and hardy, assuming in
autumn and winter a pleasant bronzy hue
of green. It is not long enough in cultivation
to judge of its stature or permanent habit
and value in Britain, but promises well.
Japan.
J. SABINA (Savin}. — A hardy and plumy
bush of the mountains of Europe, few ever-
green shrubs being more beautiful. In the
garden at Goddendene, near Bromley, a dwarf
form is very prettily used as a lawn plant.
Among the varieties of the Savin the most
Juniperus phoenicea.
Juniperus virginiana.
useful forms arey. prostrata and /. tamarisci-
folia — variegated ones as usual being ugly and
useless.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
KNIPHOFIA.
6i7
J. THURIFERA (Frankincense Juniper}. — A
small distinct tree, in its native country
attaining a height of 40 ft. As a lawn
tree it is attractive, and from its dense conical
shape associates well with trees of the same
race, and is very hardy. Spain and Portugal.
J. VIRGINIAXA (Red Cedar}. — It is of the
easiest culture and succeeds in almost any
situation. A graceful, hardy tree on the hills
and mountains of N. E. America, giving
somewhat of the effect of the Eastern Cypress
in Italy. This tree, like many Conifers
that have been much grown and observed,
has had its forms and varieties propagated
a good deal, few of them being better than, if
as good as, the common kind, the exception,
perhaps, being the glaucous or silvery forms,
which sometimes occur among plants raised
from seed, as they should always be. Garden
or curious varieties must, of course, be
grafted, as if raised from seed most of these
would revert to the wild form.
KALMIA (Mountain Laurel}.— The
Kalmias are among the most beautiful of
North American shrubs, evergreen in
foliage and charming in flower. The
broad-leaved Kalmia latifolia is the finest,
as it is also the commonest in gardens.
Like the Rhododendron and Azalea, it must
be grown in a moist peaty soil, or one
light or sandy. It will not thrive in stiff
or chalky soils. Its lovely clusters of pink
wax-like flowers open about the end of
June, when the bloom of the Rhododen-
dron and Azalea is on
the wane, and last
for a fortnight or
longer. The broad
foliage makes it al-
most as valuable an
evergreen shrub as
the Rhododendron.
There are varieties
of the common kind
having, in some cases,
larger flowers, and
in others, flowers of
a deeper colour, the
finest being maxima, which is much
superior in size of flower and richness of
tint. The Myrtle-leaved Kalmia (K.
myrtifolia) seems to be only a variety of
K. latifolia, with smaller Myrtle-like foli-
age. The growth is dwarf and compact,
and the flowers are almost as large as
those of K. latifolia. The other species
of Kalmia, though very beautiful, are of
less value, because they are smaller, more
delicate, and less showy, but in peat-soil
gardens they should be grown. K.
angustifolia grows about \\ ft. high, and
bears in early June dense clusters of rosy-
pink flowers. K. glauca and K. hirsuta
are also pretty shrubs, K. glauca flower-
Kalmia angustifolii
ing in early summer, and K. hirsuta in
August.
Kaulfussia. See AMELLUS.
KERRIA (Jew's Mallow}. — The
double variety of this Japanese shrub, K.
ja,po?iica, is an old favourite in cottage gar-
dens, where it is most commonly seen.
The large bright yellow rosette flowers are
much more showy than those of the single
Kerria japonica.
kind, which is rarer. Though usually
planted against walls, the Kerria is hardy,
and may be grown as a bush except in the
coldest parts. The variegated-leaved form
of the single variety is more delicate than
the double form, or the green-leaved single
form.
Knautia. See SCABIOSA.
KNIPHOFIA (Torch Lily or Flame
Flower}. — Handsome and very distinct
perennials which are prevented by severe
winters from becoming very popular. The
genus, as understood by botanists, is re-
stricted to the mountains of Abyssinia and
the Cape, with the exception of one species
found by Speke and Grant near the Equa-
tor, and one or two kinds indigenous to the
mountains of Madagascar. There are
twenty or thirty species, and none of the
six found in Abyssinia is identical with any
sort found at the Cape. The Kniphofias,
and especially the forms of K. Uvaria, are
among the most striking of autumn flowers.
Large irregular groups in open spots
give a brilliant effect in autumn, and they
require no attention beyond an occasional
top-dressing of rich soil or well-rotted
manure. During the late winters many
kinds have perished from frost, but these
dangers may be averted by a covering of
dry leaves or ashes in late autumn. The
stemless kinds are easily propagated by
division and by seed when produced in
favourable seasons ; but not the stemmed
or caulescent kinds. However, those
who wish to increase their stock of the
stemmed kinds need not fear to behead
them ; in fact, this is the only way in
6l8 KNIPHOFIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
KNIPHOFIA.
which K. caulescens can be propagated,
as, otherwise, it seldom develops offshoots.
When so treated it will throw up a large
number of shoots, which, if allowed to re-
main until a few roots are produced, may
be taken off and kept in a close frame for
a time, and then potted in a sandy compost.
K. sarmentosa is the easiest to increase, as
it throws out underground shoots, which
may be taken off at any time. K. Quar-
tiniana develops small shoots almost at
right angles with the base of the stem,
and if these be taken off and treated as
cuttings they will strike freely. The
following are amongst the best of the
kinds in cultivation : —
Kniphofia grandis.
K. aloides (Flame Flower or Torch
Lily}, or Tritoma Uvaria as it is still called
in many gardens, is perhaps the oldest,
and is certainly one of the very best of its
family. It is the Flame Flower of cottage
gardens, and is one of the noblest and
most brilliant of Lily-worts : an excellent
border-plant, it is suitable for all soils, and
while few plants are better for picturesque
grouping in the pleasure-ground, in the
shrubbery, with a fairly open space and
with deep rich soil, it forms handsome
groups. It begins to flower in late summer
and lasts for many weeks in perfection,
and nearly 70 per cent, of the garden
varieties are traceable to it. K. pumila is
a pretty dwarf form. The variety praecox
flowers much earlier than K. aloides, from
the middle to the end of May; its leaves are
broader than those of the type, and are
not glaucous, while the raceme is shorter,
the stem being about half as long as the
leaves. The variety nobilis, which very
much resembles grandis, if indeed it is
not the same kind, is a robust and noble
plant, its leaves more distinctly serrated
than those of grandis, its flowering stem 5
to 8 ft. in height, with flowers varying from
scarlet to orange-scarlet ; the anthers are
prominent. It blooms throughout August.
The variety serotina is interesting from
blooming a month or so after all the other
Kniphofias are over ; its flowers are green-
ish-yellow, occasionally tinged with red.
The variety Saundersi has bright green
leaves and very rich orange-scarlet flowers ;
the variety longiscapa has very long flower-
heads, and is a most desirable form ; the
variety maxima globosa has globose heads
of yellow and red flowers ; and the variety
glaucescens has large flower-spikes, the
flowers being vermilion-scarlet shading
to orange. It is a free-flowering plant,
and is one of the best for heavy rich soil.
K. Burchelli, introduced by Mr.
Burchell from the Cape, is a distinct and
beautiful plant with a purple-spotted stem
and bright green leaves, firm in texture, 2
to 3 ft. long, which taper gradually to the
apex. It flowers soon after midsummer,
and just between praecox and the other
forms of K. aloides. The flower-heads
are moderately dense, and the flowers are
bright red, excepting those at the lower
end of the head, which are bright yellow,
the style protruding, the stamens being
included in the tube. A useful and distinct
plant, suited for dry banks and borders.
K. carnpsa is a beautiful plant, forming
low spreading leaf-rosettes, from the midst
of which a number of flower-stalks rise to
the height of I ft., with cylindrical flower,
spikes about 3 by i£ in. ; the smallness of
the flowers is compensated for by their
glowing apricot colour, enhanced by bright
yellow anthers. The flowers open first
on the top side in September. Abyssinia.
K. caulescens and K. Northise
differ from all other cultivated kinds in
their caulescent habit. K. caulescens
differs from all the forms of aloides in
being smaller, and in having very glaucous
leaves, short heads, and smaller and less
curved flowers. The stem, at 5 or 6 in.
from the ground, can just be spanned by
both hands ; the scape is about 4^ ft.
high with a dense head of flower 6 in. in
KNIPHOF1A.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER G A It DEN.
KNIPHOFIA.
619
length of a reddish-salmon colour in its
•earlier stages, but in the fully-expanded
flower it gradually becomes white, faintly
tinged with greenish-yellow, producing an
•effective contrast. The glaucous blue-
gray foliage is pretty. Though less
brilliant than most of the species, it is
•one of the hardiest, and is distinct and
robust. It is a very striking plant for
the bold rock-garden, and it does well
and flowers freely on dry slopes in light
warm soils, and in open sunny positions.
It should have a little protection in severe
cold. Suckers or offsets taken off in early
-autumn root freely in sand in a cold frame.
K. comosa seems to be closely allied
to K. pumila, and has a peculiar appearance
with its long protruding style and anthers.
It is much dwarfer than K. aloides, its
leaves are much narrower, while its flowers
are smaller and its bright green leaves
are in dense rosettes, narrow, very pointed,
and almost three-cornered. The bright
yellow flowers droop in a dense oblong
head, the stamen and style being about
twice the length of the flower tube. K.
comosa is a showy plant, flowering in
September, but is rather tender.
K. foliosa may be said to be the
counterpart of K. caulescens, but it has
distinct stems, being also one of the
most robust of all the Kniphofias, and
easily distinguished by its broadish
leaves and its protruding stamens. The
leaves form a dense tuft on the top of a
stem i to 3 ft. high and are 3 or 4 in.
broad at the base, tapering to a long-
point : flowers in a dense oblong head
nearly I ft. long, bright yellow or tinged
red, appearing in late autumn. Cape.
Syn. K. Quartiniana.
K. Leichtlini is a native of Abyssinia,
and requires winter protection even in the
South of England. Its spreading bright
green leaves form a dense tuft ; they are
2 to 4 ft. long, three-cornered, with entire
margins, the flower-stems 2 to 4 ft. high,
the flower-head about 6 in. long, the droop-
ing flowers of a dull vermilion-red and
yellow. The variety disticha, which is
quite distinct from the type, is more robust,
its leaves broader, and flower-tube shorter;
two or three heads of bright deep yellow
flowers are borne on the same stem in August.
Some have suggested that it is a hybrid
between K. Leichtlini and K. comosa.
K. Macowani. — This differs from most
Kniphofias in having the segments of its
corolla reflexed, and in being of dwarf
habit, 12 to 1 8 in. high, the narrow grassy
leaves I to 2 ft. long, the flower-heads
small, the flowers of a bright orange-red.
It is hardy, and is suitable for rock-gardens.
Rigidissima and maroccana are garden
synonyms. The variety longiflora has
much longer flowers. K. corallina is a
robust hybrid. It is exactly intermediate
between K. Macowani and K. aloides, and
is a very pretty plant.
K. Northise. — This is most nearly
allied to K. caulescens, but its leaves are
much broader, are not keeled, and are
serrulate on the margins. The dense
flower-heads are about I ft. long, the
flowers being pale yellow, but the upper
ones are tinged with red towards the tips.
S. Africa.
K. Rooperi is nearly allied to K. aloides,
but is an early, or summer, flowering plant,
while the stamens are included in the tube;
the flowers are paler and less curved, and
the leaves are broad and very glaucous.
K. Rooperi is a native of Caffraria, and
requires a little protection during severe
winters. It has a fine bold effect when in
full flower, the flower-heads, 6 in. to I ft.
long, being crowded with bright orange-
red flowers, which get yellowish with age.
The plant usually but wrongly called
Rooperi flowers in November and Decem-
ber, and is a variety of K. aloides.
K. sarmentosa is distinguished from
K. aloides by its smaller glaucous leaves,
the cylindrical flower-heads from 6 in. to
i ft. long, the flowers red in the upper
half, and yellow, or yellow tinged red in
the lower. It is perfectly hardy. There
is a good hybrid between K. sarmentosa
and K. aloides. Cape.
K. triangularis, at first sight, reminds
one of K. Macowani, especially as regards
the flower-spike, which is about the same
size and of a similar tint. The foliage,
however, is broader and longer, and in
this respect it resembles K. Uvaria. It is
desirable because it is earlier in flower
than most varieties, and also because it is
a free grower.
K. Uvaria. Syn. : K. aloides.
Other species not noticed in detail are
K. pumila, pallidiflora, pauciflora, natal-
ensis, Kirki, Tysoni, modesta, Granti. —
D. K.
HYBRIDS AND VARIETIES. — As we are
getting to know the value of the Flame
Flowers, many beautiful hybrids have
been raised. We are indebted to Mr. Max
Leichtlin for quite a group of them.
Others have given us beautiful forms,
such as the varieties John Waterer, Otto
Mann, Max Leichtlin, and others, but all
these owe their origin to red-flowered
species, and do not much depart from the
typical forms. Since the introduction,
however, of yellow-flowered species, a
new field was opened to the hybridiser.
620
KNIPHOF1A.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
KCELREUTERIA.
The predominating colour in these new
hybrids is yellow, in all shades varying
through orange to a crimson-scarlet. In
habit the plants vary quite as much as in
the colour and form of the flower-spikes.
Of some, whose parentage to K. Leichtlini
must be very near, the foliage is narrow
and deciduous, and the spikes not more
than 3 ft. high. Other varieties have
massive foliage some 3 in. or 4 in. broad,
Kniphofia Obelisk.
the spikes attaining a height of 7 ft. The
variety Obelisk is robust, with broad leaf-
age and spikes some 5 ft. in height. The
colour of the spikes is a pure golden-
yellow, and strong spikes often produce
two or three additional spikelets.
Other beautiful forms are Triumph, a
very fine hybrid ; Star of Baden-Baden,
straw-yellow, the spikes more than 7 ft.
high ; Ophir, orange-yellow, very free-
flowering ; Lachesis, very hardy and
rapid in growth, the flower deep yellow,
turning to straw colour. Turning from
the yellow varieties we have Leda, a
beautiful and early-flowering form, about
4 ft. high, the flowers coral-red with an
orange tinge. Matador seems to have
nobilis for one of its parents ; the spikes
are large, broad, and the colour a deep
red. Van Tubergen, jun., of Haarlem,
finds that in his deeply dug, rich sandy-
soil where water can never be stagnant,
all the above Kniphofias safely pass the
winter outside if superfluous water is
warded off. This gathers in the central
parts of the plants, and may prove dis-
astrous when suddenly sharp frosts occur.
There are now fifty or sixty varieties
of these brilliant Torch Lilies, in place
of the few known, say twenty years
ago, but had we only the old Kniphofia
(Tritoma) Uvaria, it is a plant capable of
yielding very fine effects as planted in
quantity either alone or grouped along
with other suitable vegetation. All the
hardy kinds grow well in deep well-drained
loam and are readily increased by division
or by seeds, which some varieties bear
freely in mild localities. Once well planted
in bold groups, Kniphofias form the most
effective masses of colour, and their effect
is visible at long distances, so that they
are plants of much value to the landscape
gardener who may use them on lawns, or
wood margins, on banks, and near water,
either alone or along with other vigorous
plants, such as Spiraeas, Pampas Grass,
Arundo, or the Giant Polygonum sachali-
nense and P. Sieboldi. A bold group of
these flowers backed or partly surrounded
by hardy Bamboos, is a sight in October
not readily to be forgotten. K. Obelisk is
the splendid Kniphofia, of which an illustra-
tion is given in the accompanying woodcut.
KOCHIA (Belvedere).— K. scoparia is
a curious and seldom-grown annual of the
Goosefoot family, forming a neat pointed
bush from 3 to 5 ft. high, the flowers insig-
nificant. The graceful habit of the plant
makes it valuable, placed either singly or
in groups, especially from July to Septem-
ber, the time of its full development. It
should be sown in April, in a hot-bed, and
afterwards planted out in beds or borders.
S. Europe.
KCELREUTERIA. — K.paniculata is a
small tree, beautiful when in flower ; the
long-divided leaves elegant throughout
summer, in autumn die off a rich yellow,
and the yellow flowers form large clusters
over the spreading mass of foliage. It
is picturesque, valuable for groups, is a
native of China, hardy, and thrives in
any good soil.
A new variety, K. bipinnata, has
KONIGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LANTANA. 621
recently been introduced from China, but
it has not yet been established sufficiently
long in this country to enable us to judge
of its value.
Koniga. See ALYSSUM.
LABURNUM (Golden Ram}.— Flower-
ing trees of Europe of singular beauty
and quite hardy and vigorous in our
islands, and giving fine effects, all the
more so if placed with some care as to
position and surroundings.
L. alpinum (Scotch or Alpine L.}.— A
very beautiful hardy tree, a native of the
hill forests of France, Central Europe,
reaching a height of nearly 40 ft. The
natural form is a very beautiful tree, and
from it varieties of the highest value have
been raised and increased from time to
time, among the best Parkesi, Watereri,
Laburnum.
autumnalis, biferum^ grandiflorum ; Mr
sutum, pendtilum, Vossi. The Alpine
Laburnum and its best varieties may be
known from the other European species
by its longer raceme, broader and deeper
green leaves and later bloom. Syn. :
Cytisus alpimis.
L. vulgare (Common L.}.— Also a
beautiful flowering tree of mountain
woods on calcareous soil, but growing
freely in any soil in our gardens, flowering
densely and earlier than the Alpine
Laburnum, and like it reaching almost
tree-like stature— 30 to 40 ft.— in the best
conditions. It has several varieties,
among them Carlieri intermedium, pen-
dulum, semperflorens, and quercifolium,
and the inevitable worthless variegated
variety.
L. Adami is a curiosity, a graft -hybrid.
The same tree, and even the same branch,
bearing racemes of both yellow and purple
flowers, and sometimes flowers of a dull
purple. Old trees of these are quaint
and not without beauty, though it is far
from having the effect of the natural
species and their varieties.
LAGUEUS (Harts-tail Grass], — A
pretty annual Grass, about I ft. high, L.
ovatus having hare's-tail-like plumes, use-
ful for bouquets. It should be sown in pots
in August, wintered in frames, and divided
and transplanted in spring, or sown in
open ground in April. It flowers from
July to September, and it is pretty in the
flower garden in large patches as a relief
to showy-flowering things.
LAMABCKIA. — L. aurea is a small
hardy annual Grass, with silky plumes,
becoming golden as they mature. It is
suitable for bouquets, and may be dried
for winter use. Seeds should be sown
in spring or autumn, in the open border in
light soil. Syn. : Chrysurus cynosuroides.
S. Europe, N. Africa.
LAMIUM (Dead Nettle}.— Perennial
herbs of which there are a few plants
occasionally worth a place in poor dry
soils, where little else will grow — such as
are found on dry banks or beneath trees.
L. garganicum, from I to i^ ft. high, has
in summer whorls of purplish blossoms.
L. Orvala is taller and has deep red
flowers in early summer. L. maculatum,
a native plant, has leaves blotched with
silvery-white. Of this species the variety
aureum is one of the best golden-leaved
plants for edgings. It does not withstand
the full exposure that suits the yellow
Feverfew, but in sandy or moist soils its
peculiar tint is unequalled by any other
hardy plant, and its blooms are pretty.
It does not require to be constantly
trimmed like the Feverfew.
LANTANA.— S. American plants, usu-
ally grown in greenhouses, and also in the
summer garden. The Verbena-like heads
of bloom are rich and varied in colour,
and range from crimson, through scarlet,
orange, and yellow, to white, the colours
varying in the same head. They flower
freely for about nine months, and are
easy to grow, requiring the protection
of the greenhouse during winter after
being lifted in autumn. Propagated in
spring by cuttings or seeds, the plants
being grown in rich light soil till planted
out in a warm position. There are many
sorts grown, and a selection should in-
clude Phosphore, Don Calmet, Distinc-
tion, Eclat, Victoire, La Neige, Feu
Follet, Pluie d'Or, Ver Luisant, Ne Plus
Ultra, Eldorado, and Heroine. Like
many dwarf half-hardy plants, they have
622 LAPAGERIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LARIX.
various uses in the flower garden, and
may be trained as standards. The pretty I
L. Sellowi is a good dwarf plant ; but
the odour of these plants is unpleasant,
and they are not worthy of much use.
West Indies. Verbenacese.
LAPAGERIA (Napoleon's Belf}.—^ \
beautiful climber usually grown in the |
greenhouse, but hardy and flowering well |
in the open air in Cornwall and the south
of Ireland ; with care it would be found to
do over a larger area round the coast.
It forms a lovely picture at Caerhays,
trained on a north-west wall, and flowers
quite freely. Often at Christmas and
onwards through the winter and spring I
it comes out beautifully ; the rose and
white and other forms have been tried, as
Lapageria in a Cornish garden.
well as the original form. Soil should be
peaty with plenty of sand and leaf-mould.
The great enemy of the plant is the slug,
which is fond of browsing about cool north
walls, and must be well watched day and
night. The plant may be nailed direct to
a wall, or planted among choice shrubs to
take its own way as a climber, and it
might be well to try it in various aspects,
as the conditions that suit it in the ex-
treme south of England may not do so in
all parts.
Sometimes, where there is the least
doubt in less favoured places, success may
be obtained by letting a plant growing in
a greenhouse get through the glass and
make its way along any wall surface near.
This has been several times done with
success in various gardens about London
and elsewhere. Chili and Patagonia.
LARDIZABALA.— L. biternata is a
handsome evergreen climber from Chili,
hardy enough for walls in the south and
coast districts ; the foliage a deep green,
the leaflets thick. Along the south coast it
makes a beautiful wall-covering, reaching
a height of 20 ft. or more, but its in-
conspicuous purple flowers are seldom
borne in the open air. It should be
planted in light or well-drained soil.
LARIX (LarcJi). — One of the most
beautiful trees of the north, and though
much cultivated in our woodlands for its
value as a timber tree it is none the less
precious for the lawn and home grounds.
Belonging to the great Pine family it has
the summer-leafing habit of our ordinary
trees, which enhances its charms, not only
showing the form better in winter, but the
fine colour of the budding leaves in spring,
and the ripening leaves in
autumn. A true child of
the northern mountains, the
Larch is hardy everywhere in
our country, perhaps thriving
better in the north, as in the
case of the lovely old trees
at Dunkeld, its only enemy
being a dreadful parasitic
fungus which eats into the
tree and mars its beauty and
vigour. Other kinds of
Larch are known, and some
coming into cultivation, but
it is not always easy to ob-
tain them in a good state,
and we have yet but little
evidence as to their value.
All are worth a trial, though
it is probable that none will
ever rival the charms of the
European Larch.
L. europsea (European
Larc/i). — A tall and lovely tree with pendant
branches emitting a delicate fragrance in
the spring when budding. It is a native of
the northern and central European Alps,
and also the mountains of Northern Asia.
The weeping variety is picturesque, but L.
dahurica is considered to be a form of
this, and is likely to be of distinct value
for gardens.
L. Griffith!! (Sikkim Larch} is a Hima-
layan Larch, attaining in its own country
to the height of a stately tree, but often
dwarfed into an alpine bush. It bears
large cones, and in our country has not
yet been proved to be of great value.
L. Kaempferi (Chinese Golden LarcJi}.
— A beautiful tree of Western China, at-
taining in its own country a height of over
100 ft. and of good growth and habit in
our country, though not so rapid as other
species. A choice lawn tree, and also,
when it can be got in any quantity in the
LASTHENIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LATHYRUS.
623
form of healthy seedling plants, as a group
in park or woodland.
L. leptolepis (Japan Larch}. — In its
own country this is described as a medium-
sized tree resembling our European Larch,
to which it is said to be inferior, but from
experience gained by planters this is
Larix.
thought doubtful, as it promises very well
indeed as a woodland tree, and is said to
escape the Larch fungus canker which is
so deadly to the European Larch.
L. americana (Tamarack}.- — A slender
tree, in its own country reaching a height
of nearly 100 ft., but not thriving so well
in England, and not so remarkable for
beauty as our European Larch. It grows
naturally in low-lying ground or swamps,
and has not been fairly tried in our gar-
dens, in which such ground does not often
occur. Syn., Microcarpa and Pendula.
L. occidentalis ( Western Larc/i).—Sa\d
to be the noblest of all the Larches, from
the mountains of North-west America.
It is of great height, but as yet little tried
in our country, though promising well.
LASTHENIA.— A pretty hardy an-
nual, L.glabrata being from 9 in. to i£ ft.
high, with many rich orange-yellow blos-
soms. It should be sown in autumn or
early summer, or in spring for later bloom.
Like other annuals, it looks best in broad
tufts, but care must be taken that the
plants are properly thinned. The autumn-
sown plants come in with the Iberis, Wall-
flowers, and early Phloxes. L. californica
is a variety. California. Composite.
Lastrea. Syn., Aspidium and Nephro-
dhtm.
LATHYEUS (Everlasting Pea}, —
Hardy annual and perennial plants, several
of them very beautiful for the garden. The
perennial kinds of Peas are valuable, as
they are of such free growth and last long
in bloom. The kinds worth growing are
not numerous, yet sufficient to keep up
an unbroken display from May till
October. They have long fleshy roots,
which, when once established, will go on
for years without giving further trouble or
needing attention. Near a low wall or
trellis they succeed admirably, and climb-
ing gracefully drape such surfaces with
veils of foliage and blossom. Upon
banks, raised borders, or on the bold
rock-garden few things are prettier, and
they never look better than when scram-
The White Everlasting Pea (Lathyrus latifolius
albus).
bling over the face of a rock, flowering as
they go. The way to spoil them is to
attempt to tie and train them in a stiff or
formal way. They may be used with
good effect in mixed borders, and they
are valuable for cutting from. The best
varieties are pretty if allowed to grow
624 LATHYRUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LATHYRUS.
through beds of medium-sized shrubs,
and there are few effects in gardens
prettier than that of the best white
varieties when allowed to trail and bloom
on a grassy place untrained in any way ;
a few tufts so placed are charming and
live for many years. Most of the species
ripen seed freely, and all may be divided
either in autumn or spring.
L. latifolius (Everlasting Pea).— One
of the hardiest and most easily cultivated
of plants, thriving almost anywhere, even
in courtyards amongst flags. There are
good white varieties and some striped with
deeper coloured flowers than the old
kind. All are peculiarly suited for rough
places, and will scramble over bushes.
Staking, tying, and training only spoil
them. An old tree-stump, or the side of
a trellis or summer-house, is where they
delight to grow undisturbed, but there are
many uses for this fine plant and its
forms in the flower-garden, and in rich
hedge-banks it would be easy to naturalise.
In warm seasons these Peas ripen seed
in the south and on warm soil, and advan-
tage should be taken of increasing the
stock in this way. Generally, however,
little if any seed is borne.
L. grandiflonis (Two-flowered Ever-
lasting Pea) is a very handsome plant
for the early summer garden, succeeding
anywhere, and, as the name implies, is
the largest-flowered species, the blooms
being as large as those of a Sweet Pea.
It is at its best in June and early July, the
flowers usually borne in pairs, of a rosy-
purple colour, the stems in good soil
reaching 6 ft. It is one of the hardiest of
the genus, and from its neat and free-
flowering habit a very useful border-
plant, common in cottage gardens. It has
not so far varied in colour as the Ever-
lasting Pea, but it may do so yet, and
varieties of it would be welcome.
L. rotundifolius (Persian Ever-
lasting Pea). — This pretty Everlasting
Pea is also known under the name
of L. Drummondi, but there is no
necessity for this name, as it only leads to
confusion. This is a very old species, but
it is not so common as the larger kinds,
though good from its earliness and free-
dom of flowering. It grows about 5 ft.
high, the leaves are nearly round, the
flowers in large clusters, bright rose-pink,
about an inch in diameter, and open in
early June. It is of easy culture, and
increased by division. Asia Minor and
Persia.
L. Sibthorpi (Early Everlasting Pea}.
— This is valuable because it is so early,
being at its best in May and June. It
does not grow very tall, rarely more than
2 or 3 ft., but it bears many fine spikes of
delicate flowers of a beautiful purplish-red
colour. In Mr. Thompson's garden at
Ipswich there is a fine bed of this pretty
and somewhat rare species. The plants
are all in a large nursery bed, and are
supported with a few branched stakes,
upon which the flowers cluster in rich
masses. It has been in cultivation at
Oxford Botanic Garden for many years,
and is said to have been introduced by
Sibthorp. It flowers a month earlier than
L. rotundifolius, and may be increased by
division or seed, but is not so vigorous in
ordinary conditions as the commoner
Everlasting Peas, and should until plenti-
ful be planted in warm borders.
L. tuberosus (Tuber Pea} is a pretty
low-growing kind, with flowers of a bright
dark pink. It is found in many of our
cornfields, and is cultivated in Holland for
the tuberous roots, which are said to be
edible. The tubers are about 2 in. long,
broadest at the root end and tapering to
the apex. It will be found a useful plant
for the flower border, it being a true
perennial, of neat habit, and very free-
flowering. It climbs like other Peas, but
also grows in little tendril-bound heaps with-
out any further effort at going higher, and
then the matted herbage soon becomes
densely studded over with the rose-
coloured flowers in small clusters of five
to seven each. It will thus be seen that
this free and long-flowering Pea is suited
for draping bold rocks. Europe and W.
Asia, naturalised in England.
L. magellanicus (Lord Anson's Pea)
is the most beautiful of blue-flowered
Peas. In many gardens a particularly
bright form of L. sativus will be found
under the name of Lord Anson's Pea,
which is a true perennial, almost ever-
green, the stem and leaves being covered
with a bluish bloom. It grows from 3 to
5 ft. high ; the flowers, many in a bunch,
are of medium size, violet-blue with
darker veins, opening in June and con-
tinuing until the end of July. This species
is said to have been originally introduced
by the cook of H.M. ship Centurion,
commanded by Lord Anson, in 1744, and
was cultivated by Philip Miller in the
Botanic Garden at Chelsea. In the Ful-
ham Nurseries it stood the winter against
a wall. It is a maritime species, and a
little salt may help its growth under culti-
vation. It ripens seed freely, and may
also be increased by division. Straits of
Magellan, and probably not quite hardy
unless planted near a wall or house.
L. maritimus (Beach Pea}. — This is a
LATH YR US.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LATHYRUS.
625
very interesting native plant, inhabiting
the sea-shore, and not so vigorous as the
preceding kinds. It is, however, pretty
and worth a place on open parts of the
rock-garden, in gravelly or gritty soil.
The stems are prostrate, 18 in. to 3 ft.
long, sea-green in colour ; flowers in
summer, purple fading to blue. N.
Europe, America, and Asia.
L. odoratus (Sweet Pea). — Perhaps the
most precious annual plant grown. There
are many ways in which it may be prettily
used in a garden. A common method is
to sow little patches in borders, the seed
being generally that of mixed varieties,
and, by placing some stakes against them,
to secure pillars of flower. Where it can
be done, a hedge of Sweet Peas is an
attractive sight, and sometimes Sweet
Peas can be used to hide an unsightly
place during the summer. Many people
grow a hedge of Sweet Peas in order to
yield a supply of cut flowers, but it is use-
less to grow the Sweet Pea except in good
soil. Some sow in late autumn ; this is
not always satisfactory, though, when it
succeeds, the result is good. By sowing
indoors in pots or boxes about the middle
of February, and gradually hardening off
the young plants when they are I in. high,
Sweet Peas may be made to acquire a
sturdiness and toughness which, when
they are planted out in good well-manured
soil in April, conduces to rapid growth
and to immunity from birds and slugs,
which would otherwise attack the tender
shoots the moment they appeared above
the ground. The soil should be well
trenched, and plenty of good stable manure
should be worked in ; and after the plants
have been rather thickly dibbled in, sup-
ports of hazel stakes or netting should be
placed round them. Then, with a little
attention during dry weather and the
regular removal of incipient pods, they
yield abundance of beautiful and fragrant
flowers all through the summer and
autumn. When getting past their best,
they should be cut down level with the
tops of the sticks, and the result will be
that from the bottom to the top a new
growth will spring up, and there will be
an abundance of bloom until the end of
October. There are now many fine
varieties of the Sweet Pea, varying
chiefly in colour.
Mr. Eckford, of Wem, Salop, now so
well known for the many varieties of
Sweet Peas he has raised, in writing to
me as to their good cultivation, says : " I
do not like the Celery-trench fashion. If
the ground is in a tolerably good state
of cultivation, that is, has been fairly
well dug, simply put on a fair coat of
stable manure and dig deep, leaving it
rough. In the beginning of March when
the soil is in good condition, thoroughly
break with a fork, which will be sufficient
preparation for the seed. To obtain the
best results, clumps of two or three plants
at i yard or 2 yards apart are better than
continuous rows. In staking put three or
four bushy stakes thus : : round the
clump, but well away from the plants,
which should have a few smaller sticks to
lead them up to the taller ones. Round
the whole put a string or bit of wire to
keep them together, so that when the
plants have grown up a sort of cone may
be formed. The sticks should be if
possible 8 or 10 ft. high, as planted in this
way the Peas will, if mulched with half-
spent manure or any kind of refuse to
protect the roots from hot sun, grow very
strong and tall, and if the flowers are cut
close every morning, so that no seed can
form, they will continue to bloom till the
frost puts an end to them. Should the
weather prove dry, a soaking of weak
manure water two or three times during
the season would be beneficial. Should
they from excessive growth get untidy,
take the hedge-shears and clip them over
neatly ; they will in a few days throw out
fresh growths and a profusion of flowers.
If this way of growing Sweet Peas is
adopted, it is a good plan to put the seed
singly into small pots, and when the seed-
lings are strong enough to plant them
out ; in doing so make the ground very
firm about them — they delight in firm
ground. If the weather be dry tread
well in."
Sweet Peas do admirably in Scotland.
Mr. Brotherston thus writes concern-
ing his mode of treatment at Tynning-
hame : Mr. Eckford (the raiser of many
charming varieties of Sweet Peas) was
here a few wreeks ago, and he confessed
to be unable to grow them so fine. He
said that he had never previously seen the
flowers of his own Peas grown to so large
a size or so fine in colour. Grow the
plants singly, allowing each plenty of
room. If you are able to get plenty of
good loam, allow each plant one and a
half barrowfuls, and of leaf-soil half a
barrowful, incorporating these with the
top spit of the garden soil. Heavy dress-
ings of manure produce rank growth
when the plants are young. I prefer to
add manure as a surface dressing ; my
favourite manures for this purpose
being soot, pigeon manure, superphos-
phate of lime and sulphate of ammonia.
Peat litter, which has passed through a
S S
626 LAURUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LAYANDULA.
stable, is also good. Manure water will
of course be also beneficial. For train-
ing on, nothing is more satisfactory than
a dead Spruce Fir for each plant. Pinch-
ing is important, as it not only keeps the
plant within bounds, but all through the
season it causes the formation of young
flowering growths. Seeding is so fatal to
the production of bloom, and exhausts the
energies of the plant so rapidly and
immediately, that in hot weather I should
not hesitate to remove every flower and
opening bud rather than risk leaving
them to form seed-pods. A position little
exposed to continuous sunshine will be
advantageous. I would make a late sow-
ing about the middle of June, or perhaps
even later, always, however, allowing
each plant plenty of room. Some sorts
are less given to form seed-pods than
others. Captain of the Blues and Car-
dinal produce seed the most freely here.
Orange Prince, Countess of Radnor, Mrs.
Sankey, and Blanche Burpee are shy to set.
OTHER ANNUAL PEAS.— Though none
of the other annual kinds of Lathyrus
rival the Sweet Pea, there are several
pretty ones. Of these the Tangier Pea
{L. tingitanus) grows about 3 ft. high, and
lias small dark red-purple flowers ; the
Chickling Vetch (L. sativus) has flowers
varying from pure white to deep purple.
The variety azureus is a remarkably elegant
•dwarf -kind with many clear blue flowers ;
L. s. coloratus has flowers, white, purple,
and blue ; L. Gorgoni, about 2 ft. high,
pale salmon-coloured flowers ; L. articu-
latus, Clymenum, and calcaratus are other
pretty kinds for borders.
LAUEUS (Poets Laurel].— L. nobilis
is generally known as Sweet Bay, but
its true name Laurel should be kept,
for it is the true Poet's Laurel, the
vigorous Cherry Laurel having wrongly
taken the name. Perhaps there is no
evergreen shrub we oftener see in cottage
and other little gardens. In England it
is hardy over large areas, if it suffers
occasionally, especially on cold soils,
where the ripening of the shoots is not
completed. Gardeners in the larger
places rather neglect it, and seldom
plant it in groups and colonies, as they
might well do on dry banks. The plant
is interesting in every way for its associa-
tions as well as for its beauty. There
are several slight varieties, in addition to
the common form. It requires some care
in transplanting or it will be a long time
rooting well. Warm and sheltered places
are best for it, if possible on sandy or free
soil ; and it might be planted in different
aspects with advantage.
In northern and central Europe it is
grown to an enormous extent in tubs, as
in these countries it is quite a tender plant,
and the same thing may sometimes be
worth doing in colder and more inland
and northern parts of our islands, where
this handsome evergreen is often cut down
by frost.
L. sassafras, which used to be in-
cluded in this genus, is now referred to
Sassafras.
LAVATERA ( Tree Mallow}.— For the
most part vigorous and somewhat coarse
annuals, biennials, and perennials, few of
great value in the garden. The most
useful is L. trimestris, a beautiful South
European annual, from 2 to 3 ft. high,
bearing in summer large pale rose or white
blossoms, thriving in rich and light soil.
It may be sown in the open border in
autumn or early spring. Among the
taller kinds the best is L. arborea, which
has the look of a small tree, in the
southern counties sometimes 10 ft. high.
The stem branches into a broad, compact,
roundish, and very leafy head. In rich
well-drained beds it would be a worthy
companion for the Ricinus and the Cannas.
It is most at home on dry soils, but during
the summer months it does on all kinds
of soil. A biennial, it should be raised
from seed annually. L. cashmeriana, un-
guiculata, thuringiaca, sylvestris, and
others of a similar character are not
worth growing except in the wild garden,
or naturalised.
LAVANDULA (Lavender}. — Grey,
half-shrubby plants, mostly dwarf with
greyish leaves and warm and grateful
odour ; mostly coming from warmer coun-
tries than ours, but, happily, one of the
most beautiful survives on all our light and
warm soils, and may be cultivated almost
everywhere, as even if in winter killed in
valleys and on cool soils it is easily raised
by division or by seeds, and will escape
all save the most severe winters. It
succeeds best in an open sunny position,
in light soil. The white-flowered variety
is as sweet as the blue, and flowers
at the same time. Though a bush, the
Lavender has been for centuries associ-
ated with our old garden-flowers. For
low hedges, as dividing lines in or around
ground devoted to nursery beds of hardy
flowers, and many other purposes, it is
admirable, and for dry banks and warm
slopes. There appear to be two species
and a variety in cultivation— L. spica and
L. vera ; and there is a dwarf variety also,
probably of garden origin, which is very
pretty where taller forms might be out of
place. The known species are : —
LEDUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LEONURUS.
627
Z.. abrotanoidcs (Canaries) ; atrifilicifolia. (Egypt) ;
• burtnanni (E. Indies); caricnsis (Asia Minor); coro-
nipifolia (Egypt) ; dent at a. (Orient regions) ; Gibsoni
•(E. Indies) ; lanata (Spain) ; minutolii (Canaries) ;
inultifida (S. Europe); m'mmoi (Socotra) ; peduncn-
lata (Spain) ; pinnata (Canaries) ; pubescens (Arabia) ;
rotundifolia. (Cape Verde) ; set if era (Arabia) ; spica
t( Mediterranean regions) ; stcechas (Ditto) ; subnuda
'(Arabia) ; Tennisecta (Morocco) vera (S. Europe) ;
viridis (Portugal).
LEDUM (Labrador Tea}.— Dwarf hardy
shrubs, of which the best of the few species
grown in gardens is L. latifolium, which
represents the genus well. Its usual height
is under 2 ft., but sometimes it reaches 3 ft. ;
it is dense and compact, and has small
leaves, of a rusty brown beneath. During
the latter part of May it bears clusters of
white flowers. It is a very old garden
.plant, and was brought from North
America more than a century ago. The
Canadian form of it (canadense) is found
Ledum.
in some gardens, but does not differ
materially from the type. A form called
globosum is finer, as the flower-clusters
are larger and more globular. L. palustre
is commoner than L. latifolium, but being
smaller in every part is not so good ; it is
dwarf and spreading, and its flowers are
white. The Ledums thrive best in a
peaty soil or sandy loam, and are usually
included in a collection of so-called
American plants. They are charming
grouped in the bog-garden, fully ex-
posed if possible. North Europe and
America.
LEIOPHYLLUM (Sand Myrtle).— L.
buxifolium is a neat, pretty, and tiny shrub,
forming compact bushes 4 to 6 in. high,
with evergreen leaves resembling those of
the Box. The small white flowers are
borne in dense clusters in early summer,
the unopened buds being of a delicate
pink hue, and it is suited for grouping
with diminutive shrubs, such as the
Partridge Berry, Daphne Cneorum, the
small Andromedas, and with Willows like
S. reticulata and serpyllifolia, that rise
little above the ground. It is generally
planted on the margins of peat beds with
other American peat-loving shrubs, and it
is also a good plant for the rock-garden.
A native of sandy " pine barrens " in New
Jersey. There is more than one variety
in cultivation.
LEONTOPODIUM (Edelweiss}. — A
pretty and hoary-leaved alpine plant, L.
alpinuin having small yellow flowers sur-
rounded by star-like heads of leaves clothed
with a dense white woolly substance.
Some people are so pleased at seeing this
plant in cultivation that they send letters to
the Times to announce the fact ; but its cul-
ture is not difficult on sandy soils, or even
as a border-plant, and it grows too luxuri-
antly in moist rich soils. To keep a good
stock of flowering plants, the old ones
should be divided annually or young ones
raised from seeds, which in some seasons
ripen plentifully. It succeeds either on
exposed spots of the rock-garden or in an
Leontopodium alpinum (Edelweiss).
ordinary border, if not placed too near
rank-growing things, Syn. Gnaphalium
alpinum. Composite.
LEONURUS (Liorfs-tail}.—L. Leonitis
is a distinct and handsome plant of the
Salvia Order, allied to Phlomis, about 2 ft.
high, and bearing in summer whorls of
very showy bright scarlet flowers. It is a
Cape plant, and is not hardy enough for
our climate during the winter, even when
protected by a cold frame, though in warm
light soils, in the southern parts of the
country, it thrives out-of-doors in summer,
and where it will not bloom out-of-doors,
it is worthy of a place as a cool green-
house plant. Near Paris, established
plants placed out for the summer flower
well. Wherever it can be grown in the
S S 2
628 LEPTOSIPHOX. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LEUCQJUM.
open air, it would be valuable for associa-
tion with the finer bedding and sub-
tropical plants. Cuttings strike freely in
spring — more freely than in autumn — in a
slight bottom-heat.
LEPTOSIPHON.— Pretty Californian
annuals. To produce the best results
these charming plants must be strongly
grown, and robust specimens can only be
obtained by thin sowing. In light dry
soils early autumn sowing is recom-
mended, sufficiently early to permit the
young plants to attain some size before
the setting-in of winter. Fair success
however may be looked for, especially in
good soils, where spring-sowing will
The Lion's-tail (Leonurus Leonids). Engraved from
a photograph by Miss Willmott.
often yield excellent results ; while the
advantages of autumn-sowing are best
seen in light sandy soils. Of the numer-
ous kinds in cultivation the best is L.
roseus, which is one of the most charming
of hardy annuals, forming dense tufts,
studded with rosy-carmine flowers. The
very pretty L. luteus and its deeper-
coloured variety aureus are scarcely
inferior to L. roseus, which they resemble
in habit, though with smaller flowers.
The hybrid varieties of these are inter-
esting for the singular variety of shades
occurring among them. The larger-
flowered species, L. densiflorus and L.
androsaceus, should be too well known to
need description ; both have lilac-purple
flowers, and are most attractive annuals,
and of both species there are good white
varieties deserving of especial recommen-
dation. All natives of California. Pole-
moniacese.
LEPTOSPERMUM (South SeaMyrtle\
— One of the few Australian shrubs which
thrive in our country, often attaining
much beauty in seashore gardens, not
only in the south but in the west.
Among the prettiest effects in flowering
shrubs I have seen were from this in the
garden of the late W. O. Stanley at
Penross. It should have shelter and as
warm a soil as we can give it, although
it grows well near the sea and sea gales
have power to injure it. It would have
less chance in cold and inland places,
and valleys where the frost is more severe.
It may be increased by cuttings, but best
by seed.
LEPTOSYNE.— Californian plants of
the Composite family, resembling some of
the Coreopsis. L. Douglasi is a pretty half-
hardy annual, about I ft. high, and having
large yellow flowers. L. Stillmanni re-
sembles it, but is smaller. L. maritima, a
perennial, is somewhat tender, and should
be treated as an annual. It is a showy
plant, about 6 in. high, and bears large
bright yellow flowers. All these plants
thrive best in an open sunny position in a
light warm soil. The seeds should be
sown early in heat, and the seedlings
transplanted in May.
LEUCANTHEMUM (Alpine' Fever-
few]. — L. alpinuin is a very dwarf plant.
The leaves are small, and the abundant
flowers are supported on hoary little
stems i to 3 in long, are pure white with
yellow centres, and are more than i in.
across. It is rather quaint and pretty,
and well deserves cultivation in bare
level places, on poor sandy or gravelly
soil in the rock-garden. It is sometimes
known as Chrysanthemum arcticum and
Pyrethrum alpinum. It is a native of the
Alps, and is readily increased by division
or seed. For other species of Leucanthe-
mum see Chrysanthemum.
LEUCOJUM (Snow flake). — Pretty
bulbs allied to the Snowdrop, but bolder
and easily naturalised in rich valley soils.
L. SBStivum (Summer Snowftake\ — A
vigorous plant, flowers white drooping on
stalks i to 1 1 ft. high and clusters of
four to eight on a stem, with leaves
shaped like those of Daffodils. It blooms
early in summer (in many places before
LEUCOTHOE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LEYCESTERIA.
629
the end of spring), and is pretty in mixed
borders or on the margins of shrubberies.
It thrives in almost any soil, but is
strongest in deep alluvial soil, and is
multiplied by separation of the bulbs. It
is excellent for the wild garden, and
increases as rapidly as the common
Daffodil. A form of L. a?stivum is L.
Hernandezi, a native of Majorca and
Minorca, growing to about the same
height as L. asstivum, but with narrower
leaves, flowers only half the size, and
usually not more than three flowers on
each stem, appearing nearly a month
earlier.
L. vernum (Spring Snowfltike}. — A
beautiful early flower about 6 in. high.
The fragrant drooping flower resembles a
large Snowdrop, the tips of the petals
being marked with a greenish spot. It is
excellent for the rock-garden or borders,
and thrives in a light, rich soil. Imported
bulbs make little show for the first year or
two, but when established they flower
freely.
L. carpaticum is considered a variety,
bearing two flowers on the stem, flowering
a month later. Other cultivated Snow-
flakes are L. hyemale and L. roseum ; but
these are very rare, and somewhat difficult
to cultivate.
LEUCOTHOE. — Beautiful evergreen
shrubs of the Heath family, most of them
very old garden plants, and common in
collections of American plants. There is
a family likeness
among the kinds,
the best-known
•being L. acumin-
ata, i^ to 2^ ft.
high, with slen-
der arching
stems, in early
summer wreath-
ed with white bell-
shaped pretty
flowers. L. axil-
laris is similar,
and so are L.
Catesbasi and L.
racemosa, all of
which are known under the name Andro-
meda. They are natives of N. America,
hardy, thriving in light soil, preferring peat,
and are suitable for the margins of groups
of American shrubs, and for low parts of
rock-gardens. A newer and very beautiful
species is L. Davisiae, introduced a few
years since from California, and not so
hardy as the others. It makes a neat
little evergreen bush 2 or 3 ft. high, and
has small leaves on slender stems, in May
bearing clusters of small white flowers.
Leucothoe acuminata.
It is one of the choicest of evergreen
hardy shrubs, and thrives with Rhodo-
dendrons and Azaleas in peat soil.
LEWISIA (Spatlum}.—& remarkable
and beautiful Rocky Mountain plant, allied
to Portulaca, Z,. rediiriva being very dwarf,
i in. or so high, with a small tuft of narrow
leaves, from the centre of which the flower-
stalks arise. The blossoms are large for
the size of the plant, being from I to 2-9- in.
across, and vary from deep rose to white.
The roots are succulent, and can retain
life a long time even when dry, and as it
sometimes fails to develop leaves annu-
ally, is wrongly supposed to be dead. It
should be grown in sunshine, for it cannot
be flowered in shade, and the crown kept
high and dry, though the roots should
have moisture. A crevice in the rock-
garden is the best situation for it. If
grown in pots, the plant should be on
broken stones, and the roots in light
sandy loam with peat. After flowering, it
shrivels up and becomes a withered
twisted mass, like so many bits of
string. Oregon, Utah, and Rocky
Mountains.
LEYCESTEEIA (Flowering Nutmeg}.
— L.fvrmosais a distinct flowering shrub,
a native of the Himalayas, nearly hardy
throughout these islands, but much com-
Leycesteria formosa.
moner in Ireland and the west than in the
home counties. It is graceful in flower
and form, and reaches 6 ft. high in mild
630
LIATRIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
I.IGUSTRUM.
districts, with white flowers tinged with
purple ; the leafy purple bracts, suc-
ceeded in autumn by purple berries, are
eaten by pheasants, and therefore it is
planted in some places for covert. In
mild districts it is an evergreen, but
generally loses its leaves in late autumn.
It thrives in various soils, and under
trees.
LIATRIS (Snakeroof].— North Ameri-
can perennials of some beauty, having
the flower-heads arranged in long dense
spikes. Some are effective border
flowers when well grown, and well re-
pay good cultivation. L. elegans grows
about 2 ft. high, and has pale-purple
spikes i ft. or more in length. L.
pycnostachya, 2 to 4 ft. high, has deep
purple flower-spikes from August to
October. L. spicata is one of the hand-
somest and neatest, growing i to 2 ft.
high, and its violet-purple spikes con-
tinue long in beauty. L. scariosa,
squarrosa, cylindracea, elegans, and
pumila much resemble the foregoing,
and, like them, succeed in any rich
light soil, and are best here and there in
among peat-loving shrubs or in good
borders. Propagated by division in
spring or by seed.
LIBERTIA.— Beautiful plants of the
Iris Order, of which some are hardy
enough for the open border. L. formosa
is beautiful at all seasons, even in the
depth of winter, owing to the colour of
its foliage, which is as green as the
Holly ; and it bears spikes of flowers of
snowy whiteness like some delicate Orchid.
It is neat, dwarf, and compact, and has
flowers twice as large as the other kinds.
They lie close together on the stem, and
remind one of the old double white
Rocket. L. ixioides, a New Zealand
plant, is also a handsome evergreen
species, with narrow grassy foliage and
small white blossoms. L. magellanica
is also pretty when in flower. All
of these thrive in borders of peaty
soil, and in the rougher parts of the
rock-garden, but they grow slowly on
certain loamy soils, living perhaps, but
never showing the freedom and grace
which they do on free or peaty soils. In-
creased by seed or by careful division in
spring.
LIBROCEDRUS (Incense Cedar].— L.
decurrens is a handsome evergreen tree of
the mountains of Oregon and Northern
California, being very distinct in habit and
found in the Sierra Nevada as high as
8,000 or 9,000 feet, is likely to prove a
tree that will last in our climate. It is a
beautiful tree for grouping with the choicer
Pines ; more columnar in habit than most,,
it does not therefore require the wide
spacing too often given to our trees in
the pinetum. This tree, more than most
other Pines, illustrates the mistake of sup-
posing that conifers should be clothed to
the ground with branches, as the natural
habit of such trees is often to shed their
branches as other trees shed their leaves.
In its native country the stem of this tree
is often quite free and clear of branches
to a height of 70 feet, and this instead of
taking from the beauty of the tree really
adds to it. Syn. Thuja gigantea.
The Chilian Incense Cedar (L. Chilense}
will just live out of doors in the most
favoured situations and is therefore not
worth attempting in the country gene-
rally.
LIGULARIA. — Large perennials, re-
markable for bold foliage, one or two of great
size, and strikingly distinct aspect, though
not quite beautiful in flower. L. macro-
phylla is vigorous, with an erect stem
nearly 3^ ft. high, and very large glaucous
leaves, the yellow flowers borne in a long
spike. Free, moist, and somewhat peaty
soil is the most suitable for this plant,
which is multiplied by careful, division in
autumn or in spring ; it is useful for group-
ing with fine-leaved herbaceous plants, but
will seldom find a place in the select
flower garden. Caucasus. L. sibirica,
Fischeri, and thyrsoidea are fine-leaved
plants, and worth growing with L. macro-
phylla for their foliage. The Japanese
species, L. Kaempferi and Hodgsoni, are
better grown under glass, except in
summer, when they may be used among
fine-leaved plants in the sub-tropical
garden ; but the hardy kinds are most
interesting. Syn., Senecio.
LIGUSTRUM (Privet).— The meanest
of all mean shrubs, I think, but popular
beyond all others, its weed-like facility
of increase making it dear to those to
whom something growing with a fungus-
like rapidity is a treasure. It is not only
that Privets are poor in themselves, and,
as a rule, without beauty of leaf or flower,
but it is the number of beautiful shrubs
they shut out, millions being annually
sold to take the places of better things,,
and helping to kill the few that are
planted near them or among them. The
commoner sorts have no beauty whatever,
and they all have the same vile odour in
summer days when they flower, a sickly
smell. Happy in the possession of the
finest hedging and fencing plants of the
northern world, quick, holly, box, yew and
sweet briar, nurserymen and jobbing gar-
deners make hedges and fences with these
LIGUSTRUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LILIUM.
631
wretched privets, fences which have the
one poor quality of rapid growth, but
which a man, let alone a beast, could walk
through without effort. I have seen
whole towns like Leicester with miles of
these poor hedges, and they are even to
be seen in pretentious show places, where
one would expect people to know what a
real fence meant.
Rich in native and other covert plants
I have seen the privet recommended by
Sir Ralph Payne Gal way as a covert
plant, for which it is useless beside the
beautiful covert plants we have — furze,
sloe, sweet briar, juniper, and wild briar
rose— and above all things recommended
as a covert plant near
water, for which Na-
ture has given us the
most fitting of all in
the spiry-leaved trees
of the willow and dog-
wood order of which
there are many kinds.
As to beauty, the
wildest briars that vex
our legs and some-
times our faces, have
far more beauty,
whether of leaf, form,
flower or fruit.
The land which has
given us so many
beautiful trees and
shrubs and flowers,
America, has nothing
to do with the privets,
Ligustrum. which are inhabitants
of Asia and Europe,
including China and Japan. Some of
the species are evergreen, some summer
leafing, and others in our mild climate
hang between the two, and keep their
leaves except in very severe winters.
They are all too quickly propagated by
cuttings, and there are tropical species
not hardy in our country.
The gain of the rapidity of growth of
the privet is more apparent than real, as
it simply leads to equally quick decay if
used as a fence plant or in any other way.
The true fence plants when fairly treated,
and put in the open in good condition as
all fence plants should be, are not by any
means slow growers. Holly in good soil
will grow two feet in a year, Quick is a
rapid grower after the first year or two,
neither is the Yew by any means of slow
growth, but this is a plant which should
never be used for a fence where animals
could by chance come.
L. coriacemn. — A distinct and curious species
from Japan, evergreen, dwarf and bushy, from
2 to 5 ft. high with thick leathery leaves, of
stiff habit, and flowers in white panicles with
the sickly odour of the tribe. It might have
some use among dwarf bushes on banks.
L. Ibota. — A shrub from 5 to 8 ft. high or
more, of free habit and form, blooming freely
in summer. The white flowers in spikes
followed by dark berries. A native of China
and Japan. Syn. L. amnrense.
L. japoniciim is a good evergreen kind,
rather dwarf and bushy, with pointed leaves 2
to 3 inches long, leathery, and of a deep green
with straggling panicles of flowers. Syn. L.
Sieboldi.
L. lucidum is one of the best for erect and
bold growth, growing 10 ft. high or more with
firm lustrous leaves, 5 to 6 ins. long by over 2
ins. wide, and bold panicles of flowers 6 ins.
long in summer and autumn. It is a native of
China, where it forms a tree. A variety, L.
Alivoni, has longer leaves, and there is a
variegated variety. Syn. L. sinense latifolium.
L. ovalifolium. — One of the most popular
varieties, and much used for forming hedges, as
it retains its foliage through the winter better
than the commoner privet, but it is without
much character as a shrub. There is a yellow
variegated variety which is also very popular,
but less showy as it gets old.
L. Quihoni. — A Chinese privet of a wiry
dwarf character, with small leaves, and the
branches covered with a purple down ; flower-
ing freely and rather showily.
L. sinense. — Not quite hardy on cold soils,
but one of the best species, preferring a dry
soil and flowering freely and rather handsomely
on warm soils. It bears many purple berries,
and it is a tall species, often attaining a height
of 15 ft. China.
L. vidgare. — This is the kind generally used
for hedges and arbours, standing all ill-treat-
ment in town and suburban gardens and grow-
ing pretty well where nothing else will grow,
but not worth having anywhere. It bears
dark purple fruit like most of the kinds, and
there are several varieties of it, especially
variegated ones of little value.
LILIUM (Lily}.— The Lilies are among
the most beautiful bulbous plants, combin-
ing as they do stateliness and grace with
brilliant and delicately-coloured flowers.
The many kinds in cultivation afford a rich
choice. All are beautiful, but some are
better suited for particular localities than
others. The habit and general character
of the plants being so varied, their uses
are likewise varied. Some are suited
for the rock-garden, others for the mixed
border, many for the shrubbery —
especially for the Rhododendron beds
— while not a few are so robust that they
are at home in the wild garden, holding
their own against native plants. Their
true place, however, is the garden proper,
and, when their uses are understood and
expressed, there will be a total change in
the aspect of the flower garden.
632 LILIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LILIUM.
Lilies may be grown in various ways : —
1. Under glass you may have Lilies in
flower all the year round.
2. In the open border you may enjoy
their beauty each in its own season.
3. You may take them up when coming
into flower in the border, and plunging
them roots and all into a sufficiently large
pot with suitable soil, shade them for
two or three days, and then transfer them
to bloom in a conservatory or balcony,
without damage, providing they are kept
well-watered.
Culture is important, but arrangement
and grouping are even more so. There
are Lilies which will grow in any ordinary
soil ; a good, rich loamy soil suits the greater
number ; others want plenty of sand, so
as to keep the soil free ; while others
can be easily grown in ordinary soil if it
is mixed with leaf-mould or peat. It will
thus be seen that there are no great
difficulties in the way of growing a large
number of kinds. In nearly all cases
Lilies are more vigorous and brilliant
where partially protected from severe
frosts ; and the flowers last longer when |
sheltered from the scorching rays of the
mid-day sun. The shrubbery border,
among Rhododendrons (for those re- \
quiring peat), and the mixed border
between shrubs and herbaceous plants, [
where the young shoots get a slight pro- j
tection from the early frosts, are among |
the best situations. A very safe place is
near the edge of a Rhododendron bed ;
soil that will grow Rhododendrons will
grow most sorts of Lilies, and afford pro-
tection from " blight and spot," which in
some seasons, notably when cold and wet
follow drought, greatly injure the growth
and flowering of some species, even though
the bulbs be unhurt. It should be re-
membered that bulbs of nearly all Lilies
occasionally lie dormant a whole season,
and push out luxuriantly the following
summer, especially the Martagon tribe.
1 Manure should never be dug in with
the bulbs, though they accept it gratefully
if liberally applied as a top dressing
after they have been established a year.
The only manure to be dug in at planting
is rich peat and sand, in the proportion
1 Experience has shown me that manure may be
applied, more liberally than I thought, to the Speciosum
group ; while Giganteum literally revels in "muck." I
have given with much advantage to pot Lilies (Longi-
florum, Speciosum, and Henryi) Clay's Fertilizer,
Albert's Concentrated and Fish Manure, so that I
begin to believe that, given sound healthy bulbs, manure,
especially in the liquid forms, may be given to a much
greater extent than was originally supposed. I have
seen an acre of Speciosum and Longiflorum Lilies in
full luxuriant bloom, whose bulbs were planted at the
top of farmyard manure dug in to receive them. —
ALEXANDER WALLACE.
of two parts of peat to one of sand.1 This
is advisedly called manure. In light
soils L. auratum and some others are all
the better for a top-dressing of dry clay
broken small. Though to each brief
description below we have appended a
word or two upon cultivation, it is per-
haps advisable to add a few general
remarks. It should be borne in mind
that, however beautiful nearly all the
known Lilies are, some are extremely fas-
tidious ; but there is a rare choice of
beauty among those that are easily
cultivated. Lilies may be divided into
three classes — first, those that are best
grown in pots, such as neilgherrense,
Wallichianum, philippinense, and nepal-
ense ; also Wallichianum superbum (sul-
phureum), Lowi primulinum, Bakeri, new
Burmese Lilies ; and, in many soils and
climates, speciosum, auratum, and longi-
florum ; secondly, those that are best grown
out-of-doors in loamy soil ; thirdly, those
that are best grown out-of-doors in peaty
soil. On light soils the following kinds
do remarkably well : L. candidum, longi-
florum and its varieties, chalcedonicum,
excelsum, and the speciosum section ;
all of the umbellatum, croceum, and
elegans type ; also tigrinum sinense. For
deep loamy soil the best kinds are L.
auratum, Szovitzianum, Humboldti, the
Tiger family, most of the Martagon group ;
while in an intermediate soil of leaf-mould,
loam, and sand, we advise the planting of
Buschianum, philadelphicum, pulchellum,
Browni, giganteum, tenuifolium, Krameri,
etc. The North American forms require
more peat and more moisture than the
other groups. Lilies require, so far as
their roots are concerned, a cool bottom,
abundant moisture, and, for most kinds
a free drainage. The slope of a hill
facing south-east or south-west, for in-
stance, with water from above percolating
through the sub-soil, so as to always
afford a supply, without stagnation, would
be an admirable site.
PROPAGATION. — This is generally and
most readily effected by separating the
bulblets or offsets from the parent bulbs,
and these, detached and grown in the
same way as the parent, in the course of
a year or two make good flowering plants.
The scales of the bulbs afford a means of
propagation ; but this is a slower method.
Raising Lilies from seed is somewhat
tedious, though many kinds in this country
perfect seed in plenty, and in the case of
such kinds as L. tenuifolium the seedlings
1 Sea-sand, where it can be procured, is by far the
best kind to use ; all bulbs take to it kindly, as it always
attracts moisture.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LILIUM.
633
flower in three or four years ; though others
will not flower for several years. The finest
kinds, such as the Japanese and Cali-
fornian Lilies, are now so cheap that it
is scarcely necessary to propagate from
home-grown plants. It will be well, how-
ever, if, by rapid increase, or otherwise,
they become plentiful enough to adorn
the smallest cottage gardens. Several
Lilies, chiefly Japanese and Californian,
are largely imported every year. As soon
as received, all bulbs should be examined,
and decaying matter should be removed.
They should then be laid in soil, or,
better still, Cocoa-nut fibre in a moderate
condition of moisture, until the bulbs re-
cover their plumpness and the roots are
on the point of starting from the base.
Then they should be potted or planted
out as required ; but, before this, decaying
scales should again be removed, as a few
of the outside ones are often bruised in
transit, and after they have been in the
soil a little time decay sets in, which if
not then taken off may contaminate the
whole bulb. Of those so imported, L.
auratum and Krameri should, when
potted, be surrounded with sand, but
some do well without it. The most
difficult to import among the N. Ameri-
can Lilies are L. Washingtonianum and
L. rubescens, since, as a rule, they suffer
much more than the large, solid bulbs of
L. Humboldti, or than those of pardalinum,
canadense, and superbum. These solid
bulbs should be treated as above directed,
but L. Washingtonianum, rubescens, and
Humboldti should not be potted, as they
never succeed in that way ; and indeed
all the N. American Lilies do much better
if planted out. Those grown in Holland,
such as the varieties of davuricum,
elegans, and speciosum, etc., arrive plump
and sound, but it is much better to lay even
these in soil a little while before potting.
L. Alexandra.— A beautiful new dwarf
Lily, apparently a hybrid between longi-
florum and auratum, bearing a large, well-
opened, reflexed flower, broad petalled and
pure white, from a southern Japanese
Island ; and therefore grows best under
glass. Its native name is Uke uri.
L. auratum. — Some forms have flowers
nearly I ft. across, with broad white petals
copiously spotted with reddish-brOwn and
having broad bands of golden-yellow down
the centre. The poorest forms have starry
flowers and scarcely any markings.
Several named varieties are particularly
distinct ; and the chief are cruentum and
rubro-vittatum, which have deep crimson
instead of yellow bands down the petals.
Rubro-vittatum is a variety with a very
distinct bulb, the foliage is darker, and it
is a hardier, better doer than the type.
Platyphyllum is also more easily grown
than the type. The white-petalled variety
of platyphyllum, generally called virginale,
is perhaps one of the most beautiful forms.
Wittei and virginale, the flowers of which
have no colour but the golden bands ;
rubro-pictum, with a red stripe and spots ;
platyphyllum, with very large flowers and
broad leaves ; and Emperor, a grand
flower, with reddish spots and centre.
There are also some beautiful hybrids
raised between L. auratum and some of
the other species ; for example, L.
Parkmanni (between L. auratum and L.
speciosum), which has large white flowers
banded and spotted with carmine-crimson.
It grows freely in peat or loam, a
mixture of both with a little road-scrap-
ings best fulfilling its requirements.
Where the soil is naturally poor, light,
and sandy, it should be taken out to a
depth of 1 8 in., and replaced with the
compost above mentioned, or some fine,
well-enriched mould. The bulbs should
be planted in this, and, as soon as growth
commences in spring, should be mulched
with decomposed manure or short Grass.
If the garden soil be fairly good, it need
only be well stirred and manured, but the
manure should be thoroughly decomposed.
A sheltered situation should be chosen,
and if possible screened from the mid-
day sun, and protected from westerly and
southerly gales and from heavy driving
rains ; for this Lily is very susceptible to
injury by cold draughts and cutting winds.
No better place can be chosen than a
snug nook sheltered from the north and
east by shrubs, but at the same time open
to the sun. The best examples that have
been seen were grown in a Rhododen-
dron bed, and planted in a deep, moist,
peaty soil, where they have been for years
undisturbed. When planted among other
things the young and tender uprising
shoots are greatly protected in spring.
As to propagation, there is scarcely any
need to enlarge upon that, as bulbs are
imported so plentifully ; and it is only
necessary to separate the young bulbs and
replant them in good soil. Those who
increase this Lily from seed must be pre-
pared to exercise a little patience, as the
seed is long germinating and the seedlings
are several years before flowering. The
seed should be sown, as soon as ripe, in a
frame. The seedlings should be planted
out as soon as the bulbs are of an appre-
ciable size.
L. Browni is a fine Lily in the way of
L. japonicum, but with larger flowers.
634 LILIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN
LILIUM.
It is readily distinguished from any other
kind by the rich brownish-purple mark-
ings on the exterior of the blossoms, which I
in well-grown plants are sometimes 9 in.
in length. It is hardy and vigorous, and
succeeds without giving much trouble.
Lilium candidum (White or Madonna Lily).
In a soil and position which suits L.
auratum it flourishes, and need only be
lifted every few years and replanted in
fresh rich soil. It grows from 2 to 4 ft.
high, and has deep green foliage distinct
from allied kinds. The variety Colchesteri
is handsome. Quite recently, some re-
markably fine and strong-growing varieties
of this Lily have been obtained from the
district whence L. Henry i came ; named by
Mr. Baker Chloraster and Leucanthum.
L. bulbiferum is one of the handsomest
of European Lilies, and is about 2 ft. high.
It bears large crimson flowers shading to
orange. The variety umbellatum is finer
and stronger, and has large umbelled
clusters of flowers. This Lily is generally
distinguished from its congeners
by bulblets on the axils of the
leaves. It grows freely in ordin-
ary soil, and flowers in early
summer. A capital plant for
bold groups, and thriving under
partial shade or in the open.
L. canadense (Canadian
Lily].— This beautiful flower is
among the oldest of cultivated
Lilies. It is 2 to 4 ft. high, and
bears, on slender stems, ter-
minal clusters of drooping blos-
soms usually orange, and copi-
ously spotted with deep brown.
It also occurs with red flowers
(rubrum) and with yellow flowers
(flavum). L. parvum, L. Bolan-
deri, L. Grayi and L. maritimum
resemble it, and like it require
a partially-shaded position and
a moist, deep peaty soil enriched
by decayed leaf-mould. It
flowers late in summer, and is
very attractive in bold masses,
such as are often seen in nur-
series about London. Like its
allied forms it makes elegant
groups among choice shrubs
such as Azaleas and Rhododen-
drons ; and by such an arrange-
ment we get a second bloom
and a variety of form from beds
that had only one blossoming-
season, and were poor and stiff
in outline ; we prevent senseless
digging when the groups are
once in place ; and we keep the
shrubs from growing into a solid
ugly mass, while they shelter
our Lilies.
L. candidum.— One of the
best-known and loveliest Lilies,
seen in almost every cottage gar-
den, and producing snow-white
blooms in summer. It dislikes
coddling- or being meddled with, and
thrives best when undisturbed for years
in good garden soil. Any attempt to
deal with it like the more delicate ones
generally results in failure. The best-
flowered plants are in old gardens, where
the bulbs are allowed to run as they like
with no attention whatever. In bold
masses, no plants can compare with the
common white Lily when in bloom. It
is so fair a flower that there is scarcely
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
635
a place which a good plant or well-grown
group of it will not adorn. But the care-
ful growth and the proper placing of such
lovely hardy plants give the highest
charm to the garden. For years it has
been difficult to find even a miserable
tuft in many " show " gardens, though
they displayed nothing there so good as
a tall white Lily in a cottage garden.
Moist loam seems to suit it generally,
though, like other Lilies, it will grow in
a variety of soils. The varieties pere-
grinum, striatum, and monstrosum are
not so fine, but the striped-leaved variety
aureo-marginatis is valuable for its foliage
in winter.
L. chalcedonicum (Scarlet Martagon}
is a very old and handsome Lily, of tall
and graceful growth, and bears several
pendulous, vermilion, turban - shaped
blossoms about the end of July. It is
one of the easiest to cultivate, thrives in
almost any soil, and is best when well
established and left undisturbed. There
are a few varieties, majus being the largest
and best. The others are gra?cum, rather
taller than the type and having smaller
flowers ; pyrenaicum, with yellow flowers ;
Heldreichi, tall and robust, flowering a
week or two earlier ; and maculatum, a
very handsome form. Native of Greece
and Ionian Isles. Similar to the scarlet
Martagon is the Japanese L. callosum,
a pretty Lily, i^ to 3 ft. high, with slender
stems, bearing in summer several brilliant
scarlet blossoms. L. carniolicum, of a
similar character, is i to 3 ft. high, and
produces in early summer turban-shaped
nodding blossoms of bright vermilion or
yellow.
L. concolor. — A pretty little Lily from
Japan, I to 3 ft. high, bearing three to six
bright scarlet flowers, which are spotted
with black, star-shaped, and erect. There
are some three or four varieties — pul-
chellum, or Buschianum, an early variety
from Siberia, i^ to 2 ft. high, with crimson
blossoms ; Coridion, with flowers some-
what larger than the typb, and of a rich
yellow spotted with brown ; sinicum, a
Chinese form, with four to six crimson
flowers heavily spotted and larger than
the type ; and Partheneion, with scarlet
flowers flushed with yellow. This charm-
ing Lily and its varieties are quite hardy,
though they require some attention in
cultivating. They succeed in half-shady
places in a soil composed of two parts
of peat, one of loam, and one of road-
scrapings ; but seem to require renewing
every few years.
L. croceum (Ora?ige Lily] is one of the
sturdiest and hardiest, and therefore one
of the commonest of Lilies. It grows in
almost any soil or position, and bears in
early summer huge heads of large rich
orange flowers. In the mixed border it
is attractive, but shows best on the margin
of a shrubbery, where its stems just over-
top the surrounding foliage. It is always
best after some years' growth. A native
of the colder mountains of Europe, it is
one of the Lilies that may be naturalised,
but is never so strong as in rich garden-
ground. Lilies are said not to like manure,
but we have never seen this one so fine
as when in well-manured ground after
several years' growth. Indeed, we have
planted it over a subsoil, so to say, of
solid cow manure, and have had bulbs
and flowers of enormous size in two
years.
L. davuricum is a slender European
Lily with moderate - sized red flowers,
spotted with black. Like L. elegans, it has
several varieties, the chief being Sappho,
incomparable, erectum, multiflorum, Don
Juan, and Rubens. Being strong growers
and flowering freely, they are fine plants
for the mixed border, for margins of
shrubberies, or for groups or masses,
thriving in partial shade as well as in
sunny places.
L. elegans. — One of the best and most
generally grown of the early Lilies. It is
commonly known by the name of Thun-
bergianum. It is very variable, and there
are about a dozen named varieties. The
type grows about I ft. high, and has
stout erect stems, which bear numerous
narrow leaves, and are terminated by a
bright orange-red flower, 5 or 6 in. across.
A native of Japan, flowering with us about
the beginning of July. Most of the
varieties are so distinct as to merit a
slight description. They are — marmora-
tum and mannoratum aureum, two of the
earliest forms ; alutaceum, not more than
9 in. high, with a large pale apricot-
coloured flower, copiously spotted ; arme-
naicum (venustum), about iiy ft. high,
with several moderate-sized flowers (in
autumn) of a rich glowing orange-red ;
atrosanguineum, about i^ ft. high, with
large flowers of rich deep crimson ; Bate-
mannise, about 4 ft. high, with several
moderate-sized flowers, in late summer,
of a rich unspotted apricot tint (L. Bate-
mannias and L. Wallacei are put by Mr.
Baker as allied to L. Leichtlini and the
Tiger group. I do not consider the above
two species to be Thunbergianum) ; bicolor,
about i ft. high, with large flowers orange-
red, flamed with a deeper hue ; brevi-
folium, lijr ft. high, with flowers pale red
and slightly spotted ; citrinum, like
636
I.ILIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
armenaicum, but taller ; fulgens, I to i^
ft. high, with four to six large flowers
of a deep red ; sanguineum, i to i^ ft.
high, with one or two large blood-red
flowers ; L. Horsmanni, a dwarf form
with richly-coloured flowers of a blood-red
mahogany tint, and Splendens, the early
form of L. Wilsoni ; Alice Wilson, the
beautiful, scarce, lemon-yellow, dwarf form ;
Van Houttei, \\ ft. high, with very deep
crimson-red flowers, spotted with black ;
Wallacei, i\ ft high, with rich orange-
red flowers, spotted with black ; Wilsoni,
2 ft. high, with large apricot-tinted, yellow
striped flowers — one of the latest to
bloom. All the L. elegans group are !
perfectly hardy ; they grow vigorously in
almost any soil, but prefer a deep loamy
Lilium giganteum.
one with an admixture of peat. They
like an open position, and are suitable
for planting around the margins of shrub-
beries. Small groups are beautiful in the
open spaces that should exist in every
shrubbery or Rhododendron bed. They
are all excellent border-plants, and the
dwarf kinds may be introduced into the
rock-garden. In all cases they must be
placed in sunny situations.
L. giganteum. — A noble Lily of huge
growth and in aspect different from any
other. Its bulb is large and conical, and
develops spreading tufts of handsome
shining heart-shaped foliage. The flower-
stems are stout and erect, 6 to 10 ft. high,
terminated by a huge raceme, i to 2 ft. in
length, of about a dozen long nodding
fragrant flowers, which are white and
tinged with purple on the inside. It is
one of the hardiest Lilies, and gives very
little trouble. It flourishes best in a
sheltered position, where there is an
undergrowth of thin shrubs to protect the
growth in spring. The soil must be deep
and well drained, and must consist of
sandy peat and leaf-mould, strengthened
by a little rich loam, and plenty of rich
manure. Years sometimes elapse before
the tufts of foliage send up bloom.
Nepaul. L. cordifolium, a Japanese plant,
is a similar, but inferior, species, very rare
in cultivation. It requires the same
treatment. Cordifolium is said to grow
naturally in Japan in shady damp places,
cool and moist. A small group of three
or four plants will do well in an open spot
among shrubs, in a free peaty soil, and
when in flower the effect will be all that
can be desired.
L. Hansoni. — A handsome Japanese
species, about 4 ft. high, having whorls of
bright green leaves and a terminal spike
of about a dozen bright, orange-yellow,
brown-spotted flowers. It flowers about
the beginning of June, is quite hardy, and
succeeds in sheltered situations in a soil
consisting of two parts of peat, one of
loam, and one of road-scrapings.
L. Humboldti is very graceful. The
singular beauty of the blossoms and the
elegant manner in which they droop from
their slender stalks, make it most desir-
able, and its flowers, on account of their
great substance, are more lasting than
any other Californian Lily. The stout
and purplish stems attain a height of 4 to
8 ft. The leaves are in whorls of from
ten to twenty each, and are of a bright
green. The flowers differ considerably in
colour and markings, but are usually
bright golden-yellow, richly spotted with
crimson-purple. The variety ocellatum or
Bloomerianum is dwarf, and has petals
tipped with brownish-crimson. It grows
best in an open border of rich peaty or
leafy soil of a good depth. Columbianum,
syn. Nitidum, seems to be a smaller variety
of this Lily.
L. japonicum, or Krameri as it is more
often called, possesses the most delicate
beauty of any. The flowers are of the
shape and nearly as large as those of L.
auratum. They are either pure white or
delicate rosy-pink — generally the latter.
L. japonicum is i to 3 ft. high, and some-
times bears five blooms — but generally
only one or two. It is somewhat difficult
to grow, owing to its delicate constitution,
but the best specimens produced in this
country were grown under the same con-
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LILIUM.
637
ditions as L. auratum and speciosum. j
On account of its beauty it deserves the |
most careful attention. It is a lovely ;
plant for a select spot between choice J
dwarf shrubs, in free peaty soil or deep i
sandy loam with vegetable soil in it. I
When Mr. Kramer first sent me this Lily j
he wrote that he obtained it from a
mountainous slope at a high
altitude.
L. longiflorum ( White
Trumpet Lily}. — This is
among the most beautiful
and most valuable of garden
Lilies. The typical form is
i to 3 ft. high, the stems in
summer being terminated
by reflexed, tubular, waxy-
white flowers, which are
sweetly scented. There are
several varieties, the best,
being the early variety now
called pnecox, of rather
dwarf habit, with long,
pointed, three-nerved, dark-
green foliage ; the flowers
are of great substance, tubu-
lar, and but little reflexed
at the tip, which flowers a
fortnight earlier than the
type, bears larger and more
numerous flowers, and is in
every way superior to it
Takesima is recognised by
a purplish tint on the ex-
terior of the blossoms and
on the stem. Wilsoni, or
eximium, the finest variety,
has bold dark foliage, and
is nearly 4 ft. high, with
numerous flowers about 9 in.
long. Takesima is the latest
to bloom. Madame Von
Siebold is also a fine variety.
L. longiflorum giganteum is
the variety generally ob-
tained from Japan ; strong
bulbs will send up a head
of from 8 to 12 flowers
widely opened ; the foliage
is bright green ; under glass
this Lily may easily be
forced. L. formosanum, the
variety from Formosa, has
its flowers ribbed and
flushed with rosy-brown j
they are somewhat smaller in size than the '
type. L. Harrisi is L. longiflorum altered j
by growth in a tropical climate, Bermudas, 1
S. Africa, £c. Jama -Jura and Liukiu
are native names for the varieties men-
tioned. The variegated - leaved form
(albo-marginatum) is desirable, as the
variegation is distinct and constant. L.
longiflorum and its varieties sometimes
bloom well in borders, but care should
be taken that they are not injured by
spring frosts. L. longiflorum is so early
that, unless protected by the leaves of
evergreens, its growth is apt to be
checked. A well-drained light loam,
Lilium Humboldti.
well enriched with leaf-mould, suits it
admirably. L. Wilsoni is benefited by a
lighter soil and by a warmer and more
sheltered position. When just pushing
the growth in spring it is advisable to
encircle the plants with a few dead
branches, if unprotected by shrubs.
638
LILIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Where this fine species and its forms fail
in the ordinary soil of the garden, success
may be ensured by making a special soil of
rotten manure, leaf-mould, or cocoa fibre.
In such a mixture, so free and open that
the hand could be pushed down below the
bulb, we have seen them perfectly grown
where the natural soil was too stiff and
impervious. The hardier varieties are
admirable for artistic gardening, their fine
forms being very effective when tastefully
grouped on the fringe of beds of choice
bushes and when touching and seeming
to spring out of the Grass. They are also
good in beds either specially devoted to
thrive freely in a good loamy soil ; they
are perfectly hardy and are rather partial
to shade, growing freely in grassy places,
open woods, or copses. Some of die finer
varieties are good garden plants, and
should be grouped in the spaces between
hardy Azaleas or similar flowering bushes.
Mr. R. A. Jenkins writes as to the
white Martagon : "The white Martagon
Lily is one of the most distinct of the
family, and if given a suitable soil and
position there are but few of its relatives
that excel it in beauty, hardiness, or
freedom of bloom. As to its free-flower-
ing qualities, suffice it to say that three
Lilium longiflorum Harrisi.
them alone or in combination with other
plants. Similar to L. longiflorum are
L. neilgherrense, philippinense, Walli-
chianum, and nepalense, but none is
hardy and all are poor and unsatisfactory,
except, perhaps, for the greenhouse.
L. Martagon (Turtfs-cap Lily].— This
is so common that we need only mention
its varieties. These are very fine, especi-
ally dalmaticum, which has flowers larger
than the type and of a shining blackish-
purple, a contrast to the loveliness of the
pure white variety (album). Cattanias is
a form of dalmaticum and scarcely differs
from it. Like the type, the varieties
bulbs in my garden after being planted as
many years ago gave me no less than 167
blooms, two of the stems carrying forty-
two and forty-nine blooms. Even in the
summer immediately after planting the
Lilies sent up forty blooms. This I
attribute to their being moved early in
September, for if planted late in the year,
most of the Martagon section refuse to
bloom in the ensuing summer. I find
that this Lily does best in good deep soil
enriched with leaf-mould, and without
manure or sand. As the above-mentioned
soil suits such plants as Anemone sylves-
tris and Lily of the Valley to perfection,
LII.IUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LILIUM.
639
I have carpeted the ground with them,
and they serve to keep the soil cool
during the summer, while in May they
furnish me with countless flowers."
L. monadelphum is a magnificent Lily
of noble growth. The stout flower-stems
vary from 3 to 5 ft. in height, and are
terminated by a pyramid of six to twenty
turban-shaped flowers, ranging in colour
from a rich canary-yellow to a pale lemon-
yellow. Some forms have spotted flowers,
and some are much larger than others.
The varieties are known as L. Szovitzi-
anum, colchicum, and Loddigesianum.
L. monadelphum thrives best in moist
deep loamy soil, well enriched with good
manure at the time of planting ; but does
not show its true character till it has
been planted several years. It rarely
fails, and is one of the least disappointing
of all. It may be readily increased from
root-scales, a fact which is taken advantage
•of by many cultivators, and is the only
method of increasing and keeping pure
any really good or marked variety. Seed
is, however, the readiest way of acquiring
.a stock of this truly charming plant. The
seeds are usually sown in large shallow
pans as soon as ripe, and remain there
for two years, by which time the bulbs
have attained a considerable size ; they
•are then planted in beds in rows 6 in.
.apart, with 4 in. between the bulbs, re-
planting when necessary. By this treat-
ment flowers are frequently produced by
seedling plants four or five vears after
sowing.
L. Parryi is a new and distinct species
from California. It is of elegant slender
growth, and 2 to 4 ft. high, bearing grace-
Lilium monadelphum, var. Szovitzianum.
ful trumpet-shaped flowers of rich yellow,
copiously spotted with chocolate-red, and
delicately perfumed. The flowers being
borne horizontally, render it very distinct.
It grows in elevated districts in South
California, in boggy ground. Not much
640 LILIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LILIUM.
is known of its culture, but the finest
plants have been produced where the soil
was two thirds common peat and one
third loam, with plenty of coarse sand.
A bed in a shady spot was selected, in
which the bulbs were placed at a depth
of 4 in., having underneath about I ft. of
the soil. Here the strongest bulbs threw
up stems 4 ft. in height, and the greatest
number of blossoms on one stem for the
first season was six.
L. pardaliniim (Panther Lily}. — One
of the handsomest of the Californian
Lilies, and one of the most valuable for
English gardens, as it makes itself
thoroughly at home in them and grows
as vigorously as in its native habitat. It
Lilium Parryi.
is 6 to 8 ft. high, and has large drooping
flowers of bright orange, spotted with
maroon. There are several varieties, the
most distinct being — Bourgaei, one of the
finest, having stout stems 6 to 7 ft. high,
with twelve to twenty flowers of bright
crimson, shading to orange, and freely
spotted with maroon, and blooming a
fortnight later than any other ; pallida, a
dwarf variety, scarcely 5 ft. high, bears
flowers nearly double the size of the type,
and paler in colour ; californicum, a more
slender variety, 3 to 4 ft. high, and the
brightest in colour ; pallidifolium (pube-
rulum), a small form, with lighter flowers ;
and Robinsoni, a robust variety, with
stout stems 7 to 8 ft. high, and with
massive foliage, large flowers of a bright
vermilion shading to yellow, and freely
spotted. This last is the noblest, and
should be grown if possible. The Panther
Lily is one of the most satisfactory of all
Lilies ; it has a strong constitution, in-
creases rapidly, soon becomes establishedr
and rarely pines away, as many kinds do.
It likes a deep, light, good soil, enriched
with plenty of decayed manure and leaf-
soil, where the roots can receive ample
moisture. It should always be in a
sheltered position, like the sunny side of
a bold group of shrubs or low trees. In
a special bed the near shelter of hedges
is desirable, though their roots should be
kept away. Bare borders are not the
places where this noble Lily does or looks
best — there is no shelter or support for
plants which in their own
country have many shrubs
for companions and are
sheltered by the finest
trees of the northern
world.
L. polyphyllum. — A
rare and beautiful Lilyr
2 to 4 ft. high, and hav-
HL ing large turban-shaped
flowers of a waxy-white,
"'= copiously spotted and
lined with purple. North
India. Mr. M'Intosh of
Duneevan, Weybridge,
who has been most suc-
cessful with it, writes :
" Sandy loam, peat or leaf-
mould, sand, and char-
coal, with a slight ad-
mixture of pulverised
horse - droppings, and
good drainage under the
bulbs, are all I have to
• tell ; and I think early
staking and tying may
have something to do with
many growing taller than they otherwise
might."
L. pomponium.— This lovely Lily must
not be confounded with the L. pomponium
usually sold as such, this latter being
simply the red variety of L. pyrenaicum.
L. pomponium is elegant and vigorous,
and blooms earlier than the varieties of
chalcedonicum and pyrenaicum, to which
it is related. It is about 3 ft. high, is
erect, and has long linear leaves. The
flowers appear in a lax raceme i ft.
through, and a well-established plant will
bear as many as twenty flowers. In rich
loam it grows luxuriantly in sunshine or
shade, and no difficulty is experienced
with either home-grown or imported roots.
Maritime Alps. L. pyrenaicum, a similar
but smaller plant, with small yellow
LILIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LILIUM.
641
flowers, is a variety of L. pomponium,
and the red form is much inferior to the
true L. pomponium, though generally sold
for it. These varieties require the same
culture as L. pomponium. L. pomponium
has an extremely offensive odour, and is
not, therefore, likely to be used for cutting.
L. speciosum, or lancifolium as it is
erroneously called, is one of the most
popular for pot-culture, and is no less
desirable for the open air, though, being
somewhat delicate, it is grown to per-
fection under glass. It is well known,
and we need not describe it, but we will
mention the chief varieties. There is the
true speciosum, which has large deep rosy
blossoms, richly spotted ; vestale, pure
white ; album, white or faintly tinged with
pink ; rubrum, deep red ; roseum, rosy-
pink ; punctatum, white spotted with
pink ; Krastzeri, very large white flowers
with greenish stripe on the exterior ;
album novum, a somewhat finer variety
with light orange anthers, and broader
petals of great substance ; fasciatum
album and fasciatum rubrum, two
monstrous varieties bearing numerous
flowers on flattened stems. Among the
more beautiful Japanese forms are roseum,
superbum, and formosum, and rubrum
macranthum, cruentum, compactum, and,
darkest of all, Melpomene (not the Ameri-
can Melpomene). In this group must also
be included the fine L. Henryi, an orange-
coloured speciosum, first sent to this country
by Dr. Henry from Central China, and ap-
propriately named after him. It is a strong
grower, perfectly hardy, and from its
unique tint and bold growth a grand
acquisition to our gardens. Other fine
varieties have originated in America, and
.among these Melpomene is very distinct.
The beautiful hybrid, Mrs. A. Waterer, is
large, white, and spotted with pink. All
the varieties require shelter from winds
and draughts, and a rich loamy soil
mixed with peat and leaf-manure. They
flower for the most part in September,
and last longer in bloom than many
other Lilies. In good soils, very happy
use can be made of these handsome Lilies
in warm and sheltered places where their
blooms may be fully developed.
L. superbum (Swamp Lily}. — One of
the stateliest of N. American Lilies,
bearing late in summer beautiful orange-
red flowers, thickly spotted. It may be
recognised at once by its purple-tinged
stems, which rise 5 to 10 ft. high, and
which are very graceful, waving with the
slightest breeze. A pyramid of flowers ter-
minates each stem. L. superbum delights
in moist deep soil consisting chiefly of
peaty and decayed leaf-manure, and
is one of the best Lilies for growing in
shady woods when the undergrowth is
not too rank. In the garden it should
have snug glades and nooks protected by
shrubs, and moist rich soil. L. caro-
linianum is a less showy form.
L. tenuifolium.— A most elegant dwarf
Lily, especially valuable for earliness in
flowering. It is i to i^ ft. high, and has
narrow leaves on slender stems, furnished
with a cluster of about a dozen brilliant
red turban-shaped flowers, which shine
like sealing-wax. It succeeds in open
warm borders of light sandy loam, but is
all the better for a hand-light or frame, as
it flowers very early. Siberia and N.
China. L. callosum and its form, steno-
phyllum, are similar but less showy.
L. testaceum (Nankeen Lily}.— This
is a distinct-coloured Lily, and should
always be grown, being of easy culture
agutf*
Lilium testaceum.
and thriving in any ordinary soil, though
preferring one that is peaty. It has the
growth of the white L. candidum, but the
flowers are a delicate apricot, or nankeen,
colour. When well grown it is 6 or 7 ft,
high, and bears several flowers in a large
head. Other names for this Lily are
L. excelsum and isabellinum. It is
one of the plants that grow freely in
London.
L. tigrinum (Tiger Lily}. — This is one
of the commonest kinds, and is too well
known to need description. No garden
should be without it, for few plants are so
attractive or have such stately growth.
The common kind is handsome, but the
variety splendens is much finer, having
larger flowers with larger spots, is pro-
duced later, and grows 7 ft. high. For-
tunei is an early form and as desirable as
T T
642 LIMNANTHEMUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LINARIA.
splendens. The double-flowered variety
(rlore-pleno) is showy and vigorous.
Erectum also is distinct and desirable.
L. pseudo-tigrinum and the varieties of
Maximowiczi, though referred to other
species, much resemble L. tigrinum.
The Tiger Lily is very easy of cultivation,
thriving best in deep sandy loam with an
open, but sheltered position. The earliest
varieties begin to flower at the end of
August, and the latest last till the end of
October. The Tiger Lily may be quickly
propagated by the bulblets, which form in
the axils of the leaves.
L. Washingtonianum. — A lovely Cali-
fornian Lily, 2 to 5 ft. high, bearing a
cluster of large, white, purple - spotted
flowers that become tinged with purple
after expansion. Nearly allied to this,
and by some considered a variety, is L.
rubescens, which has smaller flowers
which are of a pale lilac or nearly white.
These flowers are erect — not horizontal,
as in the Washington Lily. Neither L.
Washingtonianum nor L. rubescens is
easy to grow, owing, probably, to their
being but little understood at present.
The best results have been obtained in
partially-shaded situations, in loose, peaty,
well-drained, but moist soil.
Known species : — Lilium alpinum, Hungary ;
auratum, Japan ; bolanderi, California ; bulbijerum,
S. Europe ; callosiim, Japan ; canadense, N. America ;
candidum, S. Europe ; carniolicum, S. Europe ;
Catesbcei, N. America; chalcedonicum, Carniola ;
columbianum, N. W. America ; cottcolor, China ;
cordifolium, Japan ; croceum, S. Europe ; dauri-
cum, Dahruria ; Davidi, China ; elegans, Japan ; for-
mosissimum ; formosum, Japan ; Fortttnei, do. ; Gle-
/tnz, do. ; Grayi, N.W. America ; Handsoni, Manchuria ;
Hansoni, Japan ; Heldreichii, Greece ; Hookeri,
Himalayas; Humboldtii, California \japonicuiti, Japan;
Jeffersoni ; lancifolium > Japan ; Leichtlinii, do. ; lilia-
cinunt ; longijlorum, Japan ; maculatum, do. ; mari-
timum, California ; mart agon, S. Europe ; medeoloides,
Japan ; monadelphum, Caucasus ; neilgherrense, E.
Indies; nepalense, Himalayas; nitidunt, California; oxy-
petalum, Himalayas \pardalinum, California; Parryi,
do. ; paryum, do. ; persicttm, Persia ; philadelphicum,
N. America ; philippinense, Philippines ; polyphyllum,
Himalayas; pomponium, Siberia; ponticum, Asia
Minor; puberulum, N. America; pulchellujn, Dah-
ruria ; pygtn&um ; pyrenaicum, Pyrenees ; recurvum ;
roseum, E. Indies ; rubescens, California ; Sieboldi,
Japan; speciosum, do.; snperbum, N. Amer. ; tenui-
folium, Dahruria; testaceum, Japan ; tigrinum, Japan;
Wallichianum, Himalayas ; Washingtonianum, Cali-
fornia.
LIMNANTHEMUM (Fringed Buck-
bean). — L. nymphceoides is a pretty native
water-plant, growing in ponds or slow
streams, with floating leaves, and bright
yellow flowers I in. or more across. One
of the prettiest of floating water plants
flowering for months in the summer and
autumn. Wild in the southern and
eastern counties, and naturalised in other
districts. Division as soon as gathered.
Syn.) Villarsia. Gentian order.
LIMNANTHES.— A vigorous though
dwarf hardy annual, valuable because
so early ; L. Douglasi has yellow and
white flowers, and there is a pure
white variety. Few annuals are hardier,
severe winters not injuring it, and it
requires neither a deep nor a rich soil,
but thrives where the earth is poor as
well as in ordinary garden soil. It often
sows itself on light soils, and gives no
further trouble ; but if wanted for a
special purpose in spring, the seed
should be sown in autumn in boxes
or in the open ground ; for summer-
flowering sow in the spring. Plains of
California and foothills of the Sierra
Nevada.
LIMNOCHARIS.-Z. Humboldti is
an interesting water-plant, in summer
covering the surface with heart-shaped
leaves and soft yellow flowers, for several
months ; it will thrive either in running
or still water, if planted 6 to 9 in. below
the surface, and may also be grown in
tubs sunk in the ground. These tubs
should be about i^ ft. in depth, should be
half-filled with loamy soil, and then filled
up with water. In fountain-basins and
clear, still waters, where the plant is
fully exposed to the sun, it flowers freely
during summer, but it will not survive
out-of-doors in winter, except in the
mildest districts, and unless placed at
least 1 8 in. below the surface. Plants
put out of a warm aquatic house in May
soon begin to grow in the open air in
tanks well exposed to the sun. Division.
Butomaceas.
LINARIA (Toadftax\~-k& interesting
family, which includes some beautiful
garden annuals and perennials, varying
from dwarf alpines to tall coarse plants.
L. alpina {Alpine Toadflax] forms
dense, spreading, dwarf, and silvery tufts,
covered with bluish-violet and intense
orange flowers. It is usually biennial ; but
in favourable spots, both wild and culti-
vated, becomes perennial. It sows itself
freely, being one of the most charming sub-
jects that we can allow to "go wild" in
sandy, gritty, and rather moist earth, or in
chinks in the rock-garden. In moist dis-
tricts it will establish itself even in gravel
walks, is readily increased from seed, which
should be sown in early spring in cold
frames, or in the places where it is to remain
out-of-doors. It is found on moraines and
in t*he debris of the Alps and Pyrenees.
L. antirrhlnifolia.— This elegant little
rock plant forms a very neat spreading
mass about 2 feet across and about 6 to 8
inches high and has the advantage of not
spreading so rapidly as some of its con-
geners, and its bright purple flowers are
produced incessantly during the summer
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LINUM.
643
and autumn. The plant is of the easiest
possible culture, and can be highly re-
commended for the rock-garden.
L. cymbalaria (Ivy-leaved Toadflax]
often drapes walls in a graceful way, and
is grown by cottagers as a window plant,
a common name for it being " Mother of
Thousands." A moist half-shady place
best suits it, and the white variety is even
prettier than the species.
L. dalmatica is a handsome plant,
3 to 5 ft. high, much branched, and in
summer has a profusion of large showy
sulphur-yellow blossoms. It thrives best
in warm places in light well-drained soil,
Linaria antirrhinifolia.
and when once established can be eradi-
cated with difficulty. L. genistaefolia,
which also has yellow flowers, is similar
but inferior.
L. macedonica is a new and distinct
plant, from 2 to 3 ft. high, and throwing
up shoots from the base. It differs from
L. dalmatica in its broader leaves, and is
quite hardy.
L. purpurea is a pretty kind with
spikes of purple flowers, and one oc-
casionally sees it on old walls, as it
thrives well in dry spots.
L. triornithophora is a beautiful plant
when well grown, I to i£ ft. high, and
with large purple long-spurred flowers in
whorls of three. It is rather delicate,
and, though perennial, should be raised
yearly from seed. L. triphylla is similar.
L. vulgaris (Common Toadflax].— This
is well known, and is very pretty as one
sees it growingin wild or neglected gardens,
but is also a good garden plant. The
British variety Peloria is a handsome
Toadflax, flowering freely after mid-
summer in a warm sunny border, and is
effective in a mass.
A few other perennial Linarias that
may be mentioned are L. hepaticaefolia
(Hepatica-leaved Toadflax), from Corsica,
and is nearly always in flower in summer
and autumn ; L. saxatilis, which has dark
brown and yellow flowers ; and L.anticaria,
a good rock-plant, forming little tufts and
sowing itself freely. The finely-veined
flowers are dull white tinged with lilac.
ANNUAL TOADFLAXES.— Some of the
annual species are among our prettiest
border flowers, growing about I ft. high,
and very effective in broad masses. Seed
should be sown in ordinary garden soil
in early spring, and the seedlings will
flower in July and August. The best are
L. reticulata, with small purple flowers ;
the variety, aureo-purpurea, being a
charming plant, with flowers which vary
from rose-purple to dark orange. L.
bipartita is also very variable, the colours
ranging from deep purple to white.
Perezi has small yellow flowers ; whilst
the flowers of maroccana vary from violet
to pink ; and those of multipunctata, the
dwarfest of the group, are black spotted
with yellow.
LINN^EA (Twin Flower}. — A little
evergreen creeper, L. borealis having
slender upright stalks bearing two flowers
each, delicately fragrant white, often tinged
with pink, and drooping. It is usually
found in moist woods, where it forms a
dense carpet and is wrongly supposed
to be difficult to cultivate. Little need
be done beyond planting healthy young
plants in a moist sandy border or rock-
garden. I have often seen it thriving,
where the air was pure and the soil suit-
able ; and it is excellent for a moist rock-
garden, growing rapidly, and forming a
charming fringe to groups of small alpine
shrubs, in cool borders or on cool parts of
the rock-garden. N. Europe, Asia, and
America ; also Scotch mountains.
LINUM (Flax}.— Plants of marked
elegance and lightness of growth, and
including some pretty garden plants.
L. campanula-turn ( Yellow Herbaceous
Flax). — A perennial with yellow flowers
on stems 12 to 18 in. high, distinct
and worthy of a place. A native of the
south of Europe, it flowers in summer,
and flourishes freely in dry soil on the
warm sides of banks or rock-gardens.
Similar to it is L. flavum, or tauricum,
T T 2
644 LI NUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LIQU1DAMBAR.
also a handsome and hardy plant with
yellow flowers ; but L. arboreum, a
shrubby kind, also with yellow flowers,
is not hardy in all districts, though where
it thrives it is a pretty little evergreen
bush for the rock-garden.
L. grandiflonim (Red Flax) is a showy
hardy annual from Algeria, with deep red
blossoms. By successive sowings it may
be had in bloom from May till October.
Seed sown in autumn will give plants for
spring-blooming, and sowings made from
March to June will yield a display through
the summer and autumn. By sowing
seeds in pots in good rich soil in summer,
and plunging in a sunny border with
plenty of water, plants may be obtained
for the greenhouse or window during
October and November. If protected
from frost the plant is perennial.
L. monogynum (New Zealand Flax).
—A beautiful kind with large pure white
blossoms blooming in summer. It grows
about \\ ft. high in good light soil, and
its neat and slender habit renders it particu-
larly pleasing for the borders of the rock-
garden or for pot-culture. It may readily
be increased by seed or division ; it is
hardy in the more temperate parts of
England, but in the colder districts is
said to require some protection. L. can-
didissimum is a finer and hardier variety.
Both are natives of New Zealand.
L. narbonnense (Narbonne Flax). — A
beautiful kind, bearing during summer
many large light sky-blue flowers, with
violet veins, growing best on rich light
soils, and is a fine plant for borders, or
for the lower flanks of the rock-garden,
forming lovely blue masses 15 to 20 in.
high. Southern Europe.
Other similar but inferior blue-flowered
kinds are the common L. perenne, usita-
tissimum, alpinum, sibiricum, alpicola,
coll'mum, and austriacum ; all are hardy
European species, and make pretty border
or rock-garden plants. The white and
rose varieties of L. perenne are pretty
plants.
L. salsoloides ( White Rock Flax] is a
dwarf half-shrubby species, essentially a
rock-garden plant ; its flowers, white
with a purplish eye, reminding one of some
of our creeping white Phloxes. In the
rock-garden, in a well-exposed sunny
nook, the plant is hardy, and trails over
stones, flowering abundantly. It pro-
duces seeds rarely, so that it must be
increased by cuttings of the short shoots
taken off about midsummer ; these will
strike freely, and make vigorous plants
when potted off in the following spring.
Mountains of Europe. L. viscosum with
pink flowers, is a closely allied plant not
so pretty.
The Common Flax, which gives us the
linen fibre, is a pretty annual plant worth
a place for its beauty among annual
flowers.
LIPPIA.— L. nodtfiora is a dwarf
perennial creeper bearing, in summer,
heads of pretty pink blooms. It grows in
any situation or soil, and is a capital plant
for quickly covering bare spaces in the
rock-garden where choicer subjects will
not thrive.
LIQUIDAMBAR (Sweet Guni).-^
very beautiful summer-leafing maple-like
tree from Florida westward to the prairie
States, often reaching 100 feet in height,
the leaves turning an intense deep
purplish red in autumn, fine in effect.
This tree, thriving in wet and marshy
places, is more at home in Great Britain
than some of the American trees in our
clouded country. It would probably
attain a greater stature in river side soil
Liquidambar.
in a warmer country than ours, the best
trees in its native country growing in rich
moist soils. In Northern Britain, and
Northern Europe generally it is some-
what slow and tender. Its name comes
from a resinous gum found between the
bark and wood, exuding from the cracks
of the bark, and having an agreeable
fragrance. This is produced in the
southern and warmer districts of which
the tree is native, and not to the same ex-
tent in northern countries. It is a beautiful
lawn and home-ground tree, but should
be sheltered and in rather deep moist soil.
The leaves are fragrant in spring. It is
best increased from seed, and good seed-
ling plants greatly facilitate its health and
good growth. It is a tree which would
be better grown as a group instead of
depending upon single plants. There
are one or two varieties which, however,
LIRIODEXDROX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LOBELIA.
645
have not proved so useful for our country
as the wild tree.
LIRIODENDBON (Tulip Tree\—L.
tulipiferum is one of the noblest of flower-
ing trees. It is only when the tree has
reached maturity that it bears its beauti-
iodendron tulipiferum.
ful Tulip-like flowers of pale green and
yellow. Young Tulip trees should be
planted on lawns in free or ordinary soils,
as the flowers are very pretty in a cut
state for the house and the tree a beauti-
ful one at all times. N. America.
LITHOSPERMUM (Gromwelt). — A
few of these Borage-worts are pretty and
worth growing. One of the finest is L.
prostratum, a spreading little evergreen
having flowers of a lovely blue, with faint
reddish-violet stripes, in great profusion
when the plant is well grown. It is
hardy, and valuable as a rock-plant from
its prostrate habit and the fine blue of its
flowers — a blue scarcely surpassed by
that of the Gentians. Its shoots may be
allowed to fall down the sunny face of a
rocky nook, or to spread into flat tufts on
level parts of the rock-garden. On dry
sandy soils it forms an excellent border-
plant, and becomes, if the soil be deep
and good, a round spreading mass, i ft.
or more high. In such soils, it is suited
for the margins of beds of choice and
dwarf shrubs, either as a single plant or
in groups. In heavy or wet soil it should
be in the rock-garden, or on banks, and
in sandy earth. It is sometimes grown
as L. fruticosum, but the true L. fruticosum
is a little bush, and not prostrate. Easily
propagated by cuttings. S. Europe.
L. petraeum (Rock Cromwell). — A neat,
dressy, dwarf shrub, something like a
small Lavender bush, with small grayish
leaves like those of the Lavender. Late
in May, or early in June, all the little gray
shoots bear small oblong purplish heads,
and early in July the plant is in full blossom,
the full-blown flowers being a beautiful
violet-blue. The best position for it is in
the rock-garden somewhere near or on a
level with the eye, on a well-drained,
deep, rather dry sandy soil on the sunny
side. Native of dry rocky places in
Dalmatia and Southern Europe. Pro-
pagated by cuttings, or seeds if they can
be obtained.
L. purpureum-cceruleum, a British plant,
L. Gastoni, L. canescens, L. gramini-
folium, L. tinctorium, and L. rosmarini-
folium, are very pretty plants, but coming
Lithospermum prostratum
from sunnier lands than ours are not really
at home in our climate, and for the most
part they can only be grown well on dry
ledges of the rock-garden in the most
favourable districts.
LLOYDIA (Mountain Spider-wort}.—
L serotina is a small bulbous Liliaceous
plant, suitable for the cool parts of the
rock-garden, and not of the showy order of
beauty. It is one of the first flowers the
early visitor to the Alps sees by the
pathway over the high mountains.
LOA8A. — Curious prickly annuals
with singular flowers and stinging foliage.
L. hispida is pretty, growing about 18 in.
high, with deeply-cut foliage and short
stinging hairs, the flowers I in. across, of
a bright lemon-yellow, the centre prettily
marked with green and white. It blos-
soms several weeks in succession during
August and September. The other kinds
in cultivation are the beautiful L. vul-
canica, with its pure white flowers and
red-and- white striped centres ; L. lateritia,
a twining species, with orange-red flowers ;
and L. triloba. All are natives of the
cool regions of Peru and Brazil, and can
be grown in the open air during summer.
Treated as half-hardy annuals, and grown
in a light fertile soil, they are interesting
for open borders ; the climbing species,
such as lateritia, require branches to
twine among. All may be freely raised
from seed.
LOBELIA.— Distinct and much varied
perennials and annuals, some of high
value for the flower garden. The peren-
646 LOBELIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LOBELIA.
nial Lobelias, of which L. splendens
and L. syphilitica may be taken as
types, are amongst the most useful of
autumn flowers. Although fairly hardy,
they are impatient of excessive moisture,
and in most districts require protection
during winter. This may be done by
placing ashes in the shape of a cone over
the crowns, or lifting and storing in a dry
shed or frame. The latter method, though
perhaps more troublesome, is safer, as
the plants are always under control and
easier propagated in spring. By storing
the roots in frames they begin to grow
earlier, and where large stocks are re-
quired it is most convenient. Although
impatient of moisture during the resting
period they revel in it when in active
growth, and where beds can be prepared
in the vicinity of lakes or streams, better
results will be obtained than in the mixed
border or flower beds. In propagating in
early spring they can be divided into
single crowns, and these potted on soon
form sturdy plants ready to plant out on
the approach of warm weather. They
thrive best in a free vegetable soil and
like plenty of sun, unless in the case of L.
cardinalis, which I find thrives best in a
partially- shaded bed. In some districts
with light soils and often near the sea
these plants do not require protection in
winter.
L. cardinalis (Cardinal Flower}. — The
true plant is one of the rarest and one of
the prettiest of the genus. The brilliant
effect produced in autumn by tufts of this
species well repays any trouble it may
give, for though by no means fastidious,
the difficulty of growing it well in small
gardens in the absence of shade and
moisture is great. It is a bog-loving
plant, being found in wet ground in
Brunswick, Florida, and the borders of
Texas, and is not very hardy. It is, how-
ever, a true perennial, although maybe a
short-lived one, and should be frequently
raised from seed to make sure of keeping
up the stock. This species is not so
liable to disease as L. splendens and its
varieties. Grown on an ordinary border,
it invariably has a weak, stunted appear-
ance, but in a free rich soil, in a shady
position and well supplied with moisture,
I have often seen it 3 to 4^ ft. high and
flowering profusely. The flowers are of
the most vivid scarlet, and as they last a
long time in bloom it well deserves care.
So far as I know, there are no varieties
of this species in cultivation. Dr. Gray
mentions its varying to rose colour and
even white, but this, it seems, is rare.
Parkinson mentions it as " cherished in
our garden in 1629," and gives it as
" growing near the river of Canada where
the French plantation in America is
seated." It is hardier than L. fulgens,
living through the winter in open beds
and with little or no protection. Its
leaves are shorter and greener than
The scarlet Lobelia.
those of L. fulgens ; the flowers, too, are
smaller, but more numerous on the spikes,
and of a vivid scarlet colour on spikes
from 2 to 3 ft. in height.
L. Gerardi is a hybrid raised by
Messieurs Chabanne and Goujon from
that superb variety of L. cardinalis named
Queen Victoria, the seed parent being an
improved variety of L. syphilitica, with
taller and more robust flowering stems
than those of the typical species. The
raisers named the hybrid in compliment
to Mons. Gerard, director of the botanical
LOBELIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LOBELIA.
647
collections in the park of Tete d'Or, under
whose supervision the experiments and
culture were carried on.
Lobelia Gerardi is a vigorous growing
and very continuous flowering plant. Be-
fore the flowering stems make their ap-
pearance it forms a rosette of leaves of a
very pure green colour, and resembling
the rosette of the wild Chicory. The
running roots are abundantly furnished
with fibres. When fully grown the plant
attains a height of 4 to 5 feet ; the strong-
est flowering stems are as thick as one's
thumb at the base, and branch with from
twelve to fifteen clusters of fine broad
flowers, which all bloom together, the
whole forming a compact, rigid pyramid
needing no stake or prop to support it.
All parts of the stems and leaves have lost
the reddish tint of the Queen Victoria and
also the somewhat glaucous hue of L.
syphilitica, and are of a fine green colour ;
the calyx, however, is slightly reddish and
ciliated on the margin of the sepals.
L. splendens.— This species is also
called L. fulgens, and is a brilliant and
precious plant for the flower garden. Its
leaves are long and narrow, and the
flower-stalks taller and thicker than those
of L. cardinalis, the flowers larger with
broad over-lapping petals. The best
known, and a handsome form of this,
bears the name Queen Victoria. Its
leaves are a deep purple colour, and the
flowers a brilliant crimson-red. Firefly
is the handsomest variety in this section,
and was raised in Ireland. In good rich
soil it attains to a height of 5 ft., whilst in
colour the flowers are intensely vivid and
rich. A merit of this kind is that it bears
lateral flower-spikes around the central
one much more freely than Queen Victoria,
and these keep up a succession of bloom
after the leading spike is past its best.
Huntsman is another variety, brighter in
colour than Firefly. Sir R. Napier, Rob j
Roy, and other varieties have been
obtained from it. These vary in colour
and habit very much, and as they are all
robust, free-flowering plants, they are valu-
able in the autumn garden, giving brilliant
effects until cut down by frost. The j
variety ignea has broader leaves and
larger flowers.
This Lobelia suffers from a kind of
rust, which fastens on the main fleshy roots
when the plants are at rest, and rots
them. This disease, working as it does
at a time when growth is at a standstill,
is not perceived in time to be checked,
and makes its appearance towards the
-end of October or the beginning of
November, especially if the weather be
cold and wet. The plants should then
be carefully taken up, reserving as
much of the roots as possible, the soil
being shaken off, and the roots well
washed. The disease will be readily dis-
covered by its rusty-looking spots, which
must be cut out with a sharp knife, as the
lea§t portion will suffice to destroy the
plant. After the plants are examined
they may be potted or laid in a frame in
some free sandy soil, and very fine speci-
mens may be obtained by potting and
plunging in a slight bottom-heat, keeping
the top quite cool. In about a fortnight
they will have made fresh fibre, and all
danger will be past. They may then be
kept in a cold frame during the winter,
and planted out where desired in spring.
The bottom-heat, however, is not indis-
pensable,; for they will succeed if carefully
and sparingly watered after potting. All
the plants of the fulgens "group show
their great beauty only on peaty or deep
leafy and moist soils ; often on loamy
soils the growth is short and weak, the
flowers poor, and under such conditions
they may not be worth growing.
L. syphilitica. — A variable species, not
very showy, hardy and robust in free
moist soils, it stands our winters well,
and is prolific in varieties of violet and
purple, varying to rose and white. L.
hybrida of gardens appears to be a hybrid
between L. splendens and L. syphilitica,
though this is uncertain. Its fine rich violet,
purple flowers mark it out for special dis-
tinction. It is valuable for grouping in
the flower garden or mixed border, and is
one of the hardiest of the hardy Lobelias.
It may be left out during winter with
safety, and can be lifted, divided, and
replanted in spring. The leaves are
almost as broad as those of L. cardinalis,
glandular, hairy, and with the long sepals
and hairs of L. syphilitica.
L. Tupa. — This is also known as Tupa
Fuelli, and although a native of Chili,
will be found to stand well in the south
protected with sifted ashes, gravel, or
other loose material in autumn. It is
best, however, against a south wall or
in front of a house, and when doing well
often attains a height of 6 to 8 ft. ; the
flowers large, brick-red, in large racemes,
from July to September. L. Cavanilles
is said to be amenable to the same treat-
ment as above. In deep free soils near
the sea L. Tupa is sometimes a very
distinct and handsome plant, and is best
fitted for borders among large plants or
for a warm corner among shrubs.
L. Erinus.— The dwarf section of
annual Lobelia is one of the most im-
648 LOBELIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LOXICERA.
tant, being much used among half-hardy
Iding plants. The chief points to
portant,
bed(
start with are good soil and well-grown
established plants. The soil should be
light and rich, and rest on a dry bottom
perfectly drained. On a porous bottom
it may be plentifully watered during a dry
time in summer without fear of injuring
the roots. The roots cannot make way,
nor can the plants thrive in a strong ad-
hesive soil of clay or heavy loam, and if
the soil be heavy, it must be lightened by
a plentiful addition of leaf-mould, sand, or
peat. This Lobelia thrives admirably in
equal parts of some sandy loam and leaf-
mould with a sand to keep it open.
Charcoal dust and peat form good ad-
ditions to loam, as also does spent manure
from Mushroom beds. A slight mulching
of one-year-old sifted hot-bed manure will
be found useful for keeping out the drought
and nourishing the roots through a dry
season. One of the difficulties in carrying
dwarf Lobelias in full beauty through the
season is the freedom with which they
seed, and the moment the flowers fade they
should be picked off every week through-
out the season. Dwarf Lobelias may be
propagated by seeds or cuttings, or by
lifting the plant, potting it, and placing it
in a gentle bottom-heat until established ;
then setting it on a light airy greenhouse
or forcing-house shelf, when it may be in-
creased by cuttings and root-division in
the spring. Increase by cuttings, and
potting a few old plants in autumn, is the
best method of preserving and increasing
special varieties. They strike freely in a
brisk heat in a moist pit or frame in spring.
The cuttings should be potted by the end
of May in the same way as seedlings sown
in heat in September, October, or February.
Those who want early Lobelias from seed
should sow in the autumn, and prick the
seedlings off in boxes or pans, or shift
them into 2^-in. pots before winter ; store
them on shelves near the light, and well
exposed to air ; shift them again in March
into 6-in. pots of equal parts of leaf-mould
and loam, and they will be perfect for
planting by the end of May. Spring-sown
seedlings may go into smaller pots, and be
planted rather more closely, but will not
flower so early nor so well. On the whole,
autumnal propagation, by cuttings or seeds,
is preferable to sowing in spring.
The varieties are numerous, and it is
difficult to make a selection to suit every
locality. L. Erinus is divided into five
sections — viz. compacta, of which there is
a white form ; speciosa, of which the best
are Blue Stone, Ebor, Blue Beauty,
Emperor William, Blue King, Lustrous,
Brilliant ; ramosoides ; pumila, of which
grandiflora and magnifica are fine forms, as
is also the pure white Mrs. Murphy ; and
Paxtoniana, which is a lovely blue. The
double variety is also beautiful where it
succeeds but it is hardly to be depended
upon. Sometimes it forms a sheet of
bloom, and at others the shoots run up
through it, as it were, and prevent it from
blooming, giving it the appearance of tufts
of Grass.
Other dwarf Lobelias are ramosa, with
large light-blue flowers, and coronopifolia,
also with large blue flowers. Both are
half-hardy annuals, requiring the same
treatment as L. Erinus. L. ilicifolia is
another dwarf trailing species, a native
of the Cape, and is best suited for grow-
ing in suspended pots in greenhouses,
though in some localities it succeeds as a
rock-garden plant.
LOISELEURIA.— A wiry little shrub,
L.flroatm fans, growing close to the ground,
the plants forming tufts with small reddish
flowers in spring. Its bloom is never at-
tractive, and the plants transferred to
gardens from the mountains usually perish,
because perhaps the strongest specimens
are selected instead of the younger ones
Its true home is the rock-garden, and it
prefers deep sandy peat. Heath Order.
Arctic and alpine Europe and Asia and
higher Scottish mountains. Syn. Azalea
procumbens.
LOMABIA. — Ferns, for the most part
tropical, and requiring artificial heat ; but
in mild parts two or three thrive in the
open air. L. alpina, a native of New
Zealand, is dwarf and produces, from a
creeping rhizome, abundance of dark
shining green fronds, 4 to 6 in. in height.
It is specially adapted for the rock-garden,
should receive similar treatment to the
Ceterach (to which it forms a charming
companion), and should, like it, be as-
sociated with Sedums and alpine plants.
L. crenulata is similar, but not quite so
hardy, though it succeeds in the mildest
localities, as will also the Chili L. chilensis,
a Tree Fern of noble growth. These
Ferns should be placed in the snuggest
quarters of the hardy fernery, and care
should be taken to protect them during
severe cold.
LONICEEA (Honeysuckle).— QiriM&A
and fragrant woody climbers and bushes
precious for gardens. The Twining
Honeysuckles form a distinct group
of species with whorled clusters of
flowers terminating the young shoots.
The Erect-growing or Bush Honeysuckles
have the flowers axillary and generally
in pairs. Among the twining species
LONICERA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LONICERA. 649
there are a few that have axillary flowers,
and of these Lonicera japonica is a
typical example, while the commonest
example of the Bush Honeysuckles is
the Tartarian Honeysuckle.
They all flourish best in a light rich soil
in a fully-exposed sunny position. It is a
mistake to plant Honeysuckles at the base
of shady trees and expect them to climb
up and produce crops of flowers as they
do when in the open. Honeysuckles
naturally delight to twine upon other
plants, but in shade they do not flower.
One often sees a thicket overrun with
common Honeysuckle, but until the trees
have been cut the Honeysuckle does not
flower so well. It loves to ramble over a
hedge, as we see it by the wayside, and in
the garden one can make various hedge
combinations with it and some other
hedge plants, such as Sweet Brier and
Holly. To cultivate Honeysuckles to
perfection, they should not be planted
near any other living shrub, but should
be supported by a dead tree trunk or
trellis, as then the Honeysuckle gets all
the food from the soil. This is why one
sees plants of Honeysuckle on a wire
trellis bearing much finer blooms than is
the case when growing over trees or
hedges. A good plan is to plant some
in good soil against wooden posts at
distances of 12 ft. apart, and when they
have reached the top of the posts to
connect them by a festooning chain from
post to post, as Roses and Clematises are
often done.
Some attention is required in pruning,
especially the European and American
deciduous species. The old stems should
be cut away so as to encourage new ones,
otherwise if allowed to go unpruned the
plants die out. The Japanese Honey-
suckles are more vigorous, and only
require pruning to keep them in check.
This is especially the case with L. japonica
and its variegated form, which soon form
an impenetrable mass of shoots, and that
is why they should not be grown on an
arbour or over a walk, as owing to the
dense shade the under side becomes full
of dead leaves and shoots. The Dutch
and similar growing kinds are best suited
for arbours.
L. Caprifolium ( The Goats-leaf Honey-
suckle] is a common plant, but not a true
native, though it occurs occasionally in a
naturalised state. The flowers, borne in
clusters, have long tubes, yellowish and
blush tinted, and very fragrant, coming in
May and June, succeeded in autumn by
yellowish berries. It is a robust, twiner,
and grows wild in chalky districts in
hedges and woods. There are numerous
recorded names of varieties of this
Honeysuckle, among them being rubella,
pallida, verna, villosa, atrosanguinea, and
Magnevillei. The last-named is one of
the most distinct.
L. confusa of De Candolle is the
beautiful Honeysuckle that is grown
under the name of L. Halleana. A
slender plant with long twining branches,,
the leaves are ovate and not pinnatifid,.
as in L. japonica, deep green, with
not such a ruddy tinge as in L. japonica,.
neither is there a variegated form. The
flowers are in pairs from the axils of the
leaves on the tips of the young shoots,,
pure white when first expanded, changing
to yellow, and this is the character that
makes the plant so beautiful apart from
its fragrance and free flowering. It
flowers throughout the summer, and its
lithe, slender stems will soon reach the
top of a wall or tree stump.
L. flava (also named L. Fraseri in
collections) is a moderate climber, with
broad ovate leaves, pale green beneath,,
and terminal clusters of flowers, bright
rich yellow fading to a deeper shade, and
delightfully fragrant. It grows most
luxuriantly in the more Southern States,,
and hence is best when planted against a
sunny wall in this country.
L. ' flexuosa.— Out of flower this re-
sembles L. confusa, but the leaves, though
ovate and of a ruddy tinge, show no in-
clination to become pinnatifid or sinuated.
The flowers are tubular, reddish outside,,
whitish inside, and fragrant. At midsum-
mer it produces quite a mass of sweet-
scented blossoms and continues for a long
time in bloom.
L. grata (The American Woodbine]. —
This is a vigorous grower, having broad
glaucous leaves (almost evergreen). The
flowers are in clus-
ters, whitish, with a
purple tube fading
to a yellowish
shade, and fragrant.
It flowers in May,
and grows wild in
rocky woodlands in
the New England
States.
L. japonica
{Japan Honey-
suckle].— This is as
hardy as the com-
mon Honeysuckle,
and retains its foli-
age during winter.
It may be distinguished from the other
two Japanese species by its slender
Loni
cera japonica.
650 LONICERA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LONICERA.
growth, deep green shining leaves, which
have a marked tendency to vary from the
normal ovate form to a pinnatifid or Oak-
leaved form, and this tendency is most
marked in the varieties named hetero-
phylla and diversifolia, though at all
seasons it is evident in the true plant.
Syns : Brachypoda, chinensis, aureo-
reticulata, and many others.
L. Periclymenum (Honeysuckle: Wood-
bine}.—^ native of the middle of Europe
and northwards, and is a true native in
England, where it is generally seen in
hedgerows and thickets. Numerous varie-
Lonicera periclymenum (Honeysuckle).
The flowers of L. japonica are in pairs on
the tips of the young shoots, tubular,
slender, white tinged with red, and frag-
rant, from midsummer till the beginning
of autumn. Being hardy, there is no need
to protect by a wall, but it is generally
seen, especially the variegated form
aureo-reticulata, as a wall-covering.
ties of this species have sprung up either
wild or under cultivation. Some differ in
regard to colour of flowers, others in time
of flowering, and these are the most im-
portant. The wild form flowers about
midsummer, according to the season, but
the variety serotina continues to flower
till autumn, and is known as the Late
LONICERA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LUPINUS.
65I
Dutch Honeysuckle, as its flowers are
decidedly redder than those of the type.
Another variety, belgica, is popularly
known as the Dutch Honeysuckle, as
distinguished from the Late Dutch, and it
is a stronger growing plant than the type.
Its branches are purplish and its flowers
are reddish outside, yellowish within.
L. semperflorens is probably a variety
of Peridymemim, though Koch places it
as a variety of the allied species L. etrusca.
The Oak-leaved Honeysuckle (querci-
folia] is a variety of the common form,
having leaves sinuated like those of the
Oak.
L. sempervirens (Trumpet Honey-
suckle] the most beautiful Honeysuckle
that has come to us from America, both
for the greenhouse and the open garden,
where it flour-
ishes well in
the southern
counties, and
none of the
Honeysuckles
have such bril-
liant flowers.
It is a robust-
growing clim-
ber, quite ever-
green when
protected.
From the be-
ginning of
summer till the
end it bears
loose clusters
of long, tubular flowers, which are scarlet
outside, yellow within. It is best against
a warm wall in the cooler parts of the
country. There are several named varie-
ties of this plant but not very distinct—
W. G.
L. fragrantissima (The Winter
Honeysuckle}. — Among the earliest of
all hardy shrubs whose flowers greet the
new year are this species and its close
ally, L. Standishi. Neither of them can
be called showy, yet they are both well
worth growing, because their flowers,
although small, are abundant, and have
besides a fine fragrance. L. fragrantis-
sima is one of Fortune's introductions
from China. It is a deciduous shrub (not
evergreen, as the books so frequently have
it), of low spreading growth, with short
leaves, which, except when young, are
nearly or quite devoid of hairs (L. Stan-
dishi, on the other hand, has hairy ciliated
leaves). The flowers are in several pairs
from the joints of last year's wood, and
they are creamy white or pale yellow.
This Honeysuckle is useful for early
Lonicera sempervirens.
forcing, a few plants in flower filling the
greenhouse with their fragrance. In the
open it likes a sunny, sheltered spot, not
because it is tender, but because it blooms
more freely, and the flowers, appearing
as they do in these inclement January
days, deserve all the protection that can
be conveniently given them.— B.
LOPHOSPERMUM.— L.scandens\* a
tender climber with long slender stems,
pale green hairy leaves, and large pink
flowers. It thrives in the open air in sum-
mer, and is a beautiful plant for festooning
old stumps, or for trailing over dead
branches placed against a warm south
wall. It may be easily raised from seed in
heat in early spring or autumn and kept
through the winter, but the best plan is to
lift the plants in autumn and to winter
them in a greenhouse.
LOTUS (Bird's-foot Trefoil}.— Trail-
ing or half shrubby herbs, the one
best worth growing being the native
L. corniculatus, which occurs in almost
every meadow, or pasture, forming tufts
of yellow flowers with the upper part
often red on the outside. Though so
common, it is worthy of a place in the
garden. The double-flowered variety is
the best, as the flowers continue longer
in perfection. L. creticus, maroccanus,
sericeus, are found in botanical gardens,
but are not so pretty. L. Jacobaeus, a
tender species with almost black flowers,
succeeds in the open air in summer, and
is all the better for planting out. The
Lotus is best planted so that its shoots
may fall in long and dense tufts over the
face of stones.
LUNARIA (Honesty]. — When well
grown this old-fashioned plant L. biennis
is beautiful, not only on account of its fra-
grant purple blossoms, but from the silvery
flat seed-pods that succeed them. In
borders, on the margins of shrubberies,
and in half-shady situations, it is effective
in April and May, in any ordinary light
garden soil. Honesty is charming in a
semi-wild state on chalky or dry banks
and in open bushy places. Seed should
be sown every spring, and the plants
should be thinned out during growth in
order to make good ones for the next
year. L. rediviva is a perennial similar
to the Honesty, but with larger and more
showy flowers. It is 2 or 3 ft. high, and
flowers in early summer, doing best in
half-shady borders of good light soil.
Division or seed. Mountain woods of
Europe. Cruciferae.
LUPINUS (Lupine]. — Beautiful an-
nuals, biennials, and perennials, chiefly
from N. America. The species in culti-
652
LUPIN US.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LUPINUS.
ration are few, though the names occur-
ring in catalogues are numerous. The
best of the perennials are —
L. arboreus ( Tree Lupine).— A precious
plant for dry soils and rough rocky banks
or slopes, the scent of a single bush
reminding one of a field of Beans. Its
purplish variety is good, though not
nearly so valuable, and there are some
inferior yellowish varieties. The best
variety is the yellow, because while there
are good blue perennial Lupines, there is
no other good yellow. It forms a roundish
bush, 2 to 4 ft. high, and is easily raised
Lunaria biennis (seed vessels of Honesty).
from seed; handsome forms are increased
from cuttings. It may be killed in severe
winters, but is worth raising from time to
time where the soil suits it.
L. polyphyllus, one of the handsomest
hardy plants, 3 to 6 ft. high, with tall
flower-spikes crowded with blossoms,
varying from blue and purple to reddish-
purple and white ; in summer thriving in
open positions in any kind of garden soil.
It is a fine plant for naturalising, as it
holds its own against stout weeds. The
principal varieties are argenteus, flexuosus,
laxiflorus, Lachmanni, rivularis, and
grandiflorus. N.America. Division: seeds.
L. nootkatensis is a dwarfer species,
and has large spikes of blue and white
blossoms. It flowers earlier than L.
polyphyllus, and continues in bloom for a
long time, but it is not a good perennial,
and requires to be frequently raised from
seeds. N. W. America.
ANNUAL LUPINES are among the most
beautiful of hardy annuals, extremely
varied in colour, and of the simplest
culture. As they grow quickly, they need
not be sown till about the middle of
April. They thrive in any common soil.
L. sub-carnosus is a beautiful ultramarine
blue, and should always be grown. L.
hybridus atrococcineus is the finest of all,
Lupinus polyphyllus
having long and graceful spikes of flowers
of a bright crimson-scarlet, with white
tips. Other excellent sorts are mutabilis,
Cruikshanki, Menziesi, luteus, superbus,
pubescens, Hartwegi, and the varieties of
Dunnetti. Many other sorts are so much
alike that they are not worth separating.
LUZURIAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LYCHNIS.
653
The smaller annual Lupines are very
pretty, and could be charmingly us.ed to
precede late-blooming and taller plants.
LUZURIAGA. —L. radiums is a small
Liliaceous evergreen from Chili almost
hardy in the mildest localities, though even
Lupinus arboreus.
in these it does not hrive so well as in a
cool house. It is wortny of a trial in a cool
bed of peat, on the north side of the rock-
garden, among the larger alpine shrubs.
LYCHNIS (Campion).— Plants of the
Pink family, among which are a few well
suited for the garden. All are perennial.
L. alpina is a diminutive form of L.
Viscaria, the tufts being seldom more than
a few inches high and not clammy. In
cultivation it is pretty and interesting, if
not brilliant, and may be grown without
difficulty in the rock-garden, or in rather
moist, sandy soil. A British plant.
L. chalcedpnica.— An old border plant,
i£ to 4 ft. high, with large dense heads
of brilliant scarlet flowers, and of easy
culture in any good ordinary soil. There
is a handsome double scarlet variety.
The double white and single white kinds
are less desirable. Division.
L. diurna. — The double deep purple-red
sort of this common native plant is very de-
sirable, being very hardy and very showy,
and never failing in any soil to produce
a fine crop of bloom in early summer.
There are two double red varieties of
L. Flos-cuculi (Ragged Robin), pretty
border plants. Division.
L. grandiflora. — A handsome plant,
typical of the numerous varieties now in
cultivation under the names of Bungeana,
and others which grow i to 2 ft. high, and
bear flowers in a cluster of a dozen or so,
each flower being i to 2 in. across, fringed
at the edges, and varying from vivid
scarlet to deep crimson, and from pink to
white. If exposed to strong sun the
colour of the flowers soon fades, but in a
partially-shaded place they retain their
true colour for a considerable time.
They are good border flowers, thriving in
warm sheltered situations in light soil, for
though quite hardy they are apt to suffer
from moisture and cold. They are greatly
benefited by frequent transplanting, say
every other year. All the varieties may
be raised by seeds or from cuttings. L.
fulgens, a Siberian plant, is similar to the
forms of L. grandiflora.
L. Haageana is a reputed hybrid
between L. fulgens and L. coronata or
grandiflora. It is one of the best of this
valuable group of border plants, in itself
extremely variable, affording nearly every
shade of colour, from the brightest scarlet
to white. The flowers are large, of good
substance, and produced in the greatest
Double Ragged Robin.
profusion all through the summer months ;
indeed, as a permanent "bedder" we have
rarely seen its equal. Where it can be
managed, a partially shady spot should be
chosen for the most brilliantly coloured
forms, as the flowers fade somewhat when
exposed to bright sunshine. Apart from
this they will be found to grow more
strongly, and continue longer in beauty in
654
LYCIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
LYONIA.
a cool spot. The plants vary in height
considerably, and this should be taken
into account when choosing for permanent
bedding use. The variety called hybrida
is a veritable gem, dwarf, compact, and
giving an abundance of prettily fringed,
vivid scarlet flowers. The colours seem
fixed, and we have now good distinct
scarlet, crimson, pink, salmon, and several
white forms, all worthy of attention, and
suitable as substitutes for Geraniums in
summer bedding. They can be increased
with the greatest ease either by cuttings,
division, or when in quest of new forms
by seed, which is best sown as soon as
ripe in boxes and placed in a cold frame.
The seedlings by the end of May will be
ready to plant in their permanent quarters.
They may almost be treated as annuals
or biennials, especially in heavy soils,
where the hopes of their living through
severe winter in northern counties will be
limited indeed. In the neighbourhood of
London they give very little trouble, and
are a source of much enjoyment.
L. Lagascae.— A lovely dwarf alpine
plant, with many bright rose-coloured
flowers, about f in. across. It is suited
for adorning fissures on the exposed faces
of rocks, associated with the smallest
alpine plants. It is easily cultivated in
the rock-garden in any free sandy or
gritty soil. An exposed position should
be preferred, as the plant is very free in
growth. The flowers appear in early
summer, and if not weakened by shade,
or by being placed in frames, are in fine
condition when the plant is about 3 in.
high. Readily increased by seed. Syn.,
Petrocoptis Lagascse.
L. Viscaria (Gentian Catchfly). — A
British plant, with long Grass-like leaves,
bearing in June many showy panicles of
rosy-red flowers, on stems 10 to nearly
1 8 in. high. The bright-coloured variety
called splendens is the most worthy of
cultivation. L. V. alba, a charming white
variety, is worthy of a place in gardens,
as also is the double variety, which has
rocket-like blooms. They are excellent
for the rougher parts of the rock-garden,
and as border plants on dry soils. The
double variety is used with good effect as
an edging plant about Paris. Easily pro-
pagated by seed or division.
LYCIUM (Box Thorn). — Rambling
shrubs, the best-known being L. europasum,
a common climber on cottage walls.
Though not a showy flowering shrub, few
others are so rapid in growth, so graceful,
and so indifferent to the nature of the soil.
It is also suited for covering porches,
pergolas, and arbours, and in late summer
and autumn, when every long drooping
branch is thickly hung with small orange-
scarlet berries, it is pretty. The flowers
are small, purple and white, and the
unripe berries are of the same tints. The
description of L. europasum may be taken
as applying to the
other kinds in gar-
dens, as they are all
much alike, though
differing more or
less in a botanical
sense. The com-
monest kinds are
L. chinense, from
China ; L. barbar-
um, from North
Asia ; L. afrum,
from North Africa ;
L. Trewianum, and
L. ruthenicum.
They are of rapid
growth, and there-
fore suitable for
covering high
walls, though all are
deciduous. Some-
times hedges are
made of Box
Thorns, for, as they
all throw up numer-
ous suckers, the
hedge soon be-
comes thick. There
is a species named
L. chilense against
one of the walls at Kew, which seems
to be more rapid in growth than the rest.
LYCOPODIUM (Ground Pine). — L.
dendroideum is a very distinct Club Moss,
worth a place in the rock-garden, its little
stems, 6 to 9 in. high, much branched, and
clothed with small, bright, shining green
leaves. It flourishes best in a deep bed
of moist peat in a low part of the rock-
garden, where its distinct habit is attractive
at all seasons. Difficult to increase, it is
rare in this country. N. America, in moist
thin woods.
LYGODIUM(C//;;/<toj^>r»).— L.pal-
matum is an elegant North American twin-
ing fern, hardy in a deep, peaty, moist soil if
in a sheltered and partially shady position.
The wiry stems are furnished with delicate
green fronds. It may be allowed to trail
on the ground, but it prefers to twine
around the branches of some shrub.
LYONIA. — Plants allied to Andro-
meda ; indeed the species belonging to it,
numbering about three, are sometimes
called Andromedas. They are not im-
portant, but would add interest to a col-
lection of peat-loving shrubs. The chief
Lycium chinense.
LYSIMACHIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MAGNOLIA. 655
.are L. ligustrina, frondosa, and rubiginosa,
which have evergreen foliage and small
white blossoms.
LYSIMACHIA (Loosestrife]. — Plants
of the Primrose family of much diversity of
habit. The most familiar example is the
common creeping Jenny (L. Nummularia),
than which there is no hardy flower more
suitable for any position where long-
drooping", flower-laden shoots are desired,
whether on points of the rock-garden, or
rootwork, or in rustic vases, or on steep
banks, growing in any soil ; in moist soil
the shoots attain a length of nearly 3 ft.,
flowering throughout their extent ; it is
easily increased by division, and flowers
in early summer and often throughout the
season. There is a yellow-leaved variety
(L. N. aurea), which retains its colour
well, can be readily increased, is useful for
rock-gardens or borders, and merits its
name. The other kinds are tall and erect
L. vulgaris, thyrsiflora, lanceolata, ciliata,
verticillata, punctata, and davurica are
all 2 to 3 ft. high, have spikes of yellow
flowers, and, delighting in wet places, are
suitable for the sides of ponds, lakes,
streams, and similar spots. Indeed, they
grow almost anywhere, but in a border
they must have a place to themselves,
as by their spreading they soon de-
stroy weaker subjects. L. clethroides,
a Japanese species, is a graceful plant,
2 to 3 ft. high, with long nodding dense
spikes of white blossoms, and the leaves
in autumn of brilliant hues. L. Epheme-
rum is a similar plant, from S. Europe,
but is scarcely so fine. There are some
beautiful species, such as L. atropurpurea
and lupinoides, which are rare.
LYTHRUM (Purple Loosestrife].— The
common waterside L. Salicaria is the
most familiar plant of this genus, and one
of the showiest. It is well worthy of
culture where it is not plentiful. The
beauty of the ordinary wild kind is
surpassed by the varieties originated in
gardens, of which superbum and roseum
are the finest. The colour of these is a
much clearer rose than that of the wild
kind, and the spikes are larger, particularly
those of superbum, which, under good
cultivation, are 5 or 6 ft. high. These
plants are well worth growing by lakes or
in boggy ground, and are easily increased
by cuttings, which soon make good flower-
ing specimens. Isolated plants in good
soil make well-shaped bushes, 3 or 4 ft.
high and as much through, and look better
than when planted closely in rows.
L. virgatum, alatum, GraefFeri, flexuo-
sum, and diffusum, smaller plants, and not
so showy, are not without beauty.
Macleaya. See BOCCONIA.
MADARIA (Mignonette Vine\—M.
elegans is a hardy Californian annual with
showy yellow and brown flowers, requiring
the treatment of hardy annuals.
MAGNOLIA (Lily Tree}.— Most beau-
tiful of flowering trees and shrubs, there
are about twenty species of Magnolia
known, and all but some half-dozen or so
are in cultivation in this country. The
headquarters of these trees are in China
and Japan, a few are peculiar to the
Himalayan region, and a few more
to North America. A glance at the
engraving, representing a very fine speci-
men of the Yulan, will show what glorious
effects may be obtained in spring, in the
South of England at any rate, by its use.
It is true enough, unfortunately, that frosts
sometimes injure the flowers and change
their snowy whiteness into an unsightly
brown. Perhaps the reason that this
Magnolia and its allies are not more
often met with in gardens is owing to
the fact of their not transplanting readily.
The best results are obtained if the plants
are planted just as growth begins in spring".
The fleshy roots when injured rot rapidly,
and when autumn-planting has been
practised, many succumb to the ordeal,
those that do not do so outright often
struggling on in a pitiful plight for years.
A little care in transplanting in spring,
in sheltering with mats from dry winds
or hot sun, and in syringing the wood to
prevent shrivelling, until the plants are
established, would do much to prove that
the Magnolias can be planted with every
prospect of success. Some species
occasionally ripen seed freely in this
country, and it is well worth while to
sow this seed at once. If dried and
kept like other seeds until the following
season, all chance of germination will have
passed. All the species of the natural
order Magnoliaceae have seeds which
retain their vitality for but a very limited
period.
M. acuminata (Cucumber Tree] makes
a noble specimen when planted singly
in the park or pleasure-ground. It is
deciduous, the leaves varying from 5 in.
to i ft. in length, and glaucous green,
the flowers yellow-tinged, bell-shaped,
and slightly fragrant. There are fine
examples of this tree at Kew, in the
gardens of Syon House, and Claremont.
In its native country it attains a height of
from 60 to 90 ft., with a trunk from 2 to
4 ft. in diameter. The yellow Cucumber
tree (M. cordata) is regarded by Professor
C. S. Sargent as a variety of M. acuminata.
It is a rare plant in a wild state, as it
MAGNOLIA
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
MAGNOLIA.
does not appear to have been collected
since Michaux found it in Georgia.
M. Campbell!, one of the most gorgeous
of Indian forest trees, has not fulfilled the
expectations of those who took so much
trouble in introducing the species to
British gardens. In a wild state it attains
a height of 1 50 ft., and the fragrant flowers,
varying from deep rose to crimson, come
before the leaves. Probably the finest
specimen in the British Islands is the
one at Lakelands, near Cork, which ten
years ago was 35 ft. high. In 1884 it
flowered for the first time, and it has also
flowered well at Fota in the same district.
M. conspicua.— In its typical form this
has snowy-white flowers, which are borne
in the greatest profusion in the latter part
of April and beginning of May. Splendid
specimens of this beautiful Chinese and
Japanese tree are to be seen at Gunners-
bury House, Syon House, and Kew. M.
Yulan and M. precia are names under
which this is found in some books and
gardens. Several hybrid forms between
this species and M. obovata occur in
gardens ; of two of these, M. Lenne and
M. Soulangeana nigra, coloured plates
have been published in The Garden. M.
Soulangeana has flowers similar in shape
and size to those of typical M. conspicua,
but they are deeply tinged with red ; M.
Soulangeana nigra has dark plum-coloured
flowers. Both these bloom a week or ten
days later than the type. Other seedling
forms or slight varieties of the Yulan are
M. Alexandrina, M. cyathiformis, M.
speciosa, M. spectabilis, M. superba,
M. triumphans, and M. Yulan grandis.
M. Fraseri, a native of the southern
United States, is recognised by its green
spathulate leaves, measuring about 8 in. to
i ft. in length, and about 3 or 4 in. across
at the widest part, the flowers, 3 or 4 in. in
diameter, are creamy-white in colour, and
appear later
than those of
any other cul-
tivated spe-
cies. In a
wild state the
tree attains a
height of from
30 to 50 ft.
M. glauca,
the Laurel
Magnolia or
Sweet Bay of
the eastern
UnitedStates,
is a delightful sub-evergreen shrub, with
leathery leaves, bluish-green above and
silvery below. The flowers are globular
Magnolia glauca.
in shape, very fragrant, opening of a
rich cream colour and gradually acquiring
a pale apricot tint with age. ' In a wild
state this species occurs in swamps and
attains a height of 20 ft. It is hardy and
easily grown in Britain in peat soil.
M. grandiflora, the great Laurel Mag-
nolia of the southern United States, is—
in England— best treated as a wall-plant ;
under these conditions it thrives well and
flowers freely. In order to form some
idea of the beauty of this species it is
necessary to see it in large symmetrical
stately trees in the west of France,
where climatic conditions obtain which
more nearly approach those of its native
habitats. A correspondent in the West
Magnolia grandiflora.
of England writes to The Garden as to
the culture of this plant : " At one time
it was thought necessary to protect the
trees with mats during the winter,
I but this practice, which necessitated re-
stricting the growth considerably, has
largely ceased, and the trees in some
instances have attained a very great
height. For instance, there is one
under my charge that is now fully 50 ft.
high. The bole of the stem is slightly
over a yard in circumference. In some
seasons several scores of blooms are
borne by this tree, but during the winters
of 1891 and 1892 many of the more ex-
posed points were badly injured by frosts,
and the bloom lessened in quality accord-
ingly. A very exposed position is not
suitable for this heavy-foliaged tree, and
shelter from cold winds is desirable.
Where the evergreen Magnolia does best is
in the nooks between bay windows or ir-
regular fronts of dwelling-houses, but-
Magnolia in a Japanese garden.
u u
658
MAGNOLIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MAGNOLIA.
tresses on extra high walls also affording a
good shelter. The best instance of what can
be done in the way of clothing extra high
yet sheltered walls with evergreen mag-
nolias is to be seen at Canford Manor,
Wimborne, Dorset, while there are also
several fine specimens against high walls
at Ashton Court, near Bristol. It is quite
useless to plant them in a tiny hole, but
the site should be well prepared by
trenching or forking peat and leaf soil
freely into common garden soil, or, better
still, fresh loam, a space not less than 3 ft.
by 30 in. being prepared for each tree.
Once the trees have attained a good size,
no further trouble need be taken with the
roots, as they are quite capable of foraging
for themselves. In planting, it is advis-
charcoal made from it is used for polish-
ing lac. In the southern part of Yesso it
is abundant in the forests, and forms fine
trees 60 ft. or more in height, with a trunk
diameter of 2 ft. The leaves are i ft. or
more long, and 6 or 7 in. wide, dark green
and smooth above, and clothed with
white hairs beneath. The flowers are
creamy-white in colour, deliciously fra-
grant, and when fully expanded measure
6 or 7 in. across, the brilliant scarlet fila-
ments forming a striking contrast to the
petals. There are no large specimens
as yet in this country, but as the species
thrives well in the north-eastern United
States, it is fair to assume that it will do
well in Britain.
M. Kobus, a Japanese species, grown
Magnolia stellata.
able to moisten and then slightly loosen
the ball of soil, some of the roots being
spread out. During the first summer the
soil about the roots should be examined
occasionally and watered thoroughly when
dry. The tops branch naturally, and all
that need be done is to spread them out
thinly, and to keep the growths secured
to the walls or trellis. In after years the
strongest branches will require to be kept
to the walls by means of strips of leather
and strong nails, the side shoots being
tied to these with osier twigs. They ought
not to be very closely trained, or so much
so as to present a painfully neat appear-
ance, but if the branches or shoots are
left too long the strong winds may break
them off."
M. hypoleuca. — This is the wood
commonly used by the Japanese in the
manufacture of objects to be lacquered;
it is preferred for sword sheaths, and the
in the United States under the name of
M. Thurberi. It is hardy in the south of
England, having been grown outside for
several years at Kew. The leaves are
6 or 7 in. long by about half as much in
width, the flowers 4 to 5 in. in diameter,
creamy-white. Professor Sargent, who
found the species growing in the forests
of Hokkaido, in Japan, describes it as a
tree 70 to 80 ft. high, with a tall straight
trunk 2 ft. in diameter. He says the
flowers appear before the leaves, about
the middle of May.
M. macrophylla. — This, unfortunately
somewhat tender in a young state, is worth
growing simply for its beautiful leaves,
which are green above and clothed with
white hairs beneath, and attain a length
of upwards of 3 ft. The open bell-shaped
fragrant flowers are white with a purple
blotch at the base of the inner petals,
and measure 8 or 10 in. across. It is a
MAGNOLIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MAGNOLIA.
659
lovely flowering tree on warm soils in the
southern counties of England, as at
Claremont.
M. pbovata is a native of China ; in
Japan it only occurs in cultivation. It is
a dwarf-growing bush, perfectly hardy in
the South of England, and bears freely
its purple sweet-scented flowers, though
not in the same profusion as are those of
the white-flowered M. conspicua. This
species has a number of synonyms,
amongst which the following are the most
Magnolias to flower, and it should be
extensively grown for the beauty of its
starry white flowers. A variety with
blush-coloured flowers has been sent
from Japan by Mr. Maries. Both are
dwarf-growing deciduous shrubs.
M. tripetala, a native of the southern
United States, has large slightly-scented
white flowers, from 5 to 8 in. across, and
obovate-lanceolate leaves, from i to 3 ft.
in length. In a wild state the tree rarely
exceeds 40 ft. in height. Philip Miller
Magnolia obovata var.
frequently met with in books and nursery
catalogues : M. discolor, M. denudata, M.
liliflora, M. purpurea, Talauma Sieboldi,
etc. There are several varieties, but these
differ so slightly from each other and
from the type, that descriptions without
good coloured figures would be next to
useless. The best are Borreri, -angusti-
folia, and erubescens.
M. stellata. — An excellent coloured
plate of this very beautiful Japanese
shrub was published in The Garden in
June 1878, under the name of M. Halle-
ana. This species is the earliest of the
was the first to introduce this fine species
to British gardens. Other names for it
are M. Umbrella and M. frondosa.
M. Watsoni.— A coloured plate of this
beautiful Japanese species was published
in The Garden in December 1883, under
the name of M. parviflora ; at that time
it had not flowered in British gardens.
It is hardy, has large creamy-white
fragrant flowers with petals of great sub-
stance and deep red filaments, which add
materially to the beauty of the blossoms.
The true M. parviflora is probably not in
cultivation in Britain. — N.
U U 2
66o
MAHOMA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN
MATTHIOLA.
Magnolia acjttninata, X. Amer. ; Bailloni, Cam-
bodia ; Campbelli, Himalayas ; coinpressa, Japan ;
cordata N. Amer. ; dealbata, Mexico ; Duperreana,
Cambodia ; Figo, China ; Fraseri, N. Amer. ; glauca,
N. Amer. ; globosa, Himalayas ; grandiJJora, N.
Amer. ; Grijfithii, Himalayas ; hypoleuca, Japan ;
inodora, China ; insignis, E. Indies ; kobus, Japan;
macrophylla. N. Amer. ; mutabilis ', obovata, Japan ;
parviflora, pterocarpa, Himalaya Japan \portoricensis >
Porto Rico : parvifolia, Japan ; pumila, Java,
China ; punduana, Himalayas ; salicifolia, Japan ;
Schiedeana, Mexico ; stellata, Japan ; Umbrella, N.
Amer. ; Vi ieseana, Celebes ; Yulan, China.
Mahonia. See BERBERIS.
MAIANTHEMUM ( Twin-leaved Lily
of the Valley).—^ plant allied to the Lily of
the Valley, M. bifolium is a native of our '
own country. Its habit and relationship
make it interesting, and it is easily grown
in shady or half-shady spots, and under
or near Hollies or other bushes. It is not
fitted for the border, and is more suitable for
the rock-garden. Syn., Convallaria bifolia.
MALCOLMIA (Virginian Stock). -
The old M. maritima is a charming dwarf
hardy annual, and grows in any soil.
The varieties are— the white (alba), alba
nana, a dwarfer white than the other, and
Crimson King (kermesina), a dwarf deep
red sort, and these are all worthy of
culture. The Virginian Stock, like many
other annuals, does not show its full
beauty from spring-sown seedlings, and
where it sows itself in the gravel it is
often handsome. Being easily raised it
is a good surfacing plant in the spring or
early summer garden, bolder flowers
standing up from its pretty sheets of
bloom, and in flakes, or masses, or beds,
it is pretty and effective.
MALO'PE. — M.grandiflorais one of the
most showy of hardy annuals, and effective
where a bold, crimson flower is desired. It
is 1 8 to 24 in. high, and the better the soil
the finer will be its bloom. If the Malope
be sown in the open, the ground should
be prepared by digging and manuring,
the seeds being covered to the depth of
\ in. in light rich soil, gently pressed
down. There is a white variety, M. g.
alba. The variety M. g. rosea, white
flushed with rose, is pretty and distinct.
M. trifida is smaller in every part, but
showy. These bold annuals are rarely
used with good effect. Like all annuals,
they lend themselves to rotation in the
flower garden. If from any cause the
beds or borders get worn out, it is worth
while to try the effect of a crop of the
best annuals. The Malopes, being vigor-
ous plants, are, as a rule, best in masses
or groups. S. Europe.
Malus. See PYRUS.
MALVA (Mallow).— Stout . and some-
times showy perennial and half-shrubby
plants of which there are few pretty gar-
den plants ; the majority being coarse and
weedy. One of the most beautiful
is the white variety of the native
Musk Mallow (M. moschata), which is
charming when in flower. It is a branch-
ing bush, with stems about 2 ft. high, and
many flowers I to ij in. in diameter.
It is a hardy perennial, will grow in
almost any soil, is useful for cutting, and
is slightly Musk-scented. M. campanu-
lata is a beautiful dwarf plant, but rare
and not hardy except in very mild
districts. It is dwarf and spreading, and
bears numerous lilac bell-shaped flowers.
M. Alcea, Moreni, and mauritanica are
worth growing in a full collection, and so
is the annual M. crispa, 3 to 6 ft. high —
an erect pyramidal bush of broad leaves,
with a crimped margin, pretty in groups,
beds, or borders. By sowing in cool frames
and planting it out early in May, strong
plants may be obtained early in the
season.
MARTYNIA.— M. lutca is a pretty
Brazilian annual, about \\ ft. high, with
large roundish leaves and handsome yellow
flowers in clusters, useful for beds, groups,
and borders. It requires a light, rich, cool
soil, a warm place, and frequent watering
in summer. M. fragrans, another species,
has sweet-scented flowers, and, under
similar conditions, thrives in the open air
in summer. It is best in rich borders, or
among groups or beds of curious or distinct
plants. M. proboscidea and others are
less desirable. Seed.
MATRICAEIA (Mayweed)— Weeds,
excepting the double variety of M. inodora,
which is a pretty plant with feathery
j foliage somewhat like Fennel, and with
I large white flowers, perfectly double. It is
I creeping, requires much space, and pegged
down forms a dense mass which has a
I pretty effect in autumn. It is hardy,
I and perennial on most soils, and is easily
propagated by cuttings or division in
autumn or spring. Syn., Chrysanthemum
inodorum fl.-pl.
MATTHIOLA (Stock). — Annual or
perennial herbs, sometimes inhabiting sea
cliffs. From a few wild kinds have been
obtained the numerous varieties of the
garden Stocks, which have so long been
among the best of our open-air flowers.
The principal of these species are M.
incana, M. annua, and M. sinuata. M.
incana grows wild on cliffs in the Isle
of Wight, and is the origin of the Biennial,
or Brompton and Queen Stocks ; M. annua
has yielded the Ten-week Stocks, and M.
sinuata the others. These three primary
divisions — the Ten-week, Intermediate,
and Biennials— require each different treat-
MATTHIOLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MAZUS. 66l
ment, and Stocks are so easily grown, so
fragrant and handsome, that they will ever
deserve care in our gardens.
TEN-WEEK STOCKS, if sown in spring,
will flower continuously during the sum-
mer and autumn. The finest strain is the
large flowering Pyramidal Ten-week,
vigorous plants, each branching' freely,
bearing a huge main spike of double
flowers and numerous branching spikes
in succession. A bed of these Stocks
should be grown if cut flowers are in
request during the summer. The seed
may be sown at any time from the middle
of March onward, but it is always well to
get Stocks from seed early. The seed
can be sown thinly in pans or shallow
boxes, in a gentle heat, and, as soon as
the plants can be handled without injury,
they should be transplanted to other pans
or boxes and grown on quickly, care being
taken not to draw them so as to make
them lanky. There are various places
in most gardens where a bed or patches
of Stocks might be grown with advantage,
and, given good rich soil, they will amply
reward the grower. The German growers
have a formidable list of kinds, many of
which are more curious than showy.
There are, however, sufficient good colours
among them, such as crimson, rose, purple,
violet, and white, to yield distinct hues.
There is a strain of English-selected
Stocks, known as Pyramidal, which are
of tall growth, and remarkable for their
large pyramids of flowers, and there is a
very distinct type known as Wallflower-
leaved, which was introduced many years
ago from the Grecian Archipelago, and
which has shining deep-green leaves, not
unlike a Wallflower. In all other respects
the type is like the ordinary German
Stock. One of the finest varieties of this
type, and one of the most beautiful Stocks
in cultivation, is known as Mauve Beauty.
It has huge heads of pale, lustrous, mauve-
coloured flowers. The culture for the
Ten-week Stock will answer for this. The
autumn-flowering strain is very desirable, as
the plants succeed the German varieties,
and so prolong the season.
INTERMEDIATE STOCKS may be sown
either in July or August, to stand the
winter and flower early in the spring, or
in March, to flower in the following
autumn. The strain is dwarf and bushy,
and very free-blooming, and the varieties
maybe said to be confined to scarlet, purple,
and white. There -is a strain grown in
Scotland under the name of the East
Lothian Intermediate Stock, and much
used there for beds and borders, the
climate exactly suiting it for late summer
blooming. It is sown in the usual way
about the end of March, planted out at
the end of May when 3 or 4 in. high, and
blooms finely through August and Sep-
tember, and even later, as the numerous
side shoots give spikes of flowers. Thus,
by using the autumn-sown Intermediate
Stocks for early blooming, the ordinary
large flowering German Ten-week Stock
for summer flowering, and the later East
Lothian Intermediate Stock for late sum-
mer, S cocks can be had in flower for eight
or nine months of the year without inter-
mission.
BIENNIAL STOCKS comprise the Bromp-
ton and the Queen, and they should be
sown in June and July to flower in the
following spring or summer. They are
closely allied, and are probably only
varieties of the same kind ; but the seed
of the white Brompton is pale in colour
whilst that of the Queen is quite dark.
Old growers of the Stock assert that while
the under side of the leaf of the Queen
Stock is rough and woolly, the leaf of the
Brompton Stock is smooth on both sides.
Of the Queen Stock there are three colours
— purple, scarlet, and white ; and of the
Brompton Stock the same, with the
addition of a selected crimson variety of
great beauty, but somewhat difficult to
perpetuate. Both types are really
biennials. The seed should be sown at
the end of July in beds, and the plants
transplanted to the open ground in the
autumn. The difficulty of wintering the
Brompton Stocks deters many from
attempting their cultivation, and many die,
even in a mild winter. A well-drained
subsoil with a porous surface soil suits
them best, and shelter from hard frost. and
nipping winds is of great service. A
second transplantation of the seedlings
about December has been tried with
success.
MAURANDIA.— An elegant Mexican
twining plant, M. barclayana is often grown
in the greenhouse, but hardy enough for
the open air in summer, and admirably
suited for covering trellises. The deep
violet flowers are very showy, and there
are also white (alba), deep purple (atropur-
purea), and rosy-purple (rosea) varieties.
Easily raised from seed sown in early spring
in heat ; they will flower in the following
summer if planted out in May in good soil
and sheltered situations.
MAZUS. — M.pumilio is a distinct New
Zealand plant, vigorous, and creeping
underground so as rapidly to form dense
tufts, rarely more than \ in. high ; the
pale violet flowers are borne on very short
stems in early summer, and the leaves lie
662
MECONOPSIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MECONOPSIS.
flat on the soil. M. Pumilio thrives in
pots, cold frames, or the open air, and
does best in firm, open, bare spots in the
rock-garden, in warm positions in free
sandy soil. Though not showy, it is an
interesting plant, easily increased by
division. Figwort family.
MECONOPSIS (Indian Poppy}. -
Handsome Poppyworts, the most familiar
of which is the common Welsh Poppy
(M. cambrica ) ; the other kinds are natives
of the Himalayas, hardy, but only of
biennial duration. They may be easily
raised from seed sown in spring ; and,
indeed, a good stock of strong plants can
be ensured only by annual sowings. The
following is the most successful mode of
cultivating them : A piece of ground is
prepared by digging in good loam and
well-rotted stable manure ; a two-light
frame is placed over it, and seedlings are
put in about March. As soon as the plants
are fairly established the sashes are re-
moved (unless the weather is frosty), and
throughout the summer the plants are well
supplied with water. In the following
April and May they will have become
large plants, often 2 to 3 ft. in diameter,
and are then removed to where they are
wanted to flower. This may be readily
done without needlessly checking them,
as they form so many fibrous roots that a
good ball of soil usually adheres to them.
They are thus grown on as quickly as
possible, being treated like biennials.
They should be planted out in a well-
drained rock-garden in good soil, with
plenty of water in summer, but they must
be kept as dry as possible in the winter,
as excessive moisture in cojd weather soon
kills them. Sandstone broken fine should
be placed under the leaves, to prevent
contact with the damp soil. A piece of
glass placed over the leaves in a slant-
ing position helps to protect them from
moisture. Many plants take three or
four years to flower, and some may be
kept in store pots for five or six years
without showing any tendency to flower,
but they are never so fine planted out
after being cramped in this way. After
flowering they all die.
M. aculeata is a singularly beautiful
plant, with purple petals, like shot silk,
which contrast charmingly with the
numerous yellow stamens. The flowers
are 2 in. across,' on stems about 2 ft. high.
M. cambrica.— For the wild garden or
wilderness the Welsh Poppy is one of the
most charming of plants. It is a cheerful
plant in all seasons, and a determined
coloniser, making its home of the wall,
rock, and the ruin. In many places it
grows freely at the bottom of walls, or even
in gravel walks if allowed a chance. A
plant so easily naturalised needs no special
care in the garden, where it often comes
up unbidden.
M. nepalensis has flower-stems 3 to 5
Meconopsis Wallichi.
ft. high, which are not much branched, the
nodding blossoms, borne freely, are 2 to
3^ in. across, and of a pale golden-yellow.
"M. simplicifolia has a tuft of lance-
shaped leaves, 3 to 5 in. long, slightly
toothed, and covered with a short, dense,
MEGASEA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MENTHA.
663
brownish pubescence. The unbranched
flower-stalk is about I ft. high, and bears
at its apex a single violet-purple blossom,
2 to 3 in. in diameter.
M. Wallichi is the finest kind, and a
very handsome plant, between 4 and 5 ft.
high. It forms an erect pyramid, the
upper half of which is covered with pretty
pale blue blossoms, drooping gracefully
from slender branchlets. It is a most
conspicuous plant in the rock-garden,
where it withstands the winter without the
least injury. Well-grown specimens have
leaves 12 to 15 in. long, and a great
number of pale blue flowers, opening
terminally. Separate flowers do not last
long, but a few expand at a time, and it is
fully a month before they are all expanded
at the base, by which time the seeds
of those which opened first are nearly
ripe.
Meconopsis species : — Aculeata, Himalayas ; Cant-
brica, Europe ; heterophylla, California ; horridula,
Himalayas ; nepalensis, do. ; quintuplinerira, Man-
churia ; racemosa, China ; robusta, Himalaya ; siin-
plicifolza, do. ; Wallichii, do.
Megasea. See SAXIFRAGA.
MELIANTHUS (Cape Honey Flower\
— An effective half-hardy plant for the
summer ; M. major having finely-cut,
large, glaucous leaves contrasting effective-
ly with the garden vegetation, and being
of the easiest cultivation, it has become
a favourite in
sub-tropical gar-
dening. Plants
raised from seed
early in the sea-
son make good
growth by plant-
ing-out time,and
by midsummer
obtain a height
of 3 to 4 ft.
When it is desir-
able to have
larger plants by
Melianthus major. planting-OUt
time, it is best
to sow the seeds in autumn and to
keep them growing through the winter,
for a stronger and earlier development
will result. The Melianthus is all but
hardy on a well-drained subsoil in shel-
tered nooks in the southern and western
counties, for though the stems may be cut
down by frost, the roots survive and push
up in spring. S. Africa.
MELISSA (Common Balm}. — M.
offitinalis is a well-known old garden
plant, 2 to 3 ft. high, emitting a grateful
odour when bruised ; the variegated form
is sometimes used for edging, and the
common one may be naturalised in any soil
by those who admire fragrant plants.
Division. Europe.
MELITTIS (Bastard Balm}. — M.
Melissophyllum is a distinct plant of the
Salvia Order, with one to three flowers
about i^ in. long in May. The peculiarly
handsome purple lip reminds one of some
Orchids. M. grandiflora is a slight variety,
differing in colour from the normal form.
The plant is distinct, and merits a place
by shady wood and pleasure-ground walks,
as it naturally inhabits woods. Woody
spots near a fernery or a rock-garden suit
it ; it grows readily among shrubs, and in
the mixed border. It is found in a few
places in England, and is widely distri-
buted over Europe and Asia. Seed of
division.
MENISPERMUM (Canadian Moon-
seed}. — M. canadense is a hardy climber, of
rapid growth, having slender, twining, large
roundish leaves,
in summer bear-
ing long feathery
clusters of yel-
lowish flowers.
It is useful for
covering a wall
quickly for sum-
mer effect or for
arbours, trel-
lises, and pergo-
las, and thrives
in almost any
soil in shade or
sun.
MENTHA
(Mint}.— Marsh
herbs or rock
plants of which
the variegated form of M. rotundifolia, is
common, and useful for edgings or for
clothing any dry spots. Another is M.
gibraltarica, a variety of the native M.
Pulegium, used in summer for flat geo-
metrical beds on account of its compact
growth and deep green foliage, which
retains its freshness throughout the season.
It is one of the easiest plants to grow, and
may be increased with wonderful rapidity,,
as it bears rapid forcing for early spring cut-
tings. Inasmuch as its growth hugs the
soil, and throws out roots at every joint,
all that is necessary is to keep cutting off
little plants and potting them, or planting
them in shallow boxes, and in a very short
time they will in their turn bear cutting up
in like manner. Being a native of S.
Europe, it is somewhat tender, and is
generally killed in winter.
M. Requieni is a minute creeping plant
with a strong odour of Peppermint, and
trails about among the tiniest plants in the
Moonseed (Menispermum).
664
MENTZELIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MERTENSIA.
rock-garden. I use it often for covering the
ground beneath Tea Roses, and it spreads
and grows everywhere. It is the smallest ;
flowering plant grown in gardens.
MENTZELIA. — Lovely Californian
plants, mostly of biennial duration, and re-
quiring more care than most half-hardy
plants. A successful cultivator of them
writes toT/ie Garden : " I find it necessary
to sow the seed as early in the season as pos-
sible, and to grow the seedlings on in a
frame, giving liberal shifts, and using a ;
compost of fibry loam and a small quantity I
of leaf-mould and sand. After the final shift
they should be plunged in a sunny border |
until autumn, and then removed to a frame j
for wintering. In the spring they should j
again be plunged in the open air, and by I
occasionally assisting them with weak !
manure water, strong and healthy flowering
specimens will be produced. When begin-
ning to show flower they should be removed
to a cool greenhouse or frame, as excessive
humidity at this stage is injurious to
them. They may indeed be grown en-
tirely in the open air if the weather be
favourable, but in our climate the former
mode is by far the most satisfactory."
The following is a selection of the prettiest
kinds : M. (Bartonia) atirea I. — A showy
golden-flowered hardy annual, i to 2 ft.
high. Should be sown in April in groups
or patches where it is to remain in light
soil and warm situations, the plants being
thinned to about i ft. apart. As the seed
is very small, care should be taken not
to bury it too deep. When well grown
it might be used as a bold group, relieved
here and there by tall plants. Chili.
M. laevicaulis is a good kind, with
whitish stem, i to 3 ft. high, both stems
and leaves covered with short and stout
bristles, the rich yellow flowers opening
only in bright sunshine. M. nuda is 2 to
4 ft. high, with flowers resembling the last.
M. oligosperma is a perennial, i to 3 ft.
high, with bright yellow flowers jin. across,
opening in sunshine. M. ornata is a
biennial, 2 to 4 ft. in height, with creamy-
white fragrant flowers 2^ to 4 in. across.
It belongs to the vespertine section, that
is, to those in which the flowers expand
towards evening. Syn. Bartonia.
MENYANTHES (Buckbean\—M. tri-
foliata is a beautiful and fragrant native of
Britain, found in shallow streams or pools,
in very wet marshy ground, and in bogs ; its
strong creeping, rooting stems often float-
ing in deeper water. The flowers are
borne on stout stalks, which vary in length
with the depth of the water, and are beauti-
fully fringed and suffused with pink. M.
trifoliata is easy to establish by introducing
pieces of stems, and securing them till, by
the emission of roots, they have secured
themselves. In some moist soils it thrives
in the ordinary border.
MENZIESIA.— Dwarf shrubs, resemb-
ling Heaths, and, like them, admirably
suited for large rock-gardens or wherever
there is a moist peat soil. They are all of
neat growth, and bear pretty flowers.
M. ccerulea is a tiny alpine shrub,
native of Scotch mountains and of northern
European mountains. A pretty bush for
the rock-garden or for choice beds of
dwarf plants, 4 to 6 in. high, with pinkish-
lilac flowers, flowering rather late in
summer and in autumn. Europe.
M. empetriformis.— A dwarf Heath-
like bush, seldom more than 6 in. high,
with clusters of rosy-purple bells in
summer. Though not common in gardens,
it is one of the brightest gems for the
choice rock-garden, and thrives in exposed
positions in moist sandy peat soil, and
should be associated with the dwarfest
rock plants. N. America. Syn. Bryanthus.
MEEENDEEA.— J/. bulbocodium is
very much like Bulbocodium vernum, but
flowers in autumn, having large handsome
blooms of a pale pinkish-lilac. Suitable
for the rock-garden and the bulb-garden
till plentiful enough for borders. In-
creased by separation of the new bulbs
and by seed. S. Europe.
MEETENSIA-BeautifulBorageworts,
formerly known as Pulmonarias. There
is something about them more beautiful
in form of foliage and stem, and in the
graceful way in which they rise in panicles
of blue, than in almost any other family.
There are in cultivation above half-a-
dozen species, all of which are pretty
plants.
M. alpina is a beautiful alpine kind,
and should only be associated with the
choicest alpine plants. The leaves are
bluish-green ; the stem is only 6 to 10 in.
high, and has in spring or early summer
one to three drooping terminal clusters of
light blue flowers.
M. dahurica, although very slender and
liable to be broken l}y high winds, is
hardy. It is 6 to 12 in. high, has erect
branching stems, and bears in June race-
mose panicles of handsome drooping
bright azure-blue flowers. It is very
pretty, and suited for the rock-garden or
borders, and should be planted in a shel-
tered nook in a mixture of peat and loam.
Easily propagated by division or seed.
Syn., Pulmonaria dahurica.
M. maritima (Oyster Plant}. — Though
one of our British sea-coast plants, I find
that it is very little known among owners
MERTENSIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MESPILUS.
665
of choice hardy flowers. Another in-
teresting fact, though a seaside plant and
usually found growing in sea sand, it is
amenable to garden culture. Given a light
sandy soil of good depth, and a sunny
position where its long and branching suc-
culent flower-stems may spread them-
selves out, carrying a long succession
of hundreds of turquoise-blue tubular
flowers, it is a plant that we may expect
to see appearing with renewed vigour year
after year. It is a coveted morsel of slugs,
and is best on an open part of the rock-
garden.
M. oblongifolia is another dwarf
species. The stems are 6 to 9 in. high,
and they bear handsome clustered heads
of brilliant blue flowers, and deep green
fleshy leaves.
M. sibirica. — This species has the
beauty of colour and the grace of habit of
the old M. virginica, and grows and
flowers for a long period in ordinary
garden soil. The small bell-shaped flowers
are borne in loose drooping clusters,
gracefully terminating in arching stems.
The colour varies from a delicate pale
purple-blue to a rosy-pink in the young
flowers. It is more vigorous than the
Virginian Lungwort (M. virginica), an
older and better-known kind. A perfectly
hardy perennial propagated by division.
M. virginica (Virginian Cowslip}.—
The handsomest of all, bearing in early
spring drooping clusters of lovely purple-
Mertensia virginica (Virginian Cowslip).
blue blossoms on steins I to i^ ft. high,
the leaves large and of bluish-grey. In
many gardens it never makes the slightest
progress ; but a sheltered, moist, peaty
nook is the best place for it. The finest
specimens are grown in moist, sandy peat
or rich free soil, with shelter near. It is a
charming old garden plant, and one which
unfortunatel has never become common.
gold}. — Dwarf or trailing succulent plants,
of which there are several grown in the open
air, though none are hardy. The Common
Ice Plant (M. crystallinum) is grown for
garnishing in most large gardens and is
also used as a pot-plant ; but it is most
effective when planted out in the rock-
garden or on an old wall. In a sunny
situation, however, it will grow in any
good soil. It will grow from 3 to 4 ft. in a
season, and on wrarm days has a refresh-
ing look. Its flowers, unimportant com-
pared with the stems and foliage, are
bespangled with crystal. Seeds should be
sown in heat in March, and the seedlings
planted out 6 to 8 in. apart. There are
two varieties — one red and the other
white. M. cordifolium is a perennial, the
variegated form of which is used in carpet-
gardening. M. Pomeridianum is a strong
species with broad foliage and large
purple and rose flowers. It is not so com-
mon as the last, but it deserves a place on a
south border. M. tricolor is the most showy
of the annual Mesembryanthemums. It is
a neat plant with cylindrical foliage, grow-
ing in neat tufts 4 to 6 in. in height ; its
abundant flowers, of purple rose or white,
afford good contrast. It should be sown
in sandy soil in the open garden about the
end of April ; it dislikes transplantation,
and lasts longer in the ground than in a
pot. Those who possess a collection of
Ice Plants in pots should turn the whole
out on banks or the rock-garden and
leave them there, taking cuttings off them
yearly. Out-of-doors they attain beauty
never seen in pots. Their foliage is singu-
lar and diversified, and the brilliant lustre
of their flowers — white, orange, rose,
pink, crimson — is unequalled. They are
children of the sun, and a rock-garden de-
voted to a collection in an open sunny
spot is worth seeing. A soil consisting
of little besides sand and gravel suits
them perfectly. As the plants have been
so little grown in the open we scarcely
know which are hardy and which are
tender, but experiments would be interest-
ing, for some would probably prove
almost hardy in the south.
MESPILUS (Medlar}.— M. germanica
is a beautiful small tree or bush with large
and handsome flowers, and a wide-spread-
ing head and is beautiful in early summer
when studded with great white flowers
among its large pale green leaves. The
only other species in gardens is M. grandi-
flora, also called M. Smithi It is a per-
666 ME I'M.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
M1RABILIS.
feet lawn tree, as its great rounded head
droops gracefully. It flowers about the
middle of May, and is then beautiful, with
its numerous white flowers. In some
nurseries (especially on the Continent) it
is called Crataegus lobata and other names
under Crataegus.
MEUM (SpigneT). — M. athamanticum
is a graceful fine-leaved perennial, dwarf
in habit, 6 to 12 in. high, free in ordinary
soils, and hardy. In dry seasons it might
wither too soon for association with
autumn-flowering plants, but it is pretty
for the rock-garden, borders, or for mixed
arrangements of any sort. A British
mountain plant, very aromatic. Division.
Parsley Order.
MICHAUXIA (Michawts Bellflower\
—M. campamtloides is a remarkable plant
of the Bell-flower family, 3 to 8 ft. high,
the flowers white, tinged with purple, and
arranged in a pyramidal candelabra-like
head. Sometimes it flowers in the third j
or even in the fourth year, but is usually j
considered a biennial, and should be |
Michauxia campanuloides.
treated as a hardy one. Seedlings should
be raised annually, so as to always have
good flowering plants. It flourishes best
in a deep loam. Its stately form and tall
stature are effective in the mixed border
or in a nook in a bed of evergreen shrubs.
Warm sheltered borders and borders on
the south side of walls suit it best.
Levant.
MICROLEPIA— M. anthriscifolia is
an elegant Fern, 6 to 12 in. high, hardy,
deciduous, charming in spring and summer,
and of easy culture. It thrives in the open
as well as in the shade, and may be used
with good effect as an edging to a shel-
tered border.
MIKANIA (German Ivy).—M. scan-
dens is a slender twining perennial, with
Ivy-like foliage and small flesh-coloured
flowers. It is hardy in light warm soils
and is used for covering trellises. N.
America. Composite.
MILIUM (Millet Grass}. — Grasses,
some of them graceful. Our native M.
effusum is worth cultivating for its
feathery plumes. It is suitable for asso-
ciating with flowers in summer, and grows
in any soil, preferring moist places. There
are one or two other kinds worth grow-
ing.
MILLA. — The bulbous plants formerly
known under this name are now described
under the name of Brodiaea. The only
true Milla is said to be M. biflora, a
beautiful plant with large snow - white
blossoms deliciously scented. It is rather
difficult to cultivate, but it is well worth
any care. Even if it be quite hardy,
which is doubtful, it is too choice to risk
in the open border.
MIMULUS (Monkey-flower]. — The
cultivated species are valuable showy
border flowers, and are for the most part
natives of California. They love moisture,
and are suitable for damp places, such as
bogs, moist borders, and the margins of
streams and artificial water. The old M.
cardinalis is showy when well grown, and
is deserving of a place in any garden.
There are several varieties of it. The
common Musk(M. moschatus) is hardy and
enduring, and is worth a corner in heavy or
wet soil. M. luteus and its varieties,
variegatus, cupreus, Tilingi, guttatus, and
others, are typical of the beautiful hybrids
which are now in gardens, and which com-
bine the dwarf habit and hardiness of M.
cupreus with the large flowers, richly spot-
ted and blotched, of the other parent, the old
M. variegatus. These hybrids, which are
known as M. maculosus, bear exposure to
the sun better than the parents. There
is also a strain with Hose-in-hose flowers,
sometimes called double. These sorts
should be grown, and a packet of seeds
affords a wonderful variety. The seeds
of the Mimulus should be merely sprinkled
on the soil ; if covered by it they may
vegetate less quickly and abundantly. A
little damp moss may, however, be laid
over the surface, but should be removed
as soon as the seeds have germinated.
MIRABILIS (Marvel of Peru).— Hand-
some herbaceous plants, the most familiar
of which is M. Jalapa, a dense, round bush
covered with flowers, nearly 3 ft. high, the
flowers about I in. across, white, rose, lilac,
yellow, crimson (of various shades), and
purple — striped, mottled, and selfs. The
plants may be treated as half-hardy
annuals, raised from seed in a warm
frame, potted on, and planted out in May.
They are, however, perennial, and when
MITCHELLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MORINA.
66;
the leaves are killed by frost the tapering
black root must be lifted and stored in
sand during the winter. The plants
should be started in pots in spring and
planted out as before ; but after the second
year the roots become unwieldy, and
should be discarded. They require a
warm soil and all the sunshine of our
climate. The seeds ripen rapidly and
readily ; each flower produces one seed
only, and as the seeds are large they can
be gathered from the ground beneath the
plants. M. multiflora is somewhat similar
to M. Jalapa, but dwarfer, and the bright
crimson-purple flowers are in large clusters,
expanding in bright sunshine. It is a
hardy perennial in light warm soils, and
is a good border plant. M. longiflora,
having long tubular flowers with carmine
centres, is capital for the foot of a warm
south wall. Mexico.
MITCHELLA (DeerBerry).—M. repens
is a neat, trailing, small evergreen herb, 2
or 3 in. high, with white flowers in summer,
succeeded by small bright red berries.
It thrives in shady spots on the rock-
garden or the hardy fernery, in sandy peat.
Division. N. America.
MITRARIA (Mitre-flower) -M. coccinea
is a bright charming little shrub from Chili,
hardy in mild districts, but generally
requiring winter protection. It is a small
evergreen shrub, bearing in summer
numerous urn-shaped flowers about i^ in.
long and of a brilliant scarlet, thriving
in a mixture of sandy peat and loam,
in a moist sheltered spot, with perfect
drainage.
MOLOPOSPERMUM.— M. cicutarium
is a hardy umbelliferous plant, 5 ft. or more
high, with large handsome leaves which
form a dense irregular bush. It loves a
deep moist soil, but thrives in good garden
soil and is a fine plant for grouping with
other hardy and fine leaved plants.
Division. Carniola.
MOLUCCELLA.— M. Icevis is a singu-
lar plant of the Dead Nettle family. It is by
no means showy and its only recommenda-
tion for the garden is the singular form
of its calyces, which are bell-shaped and
densely arranged on erect stems about
i ft. in height. It is a fine subject for
skeletonising, and the stems, bracts, and
calyces may be skeletonised intact. For
this purpose they should not be cut before
autumn, when the plant is fully matured.
Should be treated as a half-hardy annual.
Eastern Mediterranean.
MONARDA (Bee Balm}.— Showy bor-
der flowers of the simplest culture, thriving
and flowering in any position or soil ; and
therefore, besides being admirably suited
for garden borders, they are excellent
subjects for naturalisation in woods and
shrubberies. All may be readily divided
at the root. They have some variety of
colour, and the varieties of M. fistulosa
alone represent more than half-a-dozen
different shades. The red kind scattered
through American woods in autumn is
very handsome. M. fistulosa (Wild Ber-
gamot) is a robust perennial, 2 to 4 ft.
high, the flowers variable ; the usual
colour pale red, and every gradation
almost to white may be found in it. M.
didyma (Oswego Tea) is robust, about 3
ft. high, the deep red flowers, borne in
head-like whorls, continuing a longtime
in summer. M. Kalmiana is a showy
plant, taller and more robust than the
Molopospermum cicutarium.
preceding, and is often 4 ft. high, the deep
crimson flowers in dense whorls. M. pur-
purea is somewhat similar in habit to the
last, but the deep purplish-crimson flowers
are smaller. All are natives of N. America,
and may be increased by division in spring
or by seed.
Montbretia. See TRITONIA.
MORINA ( Whorl-flower).— M '. longi-
folia is a handsome and singular perennial,
with large spiny leaves, resembling those
of certain Thistles, and with long spikes of
whorled flowers, 2 to 3 ft. high. It grows
well in ordinary well-drained soil, but pre-
668 MORISIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
fers soil which is mellow, deep, and moist ;
and it is easily multiplied by sowing the
seed as soon as ripe in light sandy soil.
It is excellent for the mixed border, and
for grouping with medium-sized perennials
that have fine foliage. M. Wallichiana is
probably the same, or a slight variety.
Nepaul. Seed.
MORISIA.— M. hypogcsa is one of the
most charming re-introductions of recent
years among alpine flowers. It was first
introduced by a Mrs. Palliser, from the
Valentino Botanic Garden, Turin, from
seeds presented to her by Professor Moris,
who found the plant on the mountains of
Sardinia, and in whose honour it is named.
It was first flowered by Mrs. Marryat in
April, 1834, and is figured in Sweet's
British Flower Garden second series, tab.
190. The flowers, as large as a shilling
and of a bright clear yellow, are on short j
stalks rising very little above the tufted i
foliage, in April and May, and the contrast
between them and the dark glossy foliage
is effective. It seems to do best in a light
rich gritty soil, and the seed should be
sown directly it is ripe. — D. K.
JHGEQ&(Mulberry\— Usuallymedium-
sized trees of the temperate and sub-
tropical countries of which the best kind
for our country is the Black Mulberry (M.
nigra) a distinct tree of great value and
beauty giving showers of fruit in hot
days, and having the charm of association
with old gardens in southern and western
countries where it was often grown. The
Mulberry often attains great age, and
when old gives deep shade, thriving
best always in sheltered gardens in deep
soils. It is hardy, coming late in leaf
and the leaves fall with the first touch
of the frost. It grows better in the warm
southern counties than in the cooler North,
where the shelter of walls is needed if we
wish for the fruit. The Mulberry is often a
beautiful lawn tree though it may well take
its place in the orchard or enclosed fruit
garden, always, if possible, giving it a free,
deep and rather moist soil. It is one of
those trees cultivated from the earliest
times, much longer than we have any
idea of, and therefore spread all through
the East, so that there is little certainty as
to its native country — probably Persia and
the adjacent regions.
It is not difficult to increase from
cuttings or even pieces of branches, and
by layers, but not by any means common
to find good stocks of the trees in
nurseries, owing partly to the slight
demand, as in gardening waves of fashion
often call attention for long periods to
things of little value, and people cease
to plant the good ones. A very much
more cultivated species in Europe and
other countries is the White Mulberry
.!/. alba) and its varieties, but as our
country is too cold for silk cultivation
this is of slight importance with us,
and the same may be said of the other
species, the one exception being, perhaps,
the American Red Mulberry (J/. rubrd)
a native of the northern United States,
| and this might find a place in tree
collections.
MUHLENBECKIA.— These graceful
free-growing evergreen trailers are useful
I as coverings for trellis-work or rocks or
I stumps. The kinds in cultivation are
natives of New Zealand ; the best known
M. complexa, a very rapid grower, with
long wiry and entangled branches, and
small leaves. The white waxy flowers
are rather inconspicuous. M. adpressa is
larger and has heart-shaped leaves, and
long racemes of whitish flowers. M.
varia is a small kind, with fiddle-shaped
leaves, and is very distinct from either of
the above. In severe winters it is advis-
able to give a little protection like dried
Fern, but this is not necessary in ordinary
seasons. Cuttings.
MULGEDIUM (Blue Thistle]. — M.
Plumierivs a native of the Pyrenees, where
it is 4 or 5 ft. high, but in our borders, and
in deep strong soils it is frequently as much
as 8 or 9 ft. high. Its foliage is beauti-
fully varied in outline, and it should be
planted in the rougher parts of the wild
garden, and left to itself, as nothing seems
to interfere with its rapid growth. As an
isolated plant on Grass its remark-
able foliage at once arrests observation,
while its blue flowers are pretty. M.
alpinum is a smaller plant. Seed or
division.
MUSA (Banana). — These fine tropical
plants are seen in our parks during summer,
but less frequently in private gardens. In
the London Parks, Musas, especially the
smaller ones, are often plunged in the
ground in their pots during the summer,
but the larger ones are planted out.
When they are lifted in autumn, those in
pots are stored in houses, but the larger
ones are lifted with small balls of earth
and placed on shelves in houses with a
temperature of not less than 45°. Here they
are laid on their sides, their leaves being
kept close together, and remain through-
out the winter, with only a mat thrown
over the roots. In February the roots
are examined, planted in trenches, and
subjected to an increased temperature,
when new roots soon form and begin to
grow afresh. In June, after being
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MUSCARI.
669
gradually hardened, the leaves are tied
up, the plants are lifted with as good
balls as possible, and placed in their
summer quarters. M. Ensete is the kind
generally used in the open air, and in form
is one of the noblest plants. Any one
with a warm house may grow it, and when
planted out in June, in deep, warm, rich
soil, and a sheltered position, it will grow
well during summer ; such, at least, is
our experience in London and the home
counties, but such tender plants must
ever have a limited use in our country.
M. Basjoo, a graceful Japanese species
that has some pretensions to hardi-
ness, has been tried as a plant for the
open, but it is not hardy enough for our
and its beauty is enhanced by its flower-
ing when most other kinds have finished
doing so. Its flower-stems are 8 in. high,
and are terminated by dense racemes 3
to 4 in. long, of bright dark blue flowers,
with small whitish teeth. The foliage is
much the same as the ordinary M. race-
mosum. Another beautiful kind is M.
Szovitzianum, which comes into bloom
early and continues in blossom till the
latest kinds have done flowering. The
blooms are a clear blue, the teeth of the
corolla white ; the spike oval and larger
than in other species.
M. botryoides is a favourite bulb, with
little white teeth on blue globose clusters,
about 9 in. high, and suitable for the fronts
Musa Ensete.
winters except in Cornwall, where I have
seen it very fine in the open air at Caerhays.
MUSCARI (Grape Hyacinth}.— Pi^tiy
bulbs of the Lily family, all of the easiest
culture and flowering in spring 'and early
summer. Their proper position is either
the front row of the choice border or the
rock-garden, but they may be advantage-
ously grown as window-plants in pots or
boxes. In all cases they thrive best in
rich, deep, sandy loam, and are easily
multiplied by separating the bulbs every
third or fourth year. There are many
names, but few really distinct kinds.
M. armeniacum is one of the best,
of borders. The varieties pallidum and
album are distinct and beautiful ; and
pallidum has pale sky-blue clusters. M.
Heldreichi resembles M. botryoides, but
is larger, and has a longer spike of flowers.
It also flowers later.
M. comosum monstrosum (Feather
Hyacinth} is distinct from any of the fore-
going— i ft. or more in height ; its beauti-
ful mauve .flowers, cut into clusters of
wavy filaments, bear some resemblance to
purple feathers. M. moschatum has
clusters of dull yellow flowers, incon-
spicuous, but its delicious fragrance amply
atones for this. Another sweet-smelling
670 MUTISIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
MYOSOTIDIUM.
Muscari is M. luteum, with flowers fading
by degrees from a dull purplish hue to a
clear yellow.
M. racemosum is a familiar old kind,
with dark purple clusters and a strong
smell of Plums, its long and weak leaves
almost prostrate, while in M. botryoides
and its varieties the leaves stand erect.
It will hold its own anywhere, and will
wander all over the mixed border, grow-
ing like a weed, and in any soil. It has
near relatives in M. commutatum (with
blue flowers, darkening by degrees into
purple) and M. neglectum — also a hand-
some kind. There are several other
varieties mentioned in catalogues, but the
best are those mentioned above. Though
coming chiefly from the south of Europe,
they are all hardy, and grow in any posi-
tion in ordinary garden soil.
MUTISIA.— Very curious and distinct
half- shrubby climbers from Peru,
Ecuador, and Brazil, and characterised
by a climbing habit and tendril-pointed
leaves. Other kinds are natives of
Mutisia.
the Chilian Andes, and have simple
leaves, rigid in texture, whilst the habit is,
as a rule, bushy and not climbing.
Almost every one of about forty species is
remarkable for the size and beauty of its
flower-heads. Plants which possess such
qualities as these ought, one would think,
to be well represented in English gardens.
They are found at elevations sufficiently
high to admit of their being grown out-of-
doors in England, or at any rate in the
warmer parts of the country, and yet the
Mutisias are scarcely known in our
gardens. Some few cultivators have been
successful with M. decurrens ; once or
twice M. ilicifolia has been grown and
flowered very well. M. Clematis is the
least delicate of the garden Mutisias.
M. ilicifolia is a native of Chili, where
it grows over bushes. The plant has thin
wiry stems, and every part is covered with
a cobweb-like tomentum. The leaves are
about 2 in. long, the margins spiny-
toothed, the texture leathery, and the mid-
rib extending beyond the blade, branching
and forming a strong twining tendril. The
flowers are axillary, 3 in. across, with from
eight to twelve ray florets coloured pale
pink, or sometimes white with pink tips ;
the disc is lemon-yellow. It is a distinct,
interesting, and beautiful plant.
M. decurrens.— Of this, the most beau-
tiful of the three garden Mutisias, a fine
plate will be found in The Garden for
1883, p. 553. Mr. Coleman has grown it
well amongst Rhododendrons at Eastnor
Castle ; Mr. Gumbleton, Mr. Hooke, Mr.
Ellacombe, and Kew have also had it in
good condition. Most cultivators kill this
species by planting it in a hot, sunny,
dry position, where it gets baked, and soon
becomes sickly-looking, even if it lives.
It wants a moist, cool soil, a sunny, airy
position, and a few slender Pea sticks to
clamber upon. The stems when mature
are wiry, the leaves strap-shaped, with the
blade extending a long distance down the
stem, forming very conspicuous wings.
The midrib is prolonged into a stout wiry
tendril, which holds on firmly to anything
it once clasps. The flower-heads are ter-
minal, 4^ in. across, with fourteen ray-
florets, each half an inch across, spread-
ing, and then curving elegantly down-
wards, their colour being brilliant orange.
The disc is yellow, and the large involucre
is bluish green tinged with purple.
M. Clematis. — The first coloured
picture of this species ever published in
any English work was the plate in The
Garden, July 27th, 1883. It is a tall
herbaceous climber, 10 to 20 ft. high, with
pinnate leaves, terminating in branched
tendrils, the leaflets being covered on the
under side with a fine silky down. The
plant grows very freely, does not die off"
suddenly like the others, and when
properly treated it flowers freely. It is
probable that this species would thrive
out-of-doors in Devon, South Wales, and
South Ireland. It grows as fast as Cobaea
scandens, and is said to be propagated in
the same way, viz. by means of cuttings of
the young growth. This species is a native
of New Grenada, Peru, and Ecuador, at
elevations of from 6,000 to 1 1,000 ft.— W.
MYOSOTIDIUM (AntarcticForget-me-
Nof].-M. nobileis a lovely herbaceous plant
about which very little is known. I nits native
MYOSOTIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN
MYRICA.
67I
isle it is a seaside plant, in damp sand. It
is said not to be difficult to grow, but to be
naturally short-lived. It has a thick root-
stock, from which arise the large heart-
shaped, shining green leaves, the stalks of
which are grooved, and from 6 to 9 in.
long ; the flowers are borne on an erect
stem which springs from the apex of the
prostrate stem and rises to the height of
i or i^ ft. ; it is leafy all the way up, and
is terminated by a loose corymb of flowers
in colour exactly like Forget-me-Not, but
the shade of blue varies. After flowering,
the plants should be kept in a cool and
light position in a frame, and be liberally
watered in dry weather. It is a native of
the Chatham Islands, a small group in the
Pacific, lying 400 miles east of New Zea-
land. It was flowered in several gardens
of recent years — by Mr. Watson,- of St.
Albans ; the late Mr. Niven, of Hull ;
and very finely by Mrs. Rogers in Corn-
wall in the open air.
MYOSOTIS (Forget-me-Not}.— Beauti-
ful perennial and biennial marsh and alpine
plants, children of the mountain and marsh
land from many parts of Europe and our
own land, and of high value and charming
in all ways for gardens.
M. alpestris (Alpine Forget-me-Not} a
compact plant, a cushion of the loveliest
blue flowers, thriving on the rock-garden,
in moist gritty soil. It should be sur-
rounded by half-buried pieces of sand-
stone. There are various forms, some
very dwarf, with white and rose flowers.
Princess Maud is a robust variety with
rich deep blue flowers.
M. azorica (Azorean Forget-me-Not}
is a beautiful somewhat tender kind, with
dark blue blooms, 6 to 10 in. high, and,
coming from the extreme western Azores,
will not survive except in warm corners
of the rock-garden. It grows freely in
light soil, and may be raised from seed
or cuttings. The var. Imperatrice Eliza-
beth is a form or hybrid from it.
M. dissitiflora (Early Forget-me-Not},
a beautiful and early flowering plant, 6 to
12 in. high, with large handsome flowers
deep sky-blue, continuing till midsummer.
It is best in broad masses in open spots
of the rock-garden, or wherever spring
flowers are much valued.
M. palustris. — Although common in
wet ditches and by streams and canals,
throughout Britain, M. palustris should be
grown in the garden among shrubs in peat
beds, or for edgings, or as a carpet to
taller subjects, in small beds or borders in
moist soil. There are forms of this, one
with white flowers, another with larger
flowers than the type, whilst one is called
semperflorens, from its long season of
flowering.
M. lithospermifolia.— I think this has
the largest flowers of any of the true
Forget-me-Nots, flowering freely at a
height of 8 in. ; the flowers striking for
their size, the leaves distinct and small,
but otherwise resembling those of our
British Lithospermum purpureocceruleum.
The plant is gay from its abundance of
flowers and their large size. — W.
M. Rehsteineri. — Under this name I
have received one of the prettiest Forget-
me-Nots, an effective close-to-the-ground
creeper, practically forming a dense
cushion of blue for several weeks in April
and May. The plant thrives and spreads
like a mossy Saxifrage, but keeps flat to
Myosotis alpestris.
the ground. This will be a charming sur-
facing plant, through which the rarer
Snowdrops and Crocuses may spear during
winter and early spring.— W.
M. sylvatica ( Wood Forget-me-Not}. —
A beautiful woodland plant and of great
value for the garden and wild garden. It
should be abundant in a wild state by wood
walks, in copses, etc., and sows itself
freely in half-shady places. For the
garden sow seeds in beds in August every
year. Britain. Seed. There is a white, a
rose-coloured, and a striped variety.
MYRICA (Sweet Gale}.— The Myricas,
though not showy flowering shrubs, are
desirable on account of their scented
foliage. The native Sweet Gale or Dutch
Myrtle (M. Gale) should be wherever
sweet-smelling plants are cared for. It
6/2 MYRICARIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NARCISSUS.
is a thin bush, 2 or 3 ft. high, having
fragrant leaves. In a moist spot, such as
a bog, it spreads by underground shoots
and makes a large mass. The North
Amer can species, M. cerifera (Wax
Myrtle), M. pennsylvanica, and M. cali-
fornica, are less common. The last is a
good evergreen of dense growth, with
fragrant leaves, green through the winter.
It is a vigorous plant, especially in light
soils, and is hardy, but is little known
outside botanical collections. The Wax
Myrtle is met with in old gardens, where
it was planted for its spicy foliage. I find
our native Sweet Gale free and vigorous
in stiff soils where few things grow well.
M. (Comptonid) asplenifolia (Sweet Fern).
— A quaint little shrub 2 to 3 ft. high,
Fern-like in leaf, the leaves long and cut
into rounded lobes, and aromatic. It
spreads freely in sandy soils, and may be
increased by layers, suckers, or seeds. A •
pretty plant in the sandy woods of many
other parts of N. America. In gardens
its place is among small shrubs and on
the margins of peat beds.
MYRICARIA (German Tamarisk}.—
M. germanica is an elegant shrub, hardly
differing from the common Tamarisk of
our sea- coasts, with feathery foliage and
Myrrhis odorata (Sweet Cicely)
many long plume-like clusters of small pink
flowers. It grows 6 or 8 ft. high in warm
sandy soils, and, like the true Tamarisk,
is a good shrub for dry banks where few
shrubs would flourish.
MYRRHIS (Sweet Cicely}.- M. odorata
is a graceful native plant, with a peculiar
but grateful odour and sweet-tasting stems,
2 to 3 ft. high, with white flowers in early
summer, in compound umbels. Suitable
for naturalising near wood walks and in
open shrubberies in any soil, and may
be used among fine-leaved perennials.
Division.
MYRTUS (Myrtle}.— In southern and
coast counties the Myrtle is hardy enough
to be planted as a bush, for if its shoots
are killed by frosts it often recovers the
following season. But the common
Myrtle is most generally grown as a wall-
shrub, and house walls could not have a
more beautiful covering, especially if some
pretty Clematis or other graceful climber
be allowed to ramble amongst the Myrtle.
There .are many varieties of the common
Myrtle, every one with sweet-smelling
leaves, and all with white flowers. The
chief sorts are the Dutch, Italian, Roman,
Rosemary or Thyme-leaved, Nutmeg,
Box-leaved, and Andalusian. Besides
these there are some with variegated
leaves, the leaves being striped with gold
or silver, or spotted and blotched. In
planting a myrtle against a wall, choice
should, if possible, be given to a space
protected from northerly and easterly
winds, which in early spring are injurious
to the leaves. In old gardens the Myrtle
is often grown in tubs or pots for placing
on lawns or terraces in summer, and is
put under protection during winter : it is
much more worthy of such protection than
many of the plants to which our glass-
houses are now devoted in winter.
NANDINA (Heavenly Bamboo).— N.
domestica is a distinct and quaint-looking
and rather graceful shrub with dark
leathery leaves, becoming flushed with
red towards autumn. The flowers are
small and whitish, in panicles, succeeded
by berries about the size of peas, of
a fine red. In our climate, it does not
produce these freely, and for its perfecting,
no doubt, the plant wants a slightly better
climate than ours, but it lives in southern
and western gardens, and is best grouped
with American plants on peaty or free
soil.
NARCISSUS (Daffodil}. — Beautiful
bulbous flowers of mountain and alpine
pastures, plains, or woods, thriving ad-
mirably in most parts of our islands ; if
anywhere, better in the cooler northern
parts and in Ireland, though excellent in
cool soils in the south. They are to the
spring what Roses, Irises, and Lilies are
to summer, what Sunflowers and Chry-
NARCISSUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NARCISSUS.
673
santhemums are to autumn, and what
Hellebores and Aconite are to winter.
No good garden should be without the
best of the lovely varieties now known.
Narcissi vary so much in form, size,
colour, and in time of flowering, that a
most attractive spring garden could be
made with them alone ; provided one
had suitable soil, and a background of
fresh turf, shrubs, and trees. The best
of the commoner kinds should be planted
by the thousand, and, indeed, in many
cases this has been done with the best
results. On grassy banks, on turfy
bosses near the roots of lawn-trees, or in
meadows near the house, their effect is
delightful. All the best Narcissi, and
practically all the forms of the yellow and
the bicolor Daffodils, may be planted in
June, July, or August, in three ways — in
the lawn or meadow, in the beds and
borders of the garden, or in 6 or 8 in.
pots. Five bulbs should be planted in a
pot, and covered over with coal-ashes or
sand until January, when they may be
placed in a sunny frame, pit, or green-
house, or even in a sunshiny window, and
a crop of flowers can be secured earlier
than on the open ground. The main
points in beginning the culture of Narcissi
are to get sound and healthy bulbs as early
as possible after June, and to plant or pot
them at once in good fibrous, sandy, or
gravelly loam, or in any virgin soil.
They like fresh deep-tilled loam, and
the strongest of the bicolor and star
Narcissi do not object to soils rich in
manure ; but it is as well to remember
that no manure should be used in its
raw or crude state, and that wild species
and wild-collected varieties suffer and
often fail if planted at once in heavily
manured soils.
In naturalising the Daffodil on the Grass,
the Poet's Narcissus, or the Star Narcissus
(N. incomparabilis in all its forms), do
not begin as late as November or
December by planting the sweepings out
of the bulb-stores, since such bulbs are
weak and flabby, and are liable to rot in
the frozen ground. The time to begin
planting is June and July, and it is a
good rule to refuse to plant in quantity
after August or September.
In grouping border Narcissi it will
usually be found advisable to lift and
replant the clumps every three or four
years, but if any delicate varieties do not
flower well, or if they show signs of weak-
ness or of disease, they should be lifted
not later than July, and, after being cleaned,
at once replanted, in fresh and good soil,
and, if possible, in sandy or gravelly loam
free from fresh manures. It is better to
dig and replant Daffodils too soon than
too late. The best time is when the
leaves turn yellow in June or July. On
well-drained loams resting on gravel, the
bulbs lose both leaves and roots in June
or July, and may be taken up and re-
moved with advantage ; and, indeed,
where good round presentable sale bulbs
are grown, the rule is to dig them every
summer as soon as the leaves wither.
Whenever an amateur's stock of bulbs
is divided, it is wise to replant some in
fresh ground, and any surplus may be
Narcissus Horsfieldi.
naturalised in grass. The rate of in-
crease on good soils is surprising, such
splendid sorts as N. John Horsfield, N.
Empress, N. Grandee, N. Emperor, and
N. Sir Watkin actually trebling them-
selves the second year after planting.
The depth at which the bulbs should be
planted varies according to the texture
and the drainage of the soil. In strong
or wet and retentive soils, shallow plant-
ing, say 3 to 5 in. beneath the surface,
is ample, but on light, sandy, and well-
drained soils, or on what are known as
warm soils, the depth may vary from 6
to 12 in. — in a word, the bulbs should
be as far as possible below the drought
and frost line. The best grown private
collections of these flowers I have seen are
those at Great Warley, Essex, and at
Totley Hall, near Sheffield, where the best
kinds are grouped boldly by the thousand.
i If cut flowers are desired, then bold
X X
674 NARCISSUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NARCISSUS.
groups on borders, in beds, or on
Grass sheltered by hedges or shrubs are
desirable. The first crop can be ob-
tained from pots or boxes in the green-
house, and these will be followed by fully
formed and bursting buds, in sheltered
and sunny places. These buds will open
large, fresh, and fair if placed in pots of
water in a warm greenhouse or a sunny
frame or window. In March and April
comes the prolific harvest of golden open-
air blossoms. In cutting Daffodils or
Narcissi for indoor decoration, cut the
flowers when the buds are opening, or
even just before, and let the stalks be long,
as the flowers group better with long-
stalks. Do not cut the leaves of choice
Narcissus calathinus.
kinds, but use leaves of common sorts
with choice flowers. Put each kind in a
separate glass, but put together as many
of the same kind as you like.
Such delicate southern kinds as N.
Bulbocodium, N. triandrus, N. calathinus,
N. juncifolius, and most of the varieties
of N. Tazetta may be grown in front of
sunny walls on prepared peaty or on
sandy borders, or else in glasshouses in
the garden ; but even in such places
their flowers often suffer from spring
storms, and the surest plan is to adopt
pot-culture in a sunny frame. N. viridi-
florus, N. serotinus, N. intermedius, N.
elegans, N. pachybulbus, N. Broussoneti,
etc., are interesting to collectors ; but the
difficulties of their culture are out of all
proportion to their beauty, and those who
only wish for large and beautiful flowers
had better ignore them. Practically, we
have only six species of Narcissus worth
cultivating — N. Bulbocodium, N. pseudo-
narcissus, N. poeticus, N. Tazetta, N.
jonquilla, and N. triandrus. Then for
naturalisation, or for ordinary garden
culture, these six may be reduced to three
groups — N. pseudo-narcissus, or the Ajax
Daffodils ; N. poeticus, or the Poet's
Narcissus ; and the natural hybrid between
these two species, the ubiquitous Star
Narcissus — N. incomparabilis. These
kinds are really the only free and hardy
open-air Narcissi, and are the best for the
meadow or the lawn.
Of the newer seedlings, perhaps the
finest are N. "Ellen Willmott" and N.
Madame de Graaff, which first flowered
at Leyden in 1883. N. Glory of Leyden
is a yellow counterpart of it. The two
were offered, one bulb of each, for 7
guineas only a year or two ago. They
are so vigorous, and they increase so fast
in good soil, that buyers were amply
repaid, high as these prices appear. N.
Weardale Perfection, N. Monarch, and
some others are so fine and so rare that
they are practically not to be had, any-
thing less than 10 guineas having been
refused for a single bulb of N. Weardale
Perfection. These are only show flowers,
however, and many others not much less
handsome may be had by the hundred
or the thousand at a moderate price.
Narcissi flower in continuous succession
from February until June ; and when pot-
culture and warm-house treatment is
adopted, the double Roman Narcissus and
the Italian paper- white Narcissus flower
in November, and there are always some
Narcissi in flower from that time to June.
HYBRID NARCISSI. — The species which
have best lent themselves to the hybrid-
iseijs art are N. pseudo-narcissus, N.
poeticus, N. montanus, N. triandrus, N.
jonquilla, and N. Tazetta. The type
hybrids are N. incomparabilis, Bernardi
(both found wild), Nelsoni, Barrii, Bur-
bidgei, Humei, Leedsii, Milneri, tridymus,
and odorus. There are wild and garden
hybrids between N. Bulbocodium and
pseudo-narcissus ; N. triandrus and N.
pseudo-narcissus ; N. jonquilla and N.
pseudo-narcissus ; N. juncifolius and N.
pseudo-narcissus ; N. Tazetta and N.
pseudo-narcissus ; N. Tazetta and N.
poeticus ; N. poeticus and N. pseudo-
narcissus ; and N. montanus and N.
poeticus ; and also N. pseudo-narcissus
and N. montanus; while derivative hybrids
have been obtained between some of these
hybrids and some of the parent species.
It is remarkable that while wild hybrids
NARCISSUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NARCISSUS.
675
and garden seedlings usually enjoy richly
manured soils, wild species, and the white
varieties of the Daffodil, N. triandrus, and
N. Bulbocodium usually die out on deep
richly manured borders, but frequently
live on poor, stony, or sandy soils, on dry
grassy banks, or amongst the roots on
the sunny sides of hedges, shrubs, stone
walls, and trees.
N. biflorus (Primrose Peerless] is simi-
lar in habit to N. poeticus, but has creamy-
white flowers, two on a scape, and the rim
of the primrose corona is scariose but
colourless {i.e. not purple). N. biflorus is
now known to be a natural hybrid between
N. poeticus and N. Tazetta, having been
found wild with its parents near Mont-
pellier by Mr. Barr ; and also raised from
its parents in the garden by the Rev. Mr.
Engleheart. N. biflorus is naturalised in
England and Ireland, but is a native of
Europe. It is one of the easiest of all the
kinds to naturalise, and spreads rapidly,
but is usually supposed not to bear seed.
N. Dr. Laumonier (Wilks) is a very fine
seedling of this group.
PRINCIPAL SPECIES OF NARCISSI.
N. (Corbularia) Bulbocodium {The
Hooped\Petticoat Daffodil] represents a kind
having slender rush-like leaves. In Spain it
grows in wet meadows during winter and
spring, but is dried up throughout summer
and autumn. The types are golden-
yellow in Spain and Portugal, sulphur-
yellow in S. France, as at Biarritz and
Bayonne, one variety in the Pyrenean
district (N. Graellsii) is whitish, but in
Algeria grows the exquisite snowy-white
N. monophyllus. Hybrids between N.
Bulbocodium, N. triandrus, and the
Daffodil have been obtained in gardens,
and are also found wild. The main
varieties are conspicuus, a large, rich,
golden-yellow kind with green rushy
leaves ; tenuifolius, a small golden form,
having a six-lobed rim to the corona, and
very long rush leaves, which lie on the
ground ; nivalis, abundant in Portugal
and near Leon in Spain, a small golden
kind with short erect leaves ; praecox, a
large early-blooming form, found by Mr.
Barr in Spain ; citrinus, a pale French
form, varying much in size ; Graellsii, the
European white ; and monophyllus, the
African white. These are dainty bulbs for
pots or for choice borders on warm dry
soils. They can rarely be naturalised in
our country.
N. cyclamineus {Cyclamen Daffodil}.
— A dainty but not showy species, easily
grown in a peat-earth rock-garden or in
pots of peaty compost. It seldom exists
from year to year in the open air. It has
lived on Grass in peat, and, no doubt,
could be naturalised easily enough on sandy
peat soils which are wet in winter and
spring, and dry in summer and autumn.
In April, 1892, I saw a most lovely
specimen low down in a damp little
grassy bay beside a mill-race at Mount
Usher in Wicklow. N. cyclamineus likes
the side of a stream, and is found by
streams in Portugal. Like N. triandrus,
it is readily raised from seed, and the seed-
lings flower the third year. It is 6 to 8 in.
high, and the scapes are about the same
length, each bearing a bright golden re-
flexed flower. It has sap-green leaves.
There are large and small forms, and a
bicolor variety seems to have been known
long ago. N. cyclamineus, although but
Narcissus biflorus.
lately re-discovered, was figured in French
books early in the seventeenth century.
Like N. Johnstoni, it came from Oporto
in 1884-85.
N. incomparabilis {Star Daffodil}.—
To this group belong N. incomparabilis,
Barrii, Burbidgei, odorus, Backhousei, Nel-
soni, Sabinei, tridymus, and the Pyrenean
wild hybrid, Bernardi, which is found wher-
ever N. variiformis and N. poeticus occur
together. Of N. incomparabilis there are
over a hundred named kinds, the best
being : Sir Watkin or Welsh Peerless,
Gloria Mundi, Queen Sophia, C. J. Back-
house, Princess Mary, Gwyther, splen-
dens, Beauty, Autocrat, Frank Miles,
Cynosure, James Bateman, King of
the Netherlands, Commander, Figaro,
Goliath, Mabel Cowan, Mary Anderson
X X 2
676 NARCISSUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NARCISSUS.
(delicate, but of a splendid colour), Fair
Helen, Lulworth, St. Patrick, and Queen
Bess. Mr. Engleheart has a large series
of shapely seedlings with richly coloured
crowns, such as ' Southern Star,' Lettice
Harmer, Red Prince, Beacon, and White
Queen. There are three or four hand-
some double forms of N. incompara-
bilis, long known in gardens. The most
abundant of these is incomparabilis
fl.-pl. (Butter and Eggs). There is a
white variety, with vermilion chalice
good, and are useful for extended culture
on Grass or for cut flowers.
The Burbidge hybrids are like the
Barrii forms, but have small crowns.
Their chief value lies in the freedom and
earliness of their bloom, as they open days
before even ornatus — the early April form
of N. poeticus. The best varieties are
Burbidgei (type), Agnes Barr, Beatrice
Heseltine, Baroness Heath, Constance,
Crown Princess, Ellen Barr, John Bain,
Little Dirk, Model, Mrs. Krelage,and Mary.
Narcissus Sir Watkin.
segments, known as Eggs and Bacon or !
Orange Phoenix; and a pale sulphur |
double called Sulphur Kroon, which is I
exquisite if well grown. Sulphur j
Kroon is often known as Codlins and
Cream.
Of Barr's Peerless (N. Barm, hybrids),
the best are Conspicuus and Sensation,
but Golden Star, Crown Prince, Flora
Wilson, Miriam, Barton, Orphee, General
Murray, Albatros, Sea Gull, Maurice Vil-
morin, and Dorothy E. Wemyss are all
Of Leeds' silver star forms the best are
exquisite on good sandy soils, and their
whiteness and delicate purity and grace
render them most acceptable as cut
flowers. The best are : N. Leedsii (type),
amabilis, Beatrice, Hon. Mrs. Barton,
Katherine Spurrell, Duchess of West-
minster, Madge Matthew, elegans, Minnie
Hume, superbus, Princess of Wales,
Magdalina de Graaff, Gem, Grand
Duchess, Acis, and Palmerston.
Hume's hybrids are deformed Daffodils,
NARCISSUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NARCISSUS.
677
the best being Giant and concolor.
Sabine's hybrid (N. Sabinei) is a bold white
bicolor, with a shortened trumpet, and so
are the so-called Backhouse hybrids —
Wolley Dod and William Wilks, a shapely
and effective flower of good substance
and with vigorous leaves.
More starry, but with smaller cups, are
Nelson's hybrids ; tall, free, and distinct
habit ; the best, Nelsoni major, minor, pul-
chellus (perfect shape), Mrs. C. J. Back-
house, aurantius (orange-red cup), and
William Backhouse. Collected bulbs of N.
Bernardi are very variable in size and
form, and some, like E. Buxton, have fine
orange-red cups, which resemble Nelson's
aurantius. N. tridymus is a variable
hybrid between the Daffodil and N.
Tazetta with two to three flowers on a
scape.
N. jonquilla (Jonquil}. — Long known
in gardens, and imported from Italy and
Holland for forcing in pots. Much grown
at Grasse, Cannes, etc., for its perfume.
N. stellaris has narrow perianth lobes,
and N. jonquilloides is a robust form
from Spain. The varieties gracilis and
tenuior are now supposed to be hybrids
between the Jonquil and some other
species, or between N. intermedius and
juncifolius, N. intermedius itself being a
hybrid between some form of N. Tazetta
and the Jonquil. The Jonquil, when
strongly grown on a warm border, is
handsome and very sweet, and N. gracilis
is the latest of all single Narcissi,
as it blooms with N. poeticus fl.-pl. in
May or early June. The double Jonquil
is rarely seen doing well in open ground,
but as a pot plant it is handsome. S.
France and Spain.
N. juncifolius (Rush Jo?iquil\— A
small plant, suitable only for sheltered
borders, for stone edgings, and for pot-
culture in a cold frame. It is very variable,
and rupicola, minutiflorus, and scaberulus
are well-known variations. Its small Jon-
quil-scented flowers have very large cups,
often widely expanded, which are crenulate
at their edges. The var. rupicola flowers
and seeds annually in the rock-garden at
Edinburgh Botanical Gardens, and seems
hardier than the type.
N. odorus (Great Jonquit). — This
plant, although found wild in S. France,
Portugal, and N. Spain, is now believed
to be a hybrid = N. jonquilla x N. pseudo-
narcissus. The leaves are rushy, and
two or three yellow starry flowers are
borne on each scape. The best kinds are
N. odorus (Campernelle), and rugulosus,
a more robust form, with larger flowers.
A double form, very handsome on
warm soils, is known as Queen Anne's
Jonquil.
N. poeticus (Poets or Pheasants-eye
Narcissus], — One of the oldest, sweetest,
and most popular of garden flowers, and
erroneously supposed to be the Narcissus
of the Greek poets. It is widely distributed
in France and Germany, and extends to
the Pyrenees. In upland meadows of
the Pyrenees it is very abundant in June
and July. It flowers from the beginning
of April until June. The older forms of
N. poeticus are now far surpassed by Mr.
Engleheart's new seedlings, such as Dante,
Petrarch, and many others. N. ornatus is
now grown by the million for Easter decora-
tion. N. grandiflorus is a very large floppy
variety, N. poetarum has a saffron-red
crown, and N. tripodalis has reflexed seg-
ments and a bold crimson-scarlet ring.
The typical N. poeticus is a tall plant, with
a small shapely flower, but is not often seen.
N. Marvel has a bladder-like spathe like an
Allium, and a pale and shapely flower. N.
patellaris has a broad crown and a saffron
rim, and blooms late ; but the form usually
met with early in May is N. recurvus, the
Pheasant's-eye of cottage-gardens. N.
recurvus has a green eye and a crimson-
fringed crown. All the forms, especially
ornatus and recurvus, naturalise perfectly,
and of recent years bulbs have been dug on
the Pyrenees by the thousand for natural-
isation. They are so variable in habit,
size, shape, and colour that any number
of varieties could be selected from them.
The June-flowering double form of N.
patellaris, or Gardenia Narcissus, is very
fine. It does well on deep sandy borders.
It is a shy flowerer, and many of its buds
go blind, so that half the stock should be
transplanted every year in August. N.
stellaris, the latest single form of N.
poeticus, flowers in June. Some very fine
and shapely seedlings of N. poeticus have
been raised by Mr. Engleheart.
N. pseudo-narcissus (Common Daffo-
dil\ — There are several hundred varieties
of the Common Daffodil, either wild or
cultivated. The only native of Britain is
the common English kind, which extends
from Cornwall to Fife, and is specially
plentiful in the south-eastern counties. In
Normandy, Daffodils by millions light up
the woods in April, while many fine forms
are wild in Spain and in the Pyrenean
region, and the richest of golden Daffodils
come from Spain and Portugal. The Rev.
C. Wolley Dod found N. maximus grow-
ing between Dax and Bayonne, probably
naturalised. Nearly all Daffodils do well
on Grass, if the soil be at all suitable ;
and as regards our wild English Daffodil,
Narcissus Emperor.
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THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NARCISSUS.
679
the Grass is the only place in which to
grow it permanently. Daffodils are
usually divided into three groups : first,
golden Daffodils, such as N. maximus,
Tenby, and spurius ; secondly, bicolors,
such as John Horsfield, Empress, Grandee,
£c. ; thirdly, sulphur and white kinds, such
as Exquisite, and the white Daffodils, such
as the wild Pyrenean and N. moschatus.
Nearly all the golden kinds are robust and
easily grown, and the bicolor group are
even more so, but, speaking broadly, the
delicate sulphur and the white sorts are
tender and unsatisfactory, except on the
most favourable soils. The following are
the best in each group : —
Golden Daffodil Group — Abscissus (mu-
ticus), Ard Righ, Emperor, Countess
of Annesley, Bastemil, Captain Nelson,
spurius, coronatus (General Gordon), Gol-
den Spur, Distinction, obvallaris, Henry
Irving, Glory of Leyden, Golden Prince,
Golden Plover, Golden Vase, Her Majesty,
John Nelson, spurius, major, maximus,
M. J. Berkeley, and Mrs. Elwes. Nanus
and minor are dwarf varieties, minimus is
the smallest of all the Daffodils. Shake-
speare, Hodsock's Pride, Fred. Moore,
Wide Awake, Marchioness of Headfort, P.
R. Barr, rugilobus, Santa Maria, Samson,
Sir W. Harcourt, Townshend, Boscawen,
Stanfield, Croom a Boo (Ard Righ with a
frilled trumpet), Weardale Perfection,
" Ellen Willmott," Monarch, and many
others are not as yet much grown.
Bicolor Group — Empress, John Hors-
field, Grandee, Dean Herbert, Michael Fos-
ter, Alfred Parsons, George C. Barr, Harri-
son Weir, J. B. M. Camm, John Parkinson,
Mrs. Walter Ware, Mad. Plemp, T. A.
Dorien Smith, and variiformis. Carrie
Plemp, Princess Colibri, Duchess of Teck,
and Victoria are new kinds.
White and Sulphur- flowered Group —
Moschatus, albicans (Leda), cernuus (very
variable), Cecilia de Graaff, Colleen
Bawn, cernuus pulcher, C. W. Cowan,
Dr. Hogg, Exquisite, J. G. Baker (volu-
tus), F. W. Burbidge, Lady Grosvenor,
Galatea, Mme. de Graaff, Mrs. F. W.
Burbidge, Mrs. J. B. M. Camm, Mrs.
Thompson, Helen Falkiner, pallidus
praecox (the variable sulphur Daffodil of
Biarritz and Bayonne), pallidus asturicus,
Princess Ida, Sarnian Belle, tortuosus,
Wm. Goldring, W. P. Milner, Minnie
Warren, Countess of Desmond, Robert
Boyle, Silver Bar, Mrs. Vincent.
The best of the double Daffodils are —
Telamonius plenus (Van Sion), very free
and robust, naturalised everywhere ;
double English, minor plenus (Rip van
Winkle) ; lobularis plenus ; Scoticus
plenus ; plenissimus (Parkinson's great
rose double) ; capax plenus (Eystet-
tensis), an exquisitely pretty and pale six-
rowed double, but requiring a warm
sandy soil, and remarkable as being a
distinct double, of which the single type
is unknown ; Cernuus, C. bicinctus ; the
last do well in warm, stony soils, and, like
other delicate kinds, enjoy the company
of tree, shrub, or Rose roots.
Johnstoni (Johnston's hybrid Daffodil)
was found by Mr. A. W. Tait near Oporto
in 1885, and figured in Bot. Mag., 7012 ;
it is a natural hybrid, between N. pseudo-
narcissus and N. triandrus, and is vari-
able, Mr. Tait having in March 1892,
sent me a bicolor form (Garrett x N.
triandrus albus). The best forms are N.
Johnstoni (type), Queen of Spain, Mrs.
Geo. Cammell, Pelayo, and Mr. Tail's
new bicolor form to which I have above
Hybrid Narcissus Snowdrop.
alluded. The Rev. G. H. Engleheart
has repeated crosses between the parent
species, and has produced a pale sulphur or
white Johnstoni (Snowdrop) and others.
N. Tazetta (Polyanthus or Bunch Nar-
cissus).— This is the classical Narcissus
of Homer and other poets, Greek and
Roman — the flower of a hundred heads
that delights all men, and lends a glory
to the sea and the sky. Tazetta is focused
in the Mediterranean Basin, but extends
from the Canary Islands to the north
of India and to Japan. It has long been
naturalised in the Scilly Isles and in
Cornwall ; but its early habit of growth,
acquired in more sunny climes, often
with us causes the flowers to be injured
by frosts and storms. These Narcissi are
hardy on warm dry soils, and as pot-plants
many of them are handsome, while in deep,
warm, sandy borders, which are sheltered
680 NARCISSUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NARCISSUS.
by sunny walls or by plant-houses, they
frequently do well, but as a rule bulbs must
be imported from France, Italy, or Hol-
land every year. The earliest are the double
Roman and the paper- white (N. papy-
raceus). One variety from China may be
grown in a sunny window if placed in water,
and the bulbs submerged and held in posi-
tion by gravel or stones. The growth of this
variety is rapid, and good bulbs produce
five to eight spikes. Its shop name is
" Sacred Narcissus " or Chinese "Joss Lily."
The best varieties are Grand Monarque,
States-General, Newton, Scilly White
(White Pearl), Soleil d'Or, Bathurst,
Baselman major (Trewianus), Gloriosus,
Sulphurine, Czar de Muscovie, Grand
Sultana, Grand Primo Citroniere, Luna,
Her Majesty, Queen of the Netherlands,
Lord Canning, and Golden Era.
N. Baselman minor is now proved by
Mr. Engleheart and others to be a hybrid
between N. Tazetta and N. poeticus, and
a similar hybrid has been found wild near
Montpellier.
N. triandrus (Ganymede's Cup}. — A
distinct and elegant species which is
rarely happy out-of-doors except on warm,
moist, and sheltered borders, or in nooks
of the rock-garden, but which as a pot-
bulb has no superior for delicate beauty,
its flowers rivalling in texture those of the
Cape Freezias. The late Mr. Rawson, of
Fallbarrow, Windermere, grew it in pots,
and his specimens bore fifty to a hundred
flowers. His plan was to rest it thoroughly
after the leaves faded, and then to top-
dress the bulbs, and rarely or never to
re-pot them. As a rule N. triandrus is
short-lived, but it naturally reproduces
itself from seeds, which bloom the second
or third year after sowing. The principal
varieties are N. albus (Angel's Tears), N.
calathinus (a robust form from the Isle de
Glennans), and L'lle St. Nicholas. On
the coast of Brittany N. calathinus grows
among rocks and short sandy sward close
to the sea, and within reach of its spray
during rough weather. N. pulchellus has
a primrose perianth and a white cup, and
is very pretty. In the late Mr. R. Parker's
nursery at Lower Tooting, in 1874, it was
very strong and healthy in an open-air bed
resting on the gravel, and some of its
scapes bore seven or nine flowers. No
other Narcissus has a cup paler than the
perianth segments. Pulchellus has recently
been found wild in Portugal and Spain.
NEW HYBRID AND CROSS-BRED NAR-
CISSI.—Every year at the Drill Hall and
elsewhere we see new and improved seed-
lings by the score, and any one may raise
seedlings for themselves if they will take
the trouble to cross-fertilise the flowers
either as grown in pots in cool greenhouse
or cold frame, or in open-air borders. In
some gardens, as at Chirnside and Kilma-
curragh, series of natural cross-bred kinds
have appeared spontaneously, and this is
doubtless how White Minor, St. Austin,
Countess of Desmond, and many other
Irish forms appeared.
DISEASES AND INSECTS.— As Narcissi
may be grown on dry warm soils, or in
grassy lawns and meadows, the insects
and fungoid diseases that would affect
them on deep-dug and highly manured
borders are few and far between. Neither
cattle nor sheep molest them, and game
and poultry, and even the most voracious
of rabbits and the most impudent of town-
sparrows leave the flowers alone. That
their leaves and roots are poisonous, or
acridly narcotic, may account for this.
In some gardens and nurseries the larva
of the Narcissus Fly (Merodon equestris)
infests old bulbs, and whenever bulbs are
imported from abroad or are dug for
replanting, this larva should be searched
for and exterminated. The bulbs affected
may generally be known by their necks
feeling soft when pinched. All such bulbs
should be cut open and the larvae
extracted and killed. Such means are the
only cure, as no insecticides will kill the
pest without destroying the bulbs. The
pest checks both root and bulb growth,
l3ut after the larvae are removed the rare
bulbs recently infected may be planted for
stock, for although the heart be eaten
away, the lateral buds at the base of the
bulb-scales often produce young bulbs.
N. poeticus and its varieties have rarely
been infected by a leaf fungus (Puccinia
Schrceteri), and so far its ravages have
been limited.
Bulbs of Narcissus are now and then
found to be afflicted with black canker or
" black-rot," probably caused by Peziza
cibovioides, but so far little serious injury
has been done. The most insidious
disease that affects Narcissi is one to
which Mr. C. W. Dod some few years
ago originally drew attention, under the
name of " basal rot." The stunted flowers
come up prematurely, while the leaves
have a diseased appearance, and are
much dwarfed and contorted. The base
of the bulb rots away, while no roots are
formed from the disc, and the wet and
flabby bulb-coats are more or less dis-
coloured, as if parboiled. This disease is
most prevalent among white Daffodils,
white single and double ; but yellow kinds
such as Ard Righ and maximus are
affected on wet and cold soils, and even
NEILLIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. NEMOPHILA. 68 1
N. Tazetta, N. Leedsii, and N. jonquilla
are also affected. In many cases this
disease is checked by annual digging and
re-planting in July or August ; and
sometimes bulbs, affected on deep rich
borders, have recovered on being trans-
planted to Grass or beds of Moss and
Briar Roses. Cold and wet, or even
richly manured soils, seem especially
conducive to this disease, and the only
remedy is to alter the conditions of
growth as soon as the leaves have died
away. A celebrated northern grower of
Narcissi tells me that some sorts that
formerly failed on level borders do well
on the drier and warmer grassy banks to
which he transferred them. Facility in
altering conditions of growth is often
the best way to save plants that show
signs of disease or failing in any way. It
is a great consolation to know that many
of the best and most showy kinds, if
broadly and naturally grown on the Grass
of meadow or of outlying lawn, are rarely,
if ever, afflicted seriously with the above
pests.— F. \V. B.
NEILLIA (Nine Bark\—N. opulifolia
is a hardy shrub generally known as Spiraea
opulifolia. It is usually 3 to 5 ft. in height,
but in good soils and in sheltered places
it makes a bush 8 or 10 ft. high, and as
much through. It blooms about mid-
summer, the small white flowers being
borne in dense feathery clusters. A more
important shrub for ornamental planting
is the variety aurea, with golden leaves.
The yellow tinge of the foliage is ex-
tremely bright, and, at a distance, looks j
like a glowing mass of yellow bloom.
This variety is a hardy and vigorous
shrub suitable for planting anywhere.
NELUMBIUM ( Yellow Sacred Bean}.
— N. luteum is the hardiest known Sacred
Bean, and therefore the one most inter-
esting for northern gardens. Its large |
blossoms are a pale yellow, and its large
round leaves arise boldly out of the water
3 to 4 ft. I have seen it flower strongly
in the Garden of Plants at Paris : it re-
mained out all the winter in a fountain
basin in a sheltered and warm nook in
the open air. It would probably flower
out-of-doors in a sunny and sheltered
spot in the south of England. It is rare,
but may be procured from some nurseries,
or from America. The beautiful N.
speciosum is another noble aquatic, and
is well worth a trial wherever there is a
contrivance for heating the water of a
small pond or tank in the open air.
NEMESI A. —Pretty hardy annuals of
the simplest culture, N. floribunda growing
about i ft. high, and bearing in summer
fragrant Linaria-like blossoms, white with
yellow throats. N. versicolor has blue,
lilac, or yellow and white blossoms ; and
its variety compacta, blue and white
flowers. If sown in ordinary soil in
masses in early spring and then well
thinned, the plants will have a pretty
effect for several weeks after June. In
N. strumosa the flowers display a variety
of colours, white, pale yellow, and shades
between pink to deep crimson. It grows
12 to 15 in. high, and has five or six stems,
each of which bears a head of flowers,
blooming from summer until late in
autumn. Sow in heat in March, and
transplant the seedlings in May, or sow
in the open ground after the middle of
May. S. Africa.
NEMOPHILA (Californian Bluebell}.
— Pretty Californian hardy annuals of
much value for our gardens. The species
from which the cultivated varieties
have been derived are N. insignis,
N. atomaria, N. discoidalis, and N.
maculata. N. insignis has sky-blue
flowers, and its varieties are grandiflora,
alba, purpurea - rubra, and striata. N.
atomaria has white flowers speckled
with blue. Its varieties are ccelestis
(sky-blue margin), oculata (pale blue and
black centre), and alba nigra (white and
black centre). N. discoidalis has dark
purple flowers edged with white, and the
flowers of its variety elegans are maroon
margined with white. N. maculata has
large white flowers blotched with violet
and its variety purpurea is of a mauve
colour. These kinds are all worth growing.
They thrive in any soil, and are of the
simplest culture. In spring some pretty
combinations may be effected by arranging
the masses in harmonising colours. All
Nemophilas are well suited for edgings
and for filling small beds, as they are
compact in growth. The insignis section
should always be preferred to the others.
Seeds should be sown early in August
for spring - flowering, and in April for
summer -blooming. To secure a good
display of flower, however, the best time
to sow is in August, and the soil should
be a light one, where the seed can ger-
minate freely, and where the plants will
not become too robust before winter sets
in. If the seed be sown where the
plants are to flower, the results will be
most satisfactory ; but if transplanting
be necessary, it should be done early
in the winter. A ball of earth should
be attached to each plant, and to secure
this thin sowing is indispensable. These
plants often grow better and give prettier
effects in the cooler northern parts of
682 NEPETA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NIEREMEERGIA.
the country and in Scotland. Hydro-
phyllaceae.
NEPETA (Cat Mini}.— Herbaceous
perennials, of which N. macrantha has
rather showy purple flowers, but is too tall
and coarse for the border. N. Mussini is
an old plant, flourishing in ordinary
garden soil, and was once used for
edgings to borders, a purpose for which
its compact growth suits it well ; but
none of these plants are among the best
for choice borders.
NEPHBODIUM. — North American
ferns, some hardy, and very handsome, and
these thrive under the same conditions as
our native ferns. The chief sorts are
N. Goldieanum, N. intermedium, N. mar-
ginale, and N. noveberacense. Several
Japanese and Chinese species thrive
without protection in mild localities, but
they cannot be recommended for general
culture. N. fragrans is a sweet-scented
little form. It is somewhat delicate, but
thrives in a sheltered situation.
NEUTER A (Fruiting Duckweed}. — N.
depressa is a pretty creeping and minute
plant, thickly studded with tiny reddish-
orange berries, and with minute round
leaves which are suggestive of the Duck-
weed of our stagnant pools. It forms
densely matted tufts in the open air, best
perhaps on level spots in the rock-garden.
It is also often grown in pans, and out-of-
doors in some places may require pro-
tection in winter. N. depressa may be
propagated by dividing old plants into
small portions and placing them in small
pots in a gentle heat until they start into
growth, and then removing them to a
cooler atmosphere. Rubiaceae. New
Zealand.
NICANDBA. — N. physaloides is a
pretty Peruvian half-hardy annual, about
2 ft. high, of stout growth, bearing in
summer numerous showy blue and white
bell-like flowers, and thriving in an open
position in light soil. Seed should be
sown in heat in early spring or in the open
air about the end of March, and the
seedlings should be transplanted in May.
One plant is sufficient for a square yard.
Solanaceae.
NICOTIANA (Tobacco}.— Stout half-
hardy annuals of rapid growth, and good
subjects for grouping with other stately
plants. The varieties differ chiefly in the
stoutness and the height of their stems, and
in size of their leaves and flowers, these dif-
ferences depending largely on cultivation.
The best growth is got in rich ground
and sheltered positions. Seed must be
sown in February in a warm house or
frame. Prick off the plants as soon as
they appear, and pot them in a genial heat
of, say, 60°. Then about the end of May
fine plants will be ready for putting out
from 6 or 8 in. pots. They will start off at
once, and not cease growing until frost
comes. The most useful of all is N.
affinis, used largely in gardens large and
small, in distinct groups or with other
things. Some of the best effects are got
from this kind in association with
Heliotropes and tall plants. It is much
smaller in leafage and habit than
such kinds as N. macrophylla, and there-
fore more suitable for small gardens.
N. colossea is a large-leaved kind which
has been grown in recent years, but it is
eclipsed by its variegated form which is
one of the most graceful plants for beds or
borders.
N. wigandioides is well adapted for
subtropical bedding in positions where it
will be surrounded by dwarfer plants.
NIEBEMBEBGIA.— The only quite
hardy Nierembergia is N. rivularis (White
Cup), one of the handsomest of all. The
steins and foliage trail along the ground like
those of the New Holland Violet, while
barely pushed above the foliage are open
Nierembergia rivularis.
cup-like creamy-white flowers, usually
nearly 2 in. across. They continue during
the summer and autumn, and have a
pleasing effect in the distance, as they
suggest Snowdrops at first, and are quite
as pretty when closely viewed. To ensure
success with Nierembergias have heavy,
firm soil, a level surface, and sunny aspect.
The tender Nierembergias are N. frutes-
cens, a sub-shrubby plant of erect growth,
and N. filicaulis, or gracilis as it is called,
NIGELLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER G A It DEN.
NUPHAR.
683
which has slender drooping branches.
Both have pretty white flowers pencilled
with purple, and are suitable for the rock-
garden in summer or for drooping over
the edges of vases. Propagate by cutting s
in spring in heat.
NIGELLA (Fennel Flower}.— Hardy
annuals of the Crowfoot family, all
curious and pretty with feathery FenneJ-
like foliage and bluish or yellowish
blossoms. N. sativa, N. orientalis, N.
damascena (Devil in a Bush), and N.
Nigella damascena.
hispanica are the kinds cultivated, N.
hispanica being the prettiest, growing
about i ft. high, and with showy blue
flowers from July onwards. There is a
white variety and a variety with deep
purple blossoms. All the Nigellas should
be sown in March, in light warm soil in the
open border. They should be sown in the
place which they are to occupy, as they do
not succeed so well if transplanted. If
sown in autumn, the seedlings often
survive the winter and flower early and
well.
NOLANA (Chilian Bellfloiver}.--?*^
hardy annuals from S. America — N. para-
doxa, N. prostrata, and N. atriplicifolia
among the best. They have slender
trailing stems, and flowers generally blue.
N. atriplicifolia has beautiful and very
showy blue flowers with a white centre,
and there is a white variety (N. a. alba).
The Nolanas are suitable for borders or
for the rock-garden, as they thrive in any
warm open situation in good light soil. As
seedlings do not transplant well, seed
should be sown in the open in March, and
the plants well thinned out. Nolanaceae.
NOTOSPARTIUM (Pink Broom of
Neiv Zealand). — N. CarmichaellicE is much
like some of the Brooms, hence its name,
the leafless, graceful shoots studded late
in June with small bright rosy flowers
in clusters towards the point. Its grace-
Notospartium Carmichaeliae.
ful growth is well seen in the bolder
arrangement of the rock-garden. In New
Zealand it grows 20 ft. in height, and
seems to be fairly hardy here, though not
a shrub for cold climates or exposed
places.
NUPHAE (Yellow Wafer-Lily}.— Bold
water plants nearly allied to the Water Lily,
but not so handsome except in the foliage.
The most familiar Nuphar is the common
Yellow Water-Lily (N. lutea), which in-
habits many of our lakes and slow-running
684 NUTTALL1A.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NYMPH^EA.
rivers, in company with the Water-Lily.
It has a very interesting little variety
called pumila or minima, which is found
wild in some of the Highland lakes, and
which has the same vinous perfume as the
type. N. advena is the N. American ally
of our yellow Water- Lily, and resembling
it, but larger and with leaves which stand
erect out of the water, and is a much finer
plant. N. Kalmiana, also a N. American
kind, much resembles the small variety of
N. lutea, and is an interesting plant to
grow in company with it. The cultivation
is quite simple — placing the rootstocks in
water 2 to 3 ft. deep, when they will soon
root in the mud.
NUTTALLIA (Osoberry)-N. cerasifpr-
mis is a hardy shrub, and one of the earliest
to flower. Hardly before winter is past
its abundant drooping racemes of white
flowers appear, and they usually do so
before the leaves. When in bloom it
bears a resemblance to the Flowering
Currant (Ribes sanguineum), and forms
a dense bush, 6 to 12 ft. high, growing in
any kind of soil ; is hardy, but not showy,
and scarcely pretty. California.
NYCTERINIA.— Pretty half-hardy an-
nuals from the Cape of Good Hope.
N. selaginoides grows about 9 in. high,
forming dense compact tufts of slender
stems, in late autumn, covered with
small white, orange-centred blossoms
fragrant at night. N. capensis is about
the same size as N. selaginoides, and is
of similar growth, its flowers larger, and
not of so pure a white. N. selaginoides
and N. capensis require to be sown early
in heat, and to be transplanted in May in
light, rich sandy loam in warm borders.
N. Lychnidea is a small shrubby perennial
with yellowish-white blossoms, thriving
in warm borders in summer. It should
be propagated either by cuttings in
autumn, or by seeds in spring. Scrophu-
lariaceas.
NYMPKEA (Water-Lily}.— A beauti-
ful family of water-plants distributed over
many parts of the world, some of the
northern kinds hardy. Our own native
Water- Lily was always neglected and
rarely effective, except in a wild state ;
but when it is seen that we may have in
Britain the soft and beautiful yellows and
the delicate rose and red flowers of the
tropical Water- Lilies throughout summer
and autumn, we will begin to take more
interest in our garden water-flowers, and
even the wretched formless duckponds
which disfigure so many country seats
may have a reason to be. The new hybrid
kinds continue blooming long after our
native kind has ceased, and from the
middle of May to nearly the end of
October flowers are abundant.
CULTURE OF HARDY WATER-LILIES. —
These lovely water flowers are not difficult
to manage. A simple way of planting is
to put the plants with soil in some shallow
baskets and sink these to the bottom,
and before the basket has rotted the
plant will have fixed itself to the bottom.
Or in ponds where there is a rich muddy
bottom I plant by tying a drain-pipe or a
piece of waste iron to a root and throw
it in where the water is between 18 in.
to 2 ft. deep. The best season for plant-
ing is the spring, and plants put in in
April or May make sufficient progress to
flower before summer is gone. They are
often grown in brick and cement tanks,
sunk in the ground to a depth of from 2^
to 3 ft. These, with a foot of soil and the
rest water, would grow excellent Water-
lilies, and the plants do not want a great
depth of water over their crowns. It would
be well to arrange that at least a foot might
cover them in winter, and then they are
virtually safe from frost. I find, however,
they grow better in the mud of ponds and
lakes than under the more artificial con-
ditions of the cemented tank. But if neither
ponds nor tanks are available, these Water-
lilies can still be easily grown, for, as M.
Latour-Marliac wittily observed, like
Diogenes, they can content themselves in
a tub ; we may even go further than this
and say that they find themselves quite
at home in half a cask buried in the
ground and half filled with soil and
water. On lawns the cask or half cask
might be sunk level with the surface,
thus giving the leaves and flowers of the
Water-lilies the appearance of growing
out of the ground.
" The enemies of Water-lilies are water-
rats and swans and other water birds,
especially moorhens, which often pull
them to pieces, but the plants can be
protected with wire-netting. Moorhens
are very destructive to the flowers, and
should be closely watched. There is,
however, another enemy. We noticed
it first by seeing leaves detached and
floating. On the water becoming clearer
one could see what appeared to be small
bits of stick an inch or so long attached
in numbers to the leaf-stalk. It was the
grub of the caddis fly with its house upon
its back. In the hollow stick it was safe
from the fish, and, fastening upon the
young and tender leaf-stalk, the grubs
fed away until the leaf was eaten asunder.
Strong-established plants are not likely
to suffer, but a watch should be kept on
young plants if rare varieties." The
XYMPH.^EA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NYMPH.^A.
685
common water rat or vole is an active
destroyer of the flowers, and where it
inhabits water, as it commonly does all
ponds and streams, nearly all the flowers
will be destroyed if this animal is not con-
stantly kept down.
N. ' alba ( White Water - lily}.— Our
native Water-lily is often in flower before
May is over, and in a wild state is usually
finest where there is a depth of from 2 to
3 ft. of water over the crowns. Rosea is a
pretty pink form, but does not bloom
freely. N. a. candidissima has broad,
showy, pure white flowers, blooming early,
and is in beauty often till late autumn.
The variety plenissima is remarkable for
the number of petals composing the
flowers, and maxima, as the name
suggests, has large flowers. Minor is a
small-flowered form ; the flowers very
double.
creased by division. There are several
varieties. N. o. sulphurea has prettily
marbled leaves, and the long-pointed buds
are quite 4 in. in length, opening into
spreading flowers nearly 8 in. across, and
of delicious scent. The colour is a good
yellow. The variety grandiflora has yellow,
sweet-scented flowers. The large leaves
are mottled with brown above, but spotted
with red on the reverse side. N. o.
rosacea has flowers about 4 in. across,
bright rose in colour, with yellow centre,
of sweet fragrance ; the petals narrow, the
flower being like a pink star floating
amongst the leaves. N. o. exquisita is a
very deep-coloured kind, the flower being
rich rose-carmine — in fact, almost red at
the base of the petals. Superba is a fine
form, with flowers larger than those of the
type, and minor, as the name suggests, is
small, but pretty. This is found in the
Hardy American Water-lily (N. tuberosa).
N. tuberosa.— This is a North Ameri-
can kind, hardy and beautiful. It has
not the long, thick, fleshy root-stock
peculiar to most Nymphasas, but instead
a thick, fleshy tuberous mass of roots ;
hence its name. Its flowers, opening in
the latter half of summer and throughout
the autumn, are white, larger, longer, and
broader in the petal than those of other
wild species ; and it can be increased
readily by division, and is free in growth
even in open unsheltered water.
N. odorata (Sweet^ Water-lily}.— This
North American species is a near ally of |
N. alba, but has rather larger flowers, and j
borne from June till autumn, sweetly j
scented, and usually white. The species j
is found in lakes or slow-running streams, j
and it grows readily, and is easily in- |
ponds of New Jersey. N. o. Caroliniana
is described by Mr. Gerard, of New Jersey,
as the finest of the odorata varieties, and
it is supposed to be a cross between N.
odorata rosea and N. alba candidissima.
N. o. gigantea is a large-flowered variety ;
but where to get all these fine forms of
| this hardy Water-lily is a question that
! many are likely to ask in vain for the
! present.
N. pygmaBa is the smallest of the Water-
lilies. It comes from China and Siberia,
flowering before all others, and remaining
in beauty over a long season. Its leaves
are about the size of the palm of a man's
hand, and the flowers, which consist of
four white petals, besides the inner parts,
are, when open, only about 2 in. across.
Helvola is a dainty little \Vater-lily raised
686
NYMPH^EA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
NYMPII.*:A.
by M. Latour-Marliac. It is a seedling
of this species, and has pale, straw-
coloured flowers ; the leaves of somewhat
oblong shape, marked with brown above,
and spotted with red underneath.
N. sphaerocarpa (Caspary's Lily}.— This
is thought by some a distinct species, and
others make it a variety of N. alba. It
begins to flower earlier, and with the water
at a lower temperature, than any other \
kind ; its flowers in shape like those of N.
alba, but rosy-carmine in colour, blooming
flush of flowers in May and June, but not
blooming late in summer.
enough for these natives of Florida and
Mexico.
M. MARLIAC'S HYBRIDS. — These are the
gems of the Water-lily family, and there
are many of them of the highest beauty,
while they are very hardy.
N. M. albida is finer than any other
white-flowered Nymphaea ; vigorous ; the
leaves bright purple-red when young,
lustrous green as they get older ; the
flowers fully 7 in. across, rich yellow in the
centre, the outer petals very long, broad,
but gradually shorten towards the centre.
N. M. carnea and N. M. rosea are
Bud of hybrid Water-lily, N. Marliacea carnea (natural size), gathered from open water at Gravetye,
Sussex, at the end of October.
similar to the preceding kind, but distinct
in colour, the first-named kind having
flowers suffused with pale flesh tint, and
in the other the colour deepens into rosy-
pink.
The Canary Water-lily (N. M. chro-
matella) is one of the finest of the hybrids ;
the leaves, at first purplish-red, change to
deep red, with distinct and beautiful dark
brown-red markings, whilst the flowers
are large, soft yellow in colour, with deeper
centre.
N. M. rubra punctata is a shapely flower,
N. flava (Primrose lVate
of having a thick rhizome, this has a mass
of fibrous roots, and in addition it sends
out long runner-like shoots after the
manner of a Strawberry, and these form
young plants. The flowers are canary-
yellow. N. Mexicana is apparently botani-
cally the same as N. flava, but Mr. J. N.
Gerard, of Elizabeth, N.J., says " it is a
charming thing and a fine doer, having a
cone-like tuber from which runners start
out from thong-like shoots and then
flower." We fear our climate is not warm
XYMPH^A.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
CENOTHERA.
687
4 in. in diameter, with twenty-two sepals
and petals ; the four sepals dark olive-
green behind, and pale rosy-lilac in front,
the petals deep rose-purple and delicately
marbled.
N. M. ignea is a larger flower, nearly 5
in. in diameter when fully open ; the sepals
pale olive-green, edged with rose behind
and pale rose, nearly white, in front.
There are eighteen shapely petals, closely
imbricated, and forming a beautiful
cupped whorl around the vivid orange-red
based stamens in the middle of the flower.
The petals are of a deep, but bright rosy-
crimson.
N. M. flammea varies in colour, which
consists of innumerable minute red dots
on a white ground, the outer petals ap-
pearing pink, and the colour deepening to
red in the centre of the flower.
The Laydekeri group of varieties em-
braces many-exquisite forms. Fulgens is
a charming Water-lily, the flower small
and having fine outer dark green sepals,
and about fifteen cupped and shapely
crimson-magenta petals, glowing like a
ruby in the sun.
N. L. fulva has its flowers washed and
pencilled with bright redon a creamy-yellow
ground, the stamens golden-yellow, and
the leaves mottled with brownish colour on
the surface, but the reverse side spotted
with red.
Liliacea is a dainty flower, only about
2i in. across when wide open ; the sepals
dark sap green, margined behind with pale
rose, while the fifteen peach-blossom-tinted
petals are in contrast to the small tuft of
golden-yellow stamens ; the rosy petals
have quite a silvery lustre in the sun-
light.
N. L. lucida has very large flowers of a
soft vermilion shade, the stamens orange,
whilst the large leaves are spotted with
chestnut and with bright red on the reverse
side.
N. L. purpurata has beautiful flowers,
symmetrical in form and rich red in colour,
crimson towards the centre ; the stamens
are reddish carmine.
Seignoureti has delicate yellow flowers,
shaded with soft rose and flushed with
carmine ; they rise nearly six inches above
the water, the leaves being spotted with
chestnut on the limb, and on the reverse
side with red. L. rosea is a lovely kind,
quite the finest of the small varieties ; the
flowers are about 2 inches across,
numerous, and of a rose-purple shade,
passing to white at the end of the petals.
N. Eobinsoni is a beautiful Lily raised
by M. Latour-Marliac, star-like in form,
somewhat larger than N. Laydekeri, and
generally of a lovely rose colour, deepen-
ing towards the centre. It is distinguished
by the rose being finely spotted through-
out with white, though the impression
given is rather that of suffusion than of
spotting. This is a most distinct flower.
Other fine hybrid forms are Andreana
Gloriosa and Ellisi, and as the plants seed
freely no doubt numerous varieties will be
raised.
— acutiloba, China ; alba, northern
temperate regions ; albo rosea, Amazonum, Brazil ;
ampla, W. Indies ; Basniniana, Siberia ; bella, E.
Indies ; blanda, S. Amer. ; capensis, S. Africa ; elegans,
Texas ; JJa-ua, Florida \Jlavo-virensj fragrantissima,
tropical Africa ; Gardneriana, Brazil ; gigantea, Aus-
tralia; gracilis, Mexico; hirta, Sumatra ; Jamesoniana,
Ecuador ; lasiophylla, Brazil ; Lotus, Asia and trop.
Africa ; Maxitniliani, Brazil ; Mexicana, Mexico ;
nitida, Siberia ; nubica, trop. Africa ; odorata, N.
Amer. ; oxypeta^a, Ecuador ; Parkeriana, Guiana ;
pauciradiata, Siberia ; punctata, Central Asia ; rosea,
E. Indies ; Rudgeana, Guiana ; rufescens ; stellata,
Asia and trop. Africa ; stenaspidota, Brazil ; Sumat-
rana, Sumatra ; tertninerva, Brazil ; tetragona, Asia ;
trisepola, trop. America ; tuberosa, N. Amer. ; tussi-
lagifolia, Mexico ; imdulata, Mexico ; vivipara \ IVen-
zelii, Amoor ; Zanzibariensis, trop. Africa.
NYSSA (Tupelo tree).—& small group
of trees little planted, but having certain
good qualities. One of the most brilliant
sights I remember was a Tupelo tree at
Strathsfieldsaye in Hampshire in autumn,
a tall slender
tree, in splendid
colour of leaf.
The
trees are
mostly natives of
North Eastern
America, a very
cold country, so
that there can
be no doubt
about their har-
diness ; and the
fact that they
grow in swampy
places should make them easy to find a
place in this river and estuary veined land.
N. sylvatica is the Sour Gum or Tupelo,
a tree over 100 feet high in deep swampy
ground in Maine and Canada, southwards and
westwards.
N. biflora ( Water Tupelo] is a somewhat
smaller swamp and waterside tree, of N.
Jersey and southwards.
N. aquatica (Tupelo Guni) rises sometimes
to a height of 100 feet, and is rather of
southern and western distribution. The two
first-named species are the most important for
our country.
CENOTHERA (Evening Primrose}.—
These are amongst the prettiest of hardy
flowers, and are easily grown in all
soils. From June onward they are in
their beauty, many varieties becoming
more full of flowers in late summer.
They have large bright yellow or white
Nyssa villosa.
688 CENOTHERA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
<ENOTHERA.
flowers, in many kinds so freely and con-
tinuously borne as to make them of great
value. Their name notwithstanding,
many are open by day ; as for instance,
CE. linearis, speciosa, taraxacifolia, and
trichocalyx. Many of the finest Evening
Primroses are natives of States west of
Mississippi, such as California, Utah,
Missouri, and Texas. They all bloom
the first season from early seedlings.
Some of the true perennials, and par-
ticularly the prostrate ones, are shy
seeders, but the tall ones seed freely.
The largest kinds are very beautiful in any
position, but from their height and bold-
ness they are suited for the wild garden
CEnothera marginata.
and for shrubberies. Sowing themselves
freely, they are apt to become too numer-
ous and somewhat u starved," so that they
are best when confined to large groups.
In any flower garden not confined to flat
beds only, an isolated bed of them looks
well. Amongst them we have tall erect
sorts like CE. Lamarckiana, prostrate, as
in trichocalyx and caespitosa, and white
flowers, as in the last-named two, while
coronopifolia and speciosa pften change
with age to pink or rose. Few plants
have finer yellow blooms than missourien-
sis and Lamarckiana ; and, moreover,
they are very large — 4 to 6 in. across.
Nearly all are more or less fragrant, par-
ticularly caespitosa, marginata, fragrans,
and eximia.
(E. biennis is a handsome biennial, 3
to 5 ft. high, with large bright yellow
flowers. Its variety grandiflora or
Lamarckiana should always be preferred
to the ordinary kind, as the flowers are
larger and of a finer colour, having a fine
effect in large masses, and is well suited
for the wild garden.
CE. fruticosa (Sundrops).—1\i\* and
its varieties are among the finest of hardy
perennials, I to 3 ft. high, with showy
yellow blossoms. There are about half-
a-dozen distinct varieties, the best being
linearis, or, as it is usually called, riparia,
about \\ ft. high, bearing an abundance
of yellow blossoms. It is one of the best
of yellow Evening Primroses for small
beds, for edgings, or as a groundwork for
other plants, and it goes on flowering
even after the first frosts. It is always
prudent to lift a few or strike a potful of
cuttings in case of accident, though in
spring the old plants may be divided to
any extent. Given sandy loam, these
plants thrive in borders or in the margins
of shrubberies. N. America.
(E. glauca is a handsome X. American
species similar to fruticosa. It is of sub-
shrubby growth, becomes bushy, and
bears yellow flowers. The variety
Fraseri is a still finer plant, and where an
attractive mass of yellow is desired through
the summer there are few hardy plants of
easy cultivation so effective. In a large
rock-garden a few plants here and there
give good colour, and the plants bloom
long.
(E. marginata.— A dwarf plant, never
more than 12 in. high, with flowers in
May, 4 to 5 in. across, from white gradu-
ally changing to a delicate rose ; as even-
ing approaches, coming well above the
jagged leaves, retaining their beauty all
night, and emitting a Magnolia-like odour.
It is a hardy perennial, and is increased
by suckers from the roots, and by cuttings,
which root readily. An excellent plant
for the rock-garden and for borders. Syn.,
(E. caespitosa. CE. trichocalyx, a similar
species, but probably only an annual, is a
beautiful plant well worth growing.
(E. missouriensis.— A handsome herb-
aceous plant from N. America, with pros-
trate downy stems and clear yellow
flowers, sometimes 5 in. in diameter,
and borne so freely that they may be
said to cover the ground with gold.
There is no more valuable border flower,
and when well placed in the rock-
garden it is effective, especially if the
luxuriant shoots are allowed to hang
CENOTHERA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
OMPHALODES. 680
down. As seed is rarely perfected, the
plant is better increased by careful divi-
sion, or by cuttings taken in April. As
a border plant it does not grow so freely
in cold clayey soils as in warm light
ones. The blooms open best in the
evening. Syn., CE. macrocarpa.
CE. speciosa.— A handsome plant, with
many large flowers, at first white, chang-
ing to a delicate rose. The plant is erect
and its stems almost shrubby, 14 to 1 8 in.
high. A true perennial, valuable for
borders, or the rougher parts of the rock-
garden in good loam. It is a native of
An Evening Primrose (CEnothera Lamarckiana).
North America, and is increased by
division, cuttings, or seeds, but does not
seed freely in this country.
CE. taraxacifolia, a Chilian plant, is
one of the finest of those Evening Prim-
roses characterised by a low trailing
growth and large blossoms, which attain
their fullest expansion towards evening.
It has a fine effect in rich deep soil in the
rock-garden, where its trailing stems can
droop over the ledge of a block of
stone. The flowers, 2^ to 3^ in. across,
are pure white, changing to a delicate
pink.
CE. triloba is a handsome hardy annual
species, of dwarf growth, with large and
showy yellow blossoms. It is also called
QE. rhizocarpa. Other showy annuals are
OE. sinuata and its variety maxima, (E.
macrantha, odorata, bistorta, Veitchiana,
and Drummondi. These are all worthy
of culture, requiring the treatment of half-
hardy annuals, and ordinary garden soil.
OLEARIA (Daisy Trees).— Pretty ever-
green bushes, natives of Australia and
New Zealand. The only drawback is
their not proving really hardy, except in
warm localities in the southern counties.
They may exist in other districts, but
gardens are the worse not the better for
the presence of shrubs not really hardy
in them, or perhaps in a half dead or
flowerless state, or requiring protection,
which has a tendency to make gardens
needlessly ugly for half the year.
0. insignis. — The plant is dwarf, branched,
the branches as thick as the little finger ; the
leaves from 3 to 5 in. long, 2 in. broad, rounded
at the ends, thick and hard, shining green on
the upper surface. With this exception the
whole plant is covered with a thick, felt like
coating of pale brownish tomentum, The
flowers are on erect peduncles, which are as
thick as a goose-quill and from 6 to 9 in.
long ; the flower-heads are a little over 2 in.
across ; remaining fresh on the plant for about
six weeks. This plant is one of the most inter-
esting and prettiest of the composites which are
found in New Zealand. It is a native of
Middle Island, where it is said to grow on the
driest rocks.
0. Haasti. — This is pretty hardy in various
parts of England, growing to a large size in
the more favoured localities, and if planted in
groups it has a good effect when covered with
its Aster-like flowers, and even out of bloom
it is attractive. In New Zealand, where it is
found at altitudes of about 4,000 ft., it forms
a small shrubby tree. The flowers are very
numerous, in terminal corymbs, the ray florets
\ in. long, white, the disc yellow. The plants
usually bloom in August, and remain in perfec-
tion several weeks. Other kinds grown against
walls and on warm soils with some success are
ramulosa, ilicifolia, myrsinoides, nilida, macro-
donta, stellulata, Traversi, Gunniana, dentata,
argophylla, insignis.
OMPHALODES (Navelwort).— Pretty
d.warf rock or mountain plants belonging
to the Borage order.
0; linifolia, a beautiful Portuguese
hardy annual, 9 to I2in. high, with glaucous-
green leaves and pure white flowers from
June to August ; it may be grown in
ordinary soil, the seeds sown in April or
in September and October ; the plant
often sows itself.
Y Y
690 OMPHALODES.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ONOCLEA.
0. Luciliae, a lovely rock-plant, with
flowers a pretty lilac-blue, and glaucous
grey foliage. It is hardy, and succeeds
in the rock-garden, but the soil must be
thoroughly drained, for though the plant
requires abundance of water during growth,
it suffers from stagnant moisture. To pro-
tect it against slugs, which are too fond of
it, strips of perforated zinc, about 3 in.
wide, bent so as to form rings round the
den : no plant is more worthy of naturalisa-
tion ; in cool, thin woods it runs about like
a native plant ; it thrives by woodwalks,
and also in open places, and in any position
is one of the prettiest plants. There is a
white variety, not so pretty as the blue
kind.
ONOCLEA (Sensitive Fern}. — O.
sensibilis belongs to the group known
j as " flowering Ferns," from the fertile frond
Olearia Haasti.
plants, are used. Division or by seeds,
[t grows freely in some light soils, as in
Wheeler's nursery at Warminster. Asia
Minor.
0. verna (Creeping Forget-me-nof)—k
pretty 'little plant, bearing in early spring
handsome flowers of a deep clear blue
'with white throats. The plant is useful
for borders and the rock and spring gar-
being contracted so as to give it the
appearance of an unopened spike of flowers.
The fronds are a beautiful fresh green,
especially in spring. Though not very
fastidious as to soil, it succeeds best in a
cool and moist situation, such as the base
of the rock-garden, or in the American
garden, especially if a little sheltered by
neighbouring plants. If the fronds arc
ONONIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ONYCHIUM.
69I
allowed to remain on the plants until they
appear to be ripe, it will be found that the
spore-cases are open and the spores shed,
as they drop while the fronds look quite
green, therefore the best way is to cut off
the frond as soon as indications of burst-
ing are perceived, and to lay it in a sheet
of paper for a few days, when all the spores
will drop out. N. America.
ONONIS (Rest Harrow]. — Hardy
plants of the Pea family, of which the wild
Liquorice (O. arvensis) is one of the
prettiest of our wild plants, and is worthy
of cultivation on banks and in the rough
rock-garden, forming dense tufts covered
in summer with racemes of pink flowers.
The white variety is also good, and is
Omphalodes Luciliae.
worthy of a better position than the com-
mon form, which grows in any soil. No
plants are more readily increased from
seed or by division. It is distinct from
the spiny O. campestris, which has stems
nearly 2 ft. high, and sometimes more.
O. rotundifolia is a distinct and pretty
plant, which is hardy, and easily cultivated,
flowering in May and June and through
the summer ; it attains a height of 12 to
20 in. according to soil, and is suitable for
the mixed border or the rougher parts
of the rock-garden. Seeds or division.
Pyrenees and Alps. These are the best of
about half-a-dozen garden species, which
alsoincludeO.fruticosa,Natrix,andviscosa.
ONOPORDON(p?//0;/ Thistle].— Hand-
some vigorous thistle-like plants mostly
biennial, and valuable for their stately
port and showy flowers. They thrive
in exposed places and among shrubs in
sheltered ones, and may be effectively
used in a variety of ways. Moderation
in their use, however, is desirable, as in
some situations they seed so freely as
to require judicious keeping down. O.
Acanthium (Down Thistle) is a bold and
vigorous native plant, with very large,
stout branching stems, often more than
5 ft. high, covered with long, whitish
web-like hairs, and bearing large heads of
purplish flowers. The habit of O. illyri-
cum is more branching, the leaves and
stems are much more spiny, the stems are
stiffer and the leaves are greener and more
deeply cut. O. arabicum is 8 to 10 ft.
high, is erect and very slightly branching,
and both sides of the leaves, as well as
the stems, are covered with white down.
O. grsecum is also a handsome plant.
ONOSMA (Golden Drop\—O. taurica
is an evergreen perennial, 6 to 12 in. high,
soon forming dense tufts, and bearing in
summer drooping clusters of clear yellow
Onosma taurica (Golden Drop).
almond-scented blossoms. The best place
for it is the rock-garden, drained, with a
good depth of soil, so that the plants may
root strongly between the stones, the soil
a good sandy loam, mixed with broken
grit. Seeds or cuttings. Greece
ONYCHIUM.— O. japonicum, an ele-
gant Japanese Fern, often grown in the
greenhouse,is hardyin the outdoors fernery.
In severe winters, however, some common
Brake may be thrown over it. The fronds
are finely divided, an intensely dark green,
from i to 2 ft. high, and useful for
bouquets, or for placing loosely in vases
with cut flowers.
Y Y 2
692 OPHIOGLOSSUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ORCHIS.
OPHIOGLOSSUM (Adder" s-.tongue}.-
O. vulgatum is a native Fern not often seen
in gardens ; found in moist meadows ; and
the best position for it therefore is in
colonies in the hardy fernery or the moist
stiff soil in the rock-garden. O. lusita-
nicum, a dwarf variety, is interesting, but
capricious, and difficult to cultivate.
OPHIOPOGON (Snakes-beard}.— Her-
baceous perennials, about i£ ft. high, the
flowers, usually small, lilac, appearing
late in summer and in autumn in spikes,
2 to 5 in. long, rising from grassy tufts of
evergreen foliage. They thrive in borders
or margins of shrubberies in sandy loam,
but are scarcely ornamental. O. japoni-
cus, Jaburan, spicatus, Muscari, and longi-
folius are the best known, and usually in
botanical collections. In Italy they are
used to form green turf, in lieu of Grass,
which perishes from the heat. Division.
Japan and India.
OPHRYS.— Small terrestrial Orchids,
singularly beautiful, and among the most
curious of plants. Many have been in
cultivation, but these being tender plants,
chiefly from S. Europe, they must have
protection, and require much attention. A
few native species, however, can be growrn
in gardens, and of these one of the most
singularly beautiful is the Bee Orchis (O.
apifera). This varies from 6 in. to more
than i ft. in height ; it has a few glaucous
leaves near the ground ; flowers in early
summer, the lip of a rich velvety brown
with yellow7 markings, bearing a fanciful
resemblance to a bee. It is usually con-
sidered difficult to grow, but it may be
easily kept on dry banks in the rock-
garden, in a firm bed of calcareous soil, or
of loam mixed with broken limestone. It
thrives best if the soil be surfaced with
some very dwarf plant, or with an inch of
Cocoa-fibre and sand, so as to keep it moist
and compact about the plants. Other in-
teresting species for a collection of hardy
Orchids are O. muscifera (Fly orchis),
arachnites, aranifera (Spider orchis), and
Trolli.
OPUNTIA (Prickly Fig}.— There are
several of these succulent plants in culti-
vation, but few are hardy enough for the
open air in our climate. The hardiest are
O. vulgaris, missouriensis, humilis, brachy-
antha, and Rafinesquei ; the finest be-
ing O. Rafinesquei, an evergreen well
worthy of culture, bearing in summer
large showy yellow blossoms on fleshy
branches. It thrives in a sunny corner
of the rock-garden in good dry soil,
sheltered from any passing danger to
the stems, for it is rather fragile, and
anything brushing against it would in-
jure it, but by the skilful placing of a few
rough stones, it is easy to prevent injury
without shading the plant. To prevent
splashings, the ground might be surfaced
with a dwarf mossy Saxifrage or Sand-
wort. Snails and slugs are fond of this
plant, and in the spring, and even in mild
winters, may destroy it. A dressing of
soot will keep away these pests. To in-
crease the plant, the cutting, a single joint,
is potted in sandy soil, and the pot placed
in a sunny airy spot under glass and
watered very sparingly, and in a short
time it will form roots, and commence to
push out young shoots. The hardier kinds
are from N. W. America, where the
winters are severe.
ORCHIS.— These terrestrial Orchids are
beautiful, and well worth cultivation among
hardy flowers. Those who do not want a
full collection will find the species men-
tioned below easily grown if placed under
good conditions at the outset ; some of our
native Orchids are worth a place, but few
succeed with them, chiefly because the
plants are transplanted at the wrong
season. The usual plan is to transplant
just when the flowers are opening, but at
this period of growth the plant is forming
a tuber for the following year, and, if this
is in any way injured, it dies. If, instead
of this way, the plants are marked when in
flower and allowed to remain until August
or September, when the tubers are matured,
the risk of transplanting is lessened, pro-
vided the plant be taken up with a deep
sod. The ground where the plants grow
may be surfaced with such plants as the
Balearic Sandwort, Lawn Pearlwort, and
the mossy Saxifrages. The situation for
Orchids should be an open one, and the
soil a deep, fibry loam in a drained border.
The following are the kinds most worthy
of culture : —
0. foliosa. — A handsome Orchid, one of
the finest of the hardy kinds, I to 2 ft. or
more in height, with long spikes of rosy-
purple blossoms in May, lasting long in
bloom. It delights in moist nooks at the
base of the rock-garden, or in the bog-
garden in deep light soil. Madeira.
0. latifolia (Marsh Orchis). — A fine
native kind, i to \\ ft. high, with long
spikes of purple flowers in early summer.
It thrives in damp boggy soil, in peat or
leaf-mould. There are several beautiful
varieties, the best being prsecox and ses-
quipedalis ; the last being one of the
finest of hardy Orchids, about \\ ft. high,
and a third of the stem is covered with
purplish-violet flowers.
0. laxiflora is a pretty species, i ft. to
1 8 in. high, with loose spikes of rich
ORCHIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. ORNITHOGALUM 693
purplish-red flowers, opening in May and
June, and thriving in a moist spot in
the rock-garden. Guernsey and Jersey.
Division.
0. maculata (Hand Orchis}.— One of
the handsomest of British Orchids, finest
in rich soil, and if well grown in moist and
rather stiff garden-loam its beauty will
ORIGANUM (Dittany, Hop Plant).—
O. Dictarnnus (Dittany of Crete] is a
pretty plant, somewhat tender, and best
grown under glass rather than in the open
air, though during mild winters it may
survive. It has mottled foliage, and
small purplish flowers, in heads like the
Hop, hence the name Hop-plant. O.
Orchis foliosa (Madeira Orchis)
surprise even those who know it well in
a wild state. The variety superba is a
fine plant, and should be secured.
Other beautiful kinds, but more or less
difficult to establish in gardens, are O.
papilionacea, purpurea, militaris, mascula,
pyramidalis, spectabilis, tephrosanthos,
and Robertiana
Sipyleum is similar, and is quite as pretty.
In the open air these plants should have
a warm spot in the rock-garden.
ORNITHOGALUM (Star of Bethle-
hem}.— Bulbous plants, some of them
handsome, others not very distinct, but all
useful in the Grass and in borders, in any
good garden soil — one or two kinds among
694
ORNUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
OS MAN THUS.
the hardy species important for choice
borders and bulb beds, z>.,pyramidale and
latifolium. Among other kinds worth
growing are nutans (free in grass), narben-
nense, sororium, exscapum and uinbella-
tum — natives mostly of S. Europe, N.
Africa, and Asia Minor. The fine, O.
arabicum is not to be grown out of doors,
save in very warm gardens in the south.
Ornus. See FRAXINUS.
OROBUS (Bitter Vetch}.— Often pretty
plants of the Pea Order, flowering usually
in spring. They are suitable for the
mixed border, for the rougher parts of
the rock-garden, or for naturalising.
We mention only the distinct kinds.
0. aurantius is a handsome plant, 18
to 24 in. high, with orange-yellow flowers
in early summer. O. tauricus is a nearly-
allied species, also with orange flowers.
Both require to be well established before
they bloom freely, and they are useful for
borders in ordinary soil.
0. lathyroides is a lovely border plant,
1 8 to 24 in. high ; its bright blue flowers
borne in dense racemes ; increased freely
by seeds, and thrives in ordinary
soil.
0. vernus (Spring Bitter Vetch}.— One
of the most charming of border flowers.
From black roots spring healthy tufts
of leaves with two or three pairs of shin-
Spring Bitter Vetch (Orobus vernus).
ing leaflets ; the flower-buds appearing
soon afterwards, almost covering the plant
with beautiful purple and blue blooms in
April.
Besides the type there are varieties : —
tenuifolius, with narrow leaflets and
flowers similar, though the habit is more
lax ; flaccidus, similar to tenuifolius, but
brighter and denser, and with broader
leaves ; cyaneus, the most attractive,
larger and possessing a strange inter-
mixture of colours, some a bright blue,
others a greenish-blue. Then there is
a double-flowered kind and a pure
white variety, all thriving in deep warm
soils.
Some other species useful for borders
and the rock-garden are — O. pubescens,
O. canescens, O. varius, and O. Fischeri,
but O. vernus and its forms are the
handsomest. All are of easy culture in
ordinary garden soil, and are increased by
seeds or division of the root.
ORONTIUM (Golden Club\-O. aquati-
citm is a handsome aquatic perennial of the
Arum family, 12 to 1 8 in. high ; in early
summer its narrow spadix is densely
covered with yellow flowers, which emit a
singular odour. The plant may be grown
on the margins of ponds and fountain-
basins, or in the wettest part of the bog-
garden. North America.
OSMANTHUS. — Handsome ever-
green shrubs, few hardy in our islands ;
but some of these are of value :
0. aquifolium. — In a hardy botanical
sense all the Osmanthus in Britain are
forms of this species. They can scarcely
be called varieties, for it is not unusual to
see a plant with two so-called varieties
on one branch. For convenience and
brevity's sake, however, and especially as
they keep true to character in the majority
of instances, the common nursery names
are here kept up. O. aquifolium is a
native of China and Japan. In some of
its forms it is curiously like the Holly,
and is frequently mistaken for it. It is,
however, of looser growth and less thickly
furnished with leaves, and is also of
dwarfer, more shrubby habit. What is
generally accepted as the typical form of
this species is the one with the largest
and broadest leaves. In this the leaves
are 3 in. to 4 in. long, of oblong or oval
shape, pointed or toothed, but not so
deeply as the smaller-leaved forms known
as ilicifolius. They are of a deep green
colour and of very firm texture. This
plant is, according to my experience, the
least hardy of this set. It flowers in
autumn, and the blossoms are fragrant.
0. ilicifolius. — This is by far the most
common and useful kind, and is, more-
over, a valuable shrub for town planting.
The leaves are usually much smaller than
those of the plant just described and may
be easily recognised by their deep lobing.
The largest specimen at Kew is 9ft. high,
with a spreading base and foliage of the
deepest and glossiest green. The leaves
average \\ in. to 2 in. in length and are
cut half way to the midrib into several
sharply pointed lobes. Some of the
leaves, however, are quite entire, others
lobed on one side only, but most of them
have the upper half lobed, tfte lower half
OSMUND A.
7W.fi: ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
OSTROWSKYA.
695
entire. The following have been given
varietal names :— AUREO MARGINATUS.—
Leaves similar to those of the green
plant, but margined with creamy yellow.
ARGENTENEO-MARGINATUS. - Leaves
like those of the preceding, but edged
with white instead of yellow. LATIFOLIUS
MARGINATUS. — Leaves larger than those
of either of the preceding, the margin
creamy white : — PURPURASCENS. — The
young leaves of this variety are tinged
with purple, especially on the under side.
It is undoubtedly the best of all the
Osmanthuses for outdoor work, being
much hardier than the variegated forms.
At Kew there is a group of this purple-
leaved variety near the Palm house,
amongst which is planted Lilium candi-
dum, and nothing could more happily
set off the beauty of this Lily. O.
MYRTIFOLIUS. — There is an Osman-
thus at Kew the lower part of which is
ilicifolious, the upper part myrtifolious.
The origin of the latter is therefore con-
clusively proved. It appears, however,
to be itself constant, and when grown on
its own roots I have never noticed any
reversion. It makes a neat bush, with
leaves like those of the Myrtle in shape,
but larger and firmer in texture.
0. rotundifolius.— This is the dwarfest
and slowest growing of all the Osman-
thuses, and is, moreover, one of the most
distinct. Its leaves are very stiff and
leathery, and distinguish the variety by
their more or less obovate outline. The
margins are not distinctly serrated, but
have a very shallow irregular lobing.
The leaves are each from i in. to ij in.
long and a little more than half as wide.
The Osmanthuses may all be propa-
gated by cuttings, and although it takes
longer to obtain plants on their own roots,
they are much to be preferred to those
grafted on the Privet. Cuttings should i
be taken in August when the wood has j
become firm, and they may be struck in :
a cool propagating frame. An open soil |
of fair quality and depth is better than a |
very rich one for all the forms, but more
especially for those that are variegated.
— W. J. B.
OSMUNDA (Royal Fern).— So-called
" flowering " Ferns made familiar by our
native Royal Fern (O. regalis), which is j
found in many bogs and marshy woods, I
and is well worth cultivating, as it is the
largest and most striking of our native
Ferns, sometimes attaining a height of
8 ft. It should be planted in moist peaty
soil, and the most suitable spots are half-
shady places on the banks of streams
or of pieces of .water. It may also be
planted in the water. When exposed to
the full sun, it does well, with its roots in
a constantly moist, porous, moss-covered
soil, if sheltered from strong winds. In
shady positions and in deep bog soil it
attains a great size.
The various North American Osmundas
may be associated with it. O. cinna-
momea is an elegant N. American Fern
with pale green fronds ; the variety
angustata is smaller, and the fronds are
less inclined to droop. This species, like
O. regalis, is deciduous. O. Claytoniana
is another deciduous species, and has
vivid green fronds, 2 to 3 ft. high. O.
interrupta is the same. O. gracilis is a
native of Canada, somewhat resembling
a dwarf form of our Royal Fern, the
fronds about 2 ft. high. O. spectabilis is
a slender form of O. regalis ; its fronds
are smaller, and the young ones come up
reddish-purple. North America. These
exotic species are of the simplest culture
in the hardy fernery, in moist peaty soil.
OSTROWSKYA (Great Oriental Bell-
flower}.- —O. magnified is a remarkable and
handsome hardy plant found by Dr. Regel
Ostrowskya magnifica.
on the higher mountains ot Chanat
Darwas, in Eastern Bokhara, and is like
a huge Platycodon in aspect, but distinct,
the flowers being of great beauty, several
inches across, of a delicate purple, veined
and varying from seed ; the leaves are in
whorls. The plant likes a deep sandy
loam, as the carrot-like roots when of full
size go down to a depth of 2 ft. They
must be carefully handled as they are
very brittle. The Ostrowskya does not
696 OTHOXXA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN
OXALIS.
apparently thrive equally in all places,
and is often disappointing. Seeds ger-
minate readily in a cold frame, but a few
years elapse between sowing and flower-
ing.
OTHONNA (Barbary Ragwort}.— O.
cheirifolia is a distinct Composite plant,
with whitish-green tufts, 8 in. to I ft. high,
or on rich soils perhaps more. It is a
spreading evergreen, flowering sparsely
on heavy and cold soil, but on light soils
often blooming freely in May ; the flowers
yellow, about i^ in. across, but not pretty.
It is useful from its distinct aspect on
the rough rock-garden or in the mixed
border. Cuttings. Perishes in severe
winters, at least on clay soils. Barbary.
OURISIA.— O. cocdnea is a bright
dwarf Chilian creeper, bearing in early
summer scarlet blossoms in slender clus-
ters, 6 to 9 in. high. Though hardy, it is
reputed difficult to grow, and it should
be placed against a block of soft porous
stone in a moist place, such as the foot of
a wall with an east aspect. Its creeping
stems will soon run over the stone, and it
will flower freely.
OXALIS (Wood Sorrel].— Dwarf and
often pretty perennial or annual plants,
for the most part more happy and free in
temperate countries, but some hardy with
us on warm borders and on the rock-
garden. They all thrive best in a sandy
soil in the warmest and driest place
in a garden. The following are the best
kinds for our gardens : —
0. Bowieana.— A robust species, form-
ing rich masses of leaves, 6 to 9 in. high,
and umbels of rose flowers continuously
throughout the summer, suitable for warm
borders at the foot of a south wall. In
cold soils it seldom flowers, but on very
sandy, warm, and well-drained soils it
flowers abundantly, and when this is the
case it may be used with effect as an
edging to beds of autumn - blooming
plants, and where it does well it is one
of the most precious of hardy flowers.
Division. Cape of Good Hope.
0. flpribunda. — A free-flowering kind,
hardy in all soils ; for months in succes-
sion it bears numbers of dark-veined rose-
coloured flowers. The white-flowered
variety flowers as freely as the rose-
coloured form, and both are very useful
for the rock - garden and for margins of
borders, and are easily increased by
division. O. floribunda appears to be the
commonest kind of Oxalis in cultivation.
America.
0. lasiandra. — A distinct and beautiful
kind, with large dark green leaves, and
in early summer umbels of bright rose-
coloured flowers, and useful for warm
borders and the rock-garden. Mexico.
0. lobata. — A stemless little plant with
three deeply-lobed bright green leaflets,
and blossoms about f in. across, rich
yellow, the centre delicately pencilled
with chocolate. A free-flowering bright
little plant during sunshine, thriving
in warm sandy loam on well - drained
borders. It survives mild winters un-
protected. Chili.
0. luteola is one of the prettiest,
forming a compact tuft ; the flower-buds
\ in. in length, and a soft creamy-yellow,
but when open they are as large as a half-
crown, and pure white, shading to yellow
towards the centre ; it is not hardy, but
in light sandy soil will survive a winter if
protected.
0. Acetosella (Studworf, Wood Sorrel}.
— The prettiest of the kinds known so
far for our gardens is our native Wood
Sorrel, which bore in old times the better
name of " Stubwort " — a name which
should be used always. This grows itself
in such pretty ways in woody and shady
places that in many gardens there will be
Oxalis Acetosella.
no need to cultivate it. Where it must
be cultivated it will be happy in the hardy
fernery or in shady spots in the rock-
garden, or under trees, or the lawn, or in
any shady or half-shady places in ground
not dug.
There are other species worthy of a
place, especially on very dry sandy soils,
and among them are O. Smithi, rosea,
Deppei, speciosa, arborea. violacea,
versicolor, incarnata, tetraphylla, venusta,
and corniculata. O. corniculata rubra
is sometimes used for bedding, and
should always be encouraged where
there are old quarries and rough rocky
I places, especially in a calcareous district,
for this handsome plant speedily covers the
most unpromising surfaces. In gardens,
however, this Wood Sorrel becomes a
! troublesome weed. If a collection be grown,
OXYDENDRUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IVEONIA.
697
it should be borne in mind that it is very
difficult to preserve the correctness of the
names, for the minute bulblets become
mixed up with the earth, and the elasticity
of the seed-pods permits the seeds to
scatter in all directions.
OXYDENDEUM (Sorrel Tree}.—K
handsome flowering tree reaching a
height of over 50 ft. in its native country,
with rather large fine leaves and many
racemes of white flowers ; thriving in
our country, at least on peaty soils, and
flowering freely in summer. Ohio and
Pennsylvania to Florida, both in moun-
tain and coast lands. The tree is as yet
far from common, and the best way at
first is to group it with the American
shrubs in peaty and free soils. I have
a manageable plant in the rock-garden in
deep moist loam. O. uralensis, a dwarf
species from the Ural Mountains, has
rosy-blue flowers in compact heads,
about 4 in. high. Other kinds are — O.
montana, fcetida, strobilacea, campestris,
and its several varieties ; all of these
are dwarf, and thrive in sandy loamy soil
in open spots in the rock-garden.
OZOTH AMNUS. — O. rosmarinifolius
is a neat little evergreen shrub from Tas-
mania, almost hardy in the south and coast
districts, with small, Rosemary-like leaves,
and about the end of summer bearing
dense clusters of small white flowers. It
thrives in any light soil, and should be
planted in an open sunny spot or on a
warm bank. Svn., Helichrysum.
Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius.
planted it in rich leafy soil in most spots
in woods, where even small plants so far
hold their own among the stoutest sedges
of such spots.
OXYTROPIS. — Plants of the Pea
family, nearly allied to Astragalus, the best
of which is O. pyrenaica, a dwarf species,
with pinnate leaves covered with silky
down, barely rising above the ground, the
flowers a purplish-lilac, barred with white,
and borne in heads of from four to fifteen
in early summer. It is a native of the
Pyrenees, rare in gardens, and increased
by seed or division. It should be planted
on well-exposed and bare parts of rock-
gardens, in firm, sandy, or gravelly soil.
O. Halleri has charming, compact flowers,
of a decided self colour — as deep a
blue as that of the Gentian?, and proves
P-ffiONIA (Pceony}. — Paeonies are
among the most beautiful of hardy
flowers, combining good form of growth
with beauty of colour and often frag-
rance. Though there are several typical
species in collections, the most important
I are the hybrids obtained by inter-
! crossing. Paeonies are divided into
i two groups — the tree or shrubby kinds,
comprising the varieties of P. Moutan ;
and the herbaceous kinds, of which
the common P. officinalis is typical.
The hybrid sorts have been obtained
chiefly from P. officinalis and other
European kinds, together with the
Chinese species albiflora, sinensis, and
edulis, the forms of the latter class
being particularly fine. The European
varieties flower early and the Chinese
698 PJEONIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
P^EONIA.
late, so that the flowering season is con-
siderably prolonged.
HYBRIDS. — Among these there is an I
extensive variety of colours — white, pale
yellow, salmon, flesh-colour, and numer-
ous intermediate shades from pale pink
to brightest purple. Among the oldest
varieties the most remarkable are grancli-
flora, double white ; Louis Van Houtte,
papaveriflora, rubra triumphans, sulphurea
plenissima, rosea superba, Zoe, Mme.
Calot, Gloria Patrice, and Prince Troubet-
skoy The most beautiful of more recent |
date are : Arthemise, atrosanguinea,
Virgo Maria, Mme. Lemoine, L'Esper-
ance, Triomphe de 1'Exposition de Lille,
Jeanne d'Arc, Eugene Verdier, and Mme.
Lemoinier ; and among those most
worthy of notice are : Mme. Lebon,
Marie Lemoine, Henri Laurent, Mme.
Jules Elie, multicolor, Stanley, Charle-
magne, Mme. Geissler, Bernard Palissy,
and Van Dyck. There are also many
commoner varieties — for example, those
varieties of P. officinalis (such as anemonae-
flora, rubra, and Sabini), of P. albiflora, I
peregrina, paradoxa, and especially of
the small P. tenuifolia, with its feathery
foliage and large deep red blossoms.
There is also a double variety of this
species. These as well as the varieties
are perfectly hardy, and need no pro-
tection against frost, however severe.
CULTURE. — A good moist loam, en-
riched with cow manure is the soil best
suited to them. They can be planted at
any time, but from October to April is
the best time. Have the ground well
prepared by manuring and by trenching
to the depth of about 3 ft., and plant them
at least 4 ft. apart in each direction.
They must not be expected to flower
well before the second or third year.
An open position renders them robust,
and they need not be shaded from the
sun until they flower, when some slight
shade will prolong and preserve their
delicate tints, and enable them to become
more thoroughly developed than they
otherwise would. As soon as the buds
are well formed, water the plants judi-
ciously now and then with liquid manure.
When the tufts have become very strong,
and have impoverished the soil, separate
and transplant them in fresh ground.
POSITION. — Most gardens contain spots j
so shaded that few plants will thrive in
them. In such places Paeonies would
grow luxuriantly ; and their colour would !
often be more intense, while they would
last much longer than if fully exposed to
the sun. They may therefore be made |
useful as well as ornamental, even in I
small pleasure-grounds, although their
proper place is undoubtedly the fronts of
shrubberies, plantations, and the sides of
carriage drives. Where distant effect is
required, no plants answer so well, as
their size and brilliancy render them
striking even at a long distance. When
planted on either side of a Grass walk,
their effect is admirable, especially in the
morning and about sunset ; and when
planted in masses, they are invaluable
for lighting up sombre nooks. If grown
only for their flowers or their buds, or for
the purpose of increasing them, they may
be placed in nursery lines in some rich
part of the kitchen-garden.
Besides being used for the garden
proper, there are few plants more fitted
for the wild garden ; and the most
brilliant and one of the boldest things
in wild gardening is a group of scarlet
Paeonies in meadow Grass, in early
summer. This may be managed so that
they come into the garden landscape, so
to say, and are seen at a considerable
distance from certain points of view. So
placed, they could not be an eyesore or
in the way wrhen out of flower, as they
sometimes are in the mixed border.
There is a good deal to be done by the
tasteful cultivator in considering the
positions suited for some kinds of plants ;
in deciding, for example, how to arrange
plants which are very handsome in spring
and early summer, but which do not
continue in perfection very long, so that
their effect when out of flower, or even
their disappearance, shall not mar any
arrangement.
P. Moutan (Tree Peony).— This is
another noble plant from which we have
beauty, for its varieties, like those of the
herbaceous kinds, are very numerous.
It is quite hardy, and, when properly
planted, requires little care ; precious for
borders, and is specially suited for iso-
lation on lawns. Its blossoms are gor-
geous in early spring, and its young leaves
assume every shade of colour, from violet-
crimson to green. Tree Paeonies are not
particular as to soil or position ; they
grow as well in sand as in strong loam,
though they prefer a good strong soil.
If the soil is too sandy, decomposed
manure and loam, or if too clayey, manure,
sand, and similar materials should be
added. Moutans are gross feeders, and
amply repay occasional top-dressings of
half-decomposed cow manure. Of the
scarcer and better varieties nurserymen
generally send out plants one or two
years old, which are grafted on the roots
of P. edulis. In a proper place, dig out
P^ONIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PANICUM. 699
a pit 1 1 ft. deep and 2 ft. in diameter ;
put in a few inches of half-decomposed
cow manure, and mix it well with the
soil, insert the plants with the grafts
buried a few inches under the ground,
where they will, in time, throw out roots
of their own. The plants do not flower
well until the third year after planting,
but they afterwards blossom freely in
profusion. Being of slow growth, they
are not propagated by division to any
great extent, but are multiplied chiefly by
grafting upon the roots of the herbaceous
varieties. This grafting is performed in
August. The grafts are placed in frames,
where they unite, and in the succeeding
year are transplanted in rows in the
nursery.
September and October are the best
months for planting Moutans, but if
planted in pots they may be put out in
spring, when all danger of frost is over.
Good plants set in autumn produce many
flowers the second or third year after
planting. Each year they increase in
size and beauty, and soon become the
most attractive features of the garden.
They flower the first of any Pasonies, and
put forth their blooms early in May.
Until the second half of this century only
white, rose, salmon, and lilac sorts were
known ; and we are indebted to Mr.
Fortune for his Chinese varieties, most
of which have scarlet, violet, and magenta
flowers. Von Siebold, too, introduced a
number of Japanese varieties, which,
however, form a different race, and are
mostly single or semi-double. The
following list contains some of the best
varieties : Athlete, large, double, lilac ;
Bijou de Chusan, pure white ; Carolina,
bright salmon ; Colonel Malcolm, violet ;
Comte de Flandres, very large, rose ;
Confucius, deep pink ; Elisabeth, deep
scarlet, very double ; Farezzii, large, pale
lilac striped with violet ; Fragrans maxima
fl.-pl, pale rose ; Lambertiana, blush
rose petals, tipped with violet ; Louise
Mouchelet, large, double, pink ; Madame
de Sainte - Rome, bright lilac - rose ;
Madame Stuart Low, bright salmon-red ;
Marie Ratier, large, rose ; Odorata Maria,
pale rose ; Prince Troubetskoy, very large,
double, deep lilac or violet ; purpurea,
a deep amaranth, semi - double kind ;
Ranieri, bright amaranth ; Rinzii, very
large, bright rose ; Rosini, a semi-double,
brilliant rose - coloured variety ; Rubra
odorata plenissima, very large, double,
lilac-rose ; 'Souvenir de Madame Knorr,
large, double blush ; Triomphe de Malines,
large, violet, a colour which deepens at
the base of the petals ; Triomphe de
Vandermaelen, very large, and double
violet-shaded rose ; Vandermaeli, blush,
almost white ; Van Houttei, large, double,
carmine ; and Zenobia, white. Some of
the most strikingly beautiful, such as
Gloria Belgarum, Elisabeth, and Souvenir
de Gand, are well worthy of glass — that is,
having a sash or two put over them in
spring to save them from late frosts and
rainy weather. Plenty of air must be
admitted, and the flowers gain in an
astonishing degree, both in size and
colour.
Species P. albiftora, Siberia ; anomala, do. ; Bieber-
steiniana, Caucasus ; Brownii, N.W. Amer. ; coral-
Una, Europe and Asia Minor ; coriacea, Spain ; decora,
As. Minor ; fimbriata, Eastern regions ; mollis, Sibe-
ria ; moutan, China ; obovata, Manchuria ; officinalis,
Europe ; paradoxa, S. Europe ; peregrina, East ; sub-
ternata, ; tenuifolia, E. Europe, N. Amer. ; triter-
nata, Russia ; Wittmanniana, Caucasus.
PANCRATIUM.— Graceful Lily-like
plants of the amaryllis order, the only really
hardy kind being the South European P.
illyricum, I to 2 ft. high, which bears in
summer umbels of large white fragrant
blossoms. It thrives in a warm exposed
border of sandy loam soil, well drained,
the bulbs protected by litter in winter. The
plants are better for transplantation about
every third year in autumn as soon as the
leaves are decayed. Increased by offsets
from the parent bulbs. The hardiest of
the other species are P. parviflorum,
maritimum, littorale, and rotatum, but
these only succeed on warm soils in mild
localities, and are best grown in a frame
or a cool greenhouse.
PANICUM.— Grasses, chiefly tropical,
though a few are hardy enough for out-
door cultivation and easy to grow in
ordinary garden soils.
P. altissimum is a very handsome
hardy perennial Grass, very much like P.
virgatum, forming dense erect tufts, 3 to
6% ft. high, according to climate and soil,
the flowers being a dark chestnut-red.
P. bulbosum.— A strong species, with
a free and beautiful inflorescence, about
5 ft. high ; the flowers spread gracefully.
It is suited for grouping near the
margins of shrubberies.
P. capillare. — A hardy annual, growing
in tufts from 16 to 20 in. high, pretty in
full flower, the tufts being then covered
with large pyramidal panicles, borne at the
ends of the stems and in the axils of the
stem-leaves. It grows in any soil, often
sows itself, and is suited for borders or
beds, being one of the most graceful
plants in cultivation.
P. virgatum.— A handsome hardy
Grass from North America, 3 to 4 ft. high,
forming close tufts of leaves, I ft. or more
long, and with many graceful tall branch-
7OO PAPAVER.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PA PAVER.
ing panicles. Admirable for borders or
for isolation in the picturesque flower
garden or pleasure - ground. Its colour,
though quiet, is very pretty throughout
the autumn, and even the leaves and
stems are pretty when left standing
through the winter. Division.
PAPAVER (Poppy}.— Some of the most
brilliant of hardy flowers, and of the I
simplest culture. There are a few good
perennials, but the majority are annual
a good deal as to colour, there being white,
scarlet, and yellow forms in cultivation.
The variety albiflorum has white flowers,
spotted at the base, while the hairy variety
flaviflorum has showy orange flowers.
Easily raised from seed. P. pyrenaicum
is similar to P. alpinum, but taller: it
occurs with white, yellow, and orange-red
blossoms, which, however, do not always
come true from seed.
P. nudicaule (Iceland Poppy].— A dwarf
White Popp
and biennial. They range from the tiny
alpine Poppy to the stately P. orientale and
its varieties. The following is a selection
of the best garden kinds : —
P. alpinum (Alpine Poppy}.— This has
beautiful large white flowers, with yellow
centres and dissected leaves, cut into fine
acute lobes. A native of the higher Alps,
it may sometimes be seen in good con-
dition in our gardens, but is liable to
perish, unlike a true perennial. It varies
kind, with leaves deeply lobed, and large
rich yellow flowers on naked stems, 12 to
15 in. high ; it is handsome for borders or
the rock-garden, is easily raised from seed,
and forms rich masses of cup-like flowers,
but is not a true perennial, and should be
raised annually. There are several white,
yellow, and orange-red varieties, and one
large and handsome. Siberia and the
northern parts of America.
P. orientale (Oriented Poppy) the most
PArAVER.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PARXASS1A.
701
showy of all Poppies, is among the noblest
of hardy plants, and the variety bracteatum
is larger and handsomer. This variety
forms huge masses of handsome foliage ;
the flowers on stiff stalks, with leafy bracts
at intervals, are 6 to 9 in. across, and of
brilliant scarlet, each of the four petals
marked inside at the base with a purple-
black spot, the whole forming a cross,
which gives the flower a striking effect.
P. orientale has naked flower-stalks, and
as a rule the flowers are pure scarlet, but
some have a black spot. It seems as if
orientale has been crossed by bracteatum,
for there are a good many hybrids in
gardens. The fault of this Poppy is its
weak stalk, owing to which it does not
hold its large flowers erect like its rival,
and its bloom is sooner past. There are
several varieties besides bracteatum ;
concolor has no spots at the inner base of
the petals ; triumphans is dwarfer. These
are effective for borders, or for isolated
masses on Grass, and flourish in almost any
well-drained soil. They are most effective
in groups in the rougher parts of the
pleasure-ground, or in the shrubbery.
P. Rhseas (Common Corn Poppy}.—
The Carnation, Picotee, and Ranunculus
Poppies are double forms of the common
red fie4d Poppy, possessing almost every
colour except blue and yellow ; some being
self-coloured, others beautifully variegated.
They are also known as French and
German Poppies. Some are dwarfer than
others, but all are between 2 and 3 ft. in
height. Of recent years pretty single forms
of the Corn Poppy have become popular
under the name of "Shirley Poppies."
Being hardy annuals, they can be sown
where they are to bloom, but should be
grown in good soil to bring out fully their
size and colour. The seed, being very
small, should be sown thinly, and the
plants eventually thinned out to 6 or 8 in.
apart, so that the lateral shoots may
develop and the flowers have sufficient
space. Few annuals afford such a brilliant
display as the different kinds of Corn
Poppy in outlying beds and borders during
summer.
P. somniferum (Opium Poppy].— This
beautiful and variably-coloured Poppy is
a valuable hardy annual. It generally
grows about 2^ ft. in height, and varies
from white to deep crimson. The double
scarlet, the double striped, and the double
white are all varieties of it, and their great
flower-heads have a bold and striking
effect planted in masses. By selection, a
type called the Paeony-flowered Poppy has
been obtained from them ; it has large
and very double broad-petalled flowers,
which vary in colour from white to dark
crimson, and is distinct. P. somniferum
and its varieties are treated as hardy
annuals in the same way as P. Rhaeas.
P. umbrosum is a brilliant hardy annual,
about 2 ft. high, in habit like the common
field Poppy, the flowers dazzling scarlet,
with a jet-black blotch on the inner base
of each petal, conspicuous also on the
outer face of the petals, making masses of
the plant a grand sight early in summer.
Its seeds should be sown in autumn, so
that strong plants may be ensured for the
Opium Poppies (Papaver somniferum).
following summer. Caucasus. P. aren-
arium is another showy annual from the
Caucasus. Other handsome Poppies, such
as P. spicatum, pilosum, and lateritium,
are perennial, and all are of the simplest
culture.
Paradisia. See ANTHERICUM.
PARNASSIA (Grass of Parnassus].—
Interesting and pretty plants for the bog-
garden or for moist spots in the rock-
garden. In our moist heaths and bogs
Parnassia palustris is frequent, and a very
pretty plant it is — handsome enough to
702 PAROCHETUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PELARGONIUM.
cultivate in moist spots where it will grow
as in its native haunts. Three other
kinds, natives of North America, are
quite as showy. P. fimbriata has large
flowers with peculiar fringe-like append-
ages, its kidney- shaped leaves resembling
those of P. asarifolia, another hardy
species, about 9 in. high, which bears
similar white flowers without fringes. P.
Parnassia palustris (Grass of Parnassus).
caroliniana differs from P. asarifolia, in
having oval or heart-shaped leaves ; it
flowers about the same time, usually from
the beginning of July till the end of
August. These hardy Parnassias thrive
best in a moist peaty soil or a spongy
bog. Seed, division. Saxifrage order
PAROCHETUS (Shamrock Pea).— P.
communis is a beautiful little creeping per-
ennial, with Clover-like leaves, 2 to 3 in.
high, bearing in spring Pea-shaped
blossoms of a beautiful blue. It is of
easy culture in warm positions on the
rock-garden and the choice border, and
where the climate is too cold to grow it in
the open air it may be grown in a cold
frame. Division or seed. Nepaul. Le-
guminosae.
PARROTIA (Iron Tree}.— Low Hazel-
like trees, natives of Northern India and
Persia, not remarkable for their beauty of
flower so much as for fine colour of the
leaves in autumn, giving a mixture of
crimson, orange, and yellow, unique
among colours of leaves of hardy trees.
The best known is the Persian, P. persica,
which in the London district in warm
soils is hardy. In the north it would
probably require a wall.
PASSIFLORA (Passion-flower}.— The
hardy blue Passion-flower, P. ctzrulca, so
often seen as a wall-climber in southern dis-
tricts, from its beauty and distinctness de-
serves to be grown wherever the climate
permits. It is not so suitable for arbours or
trellises as for walls, the heat from the walls
aids in ripening the wood, and so enables it
to withstand the winter. A southern aspect
is best for it, though it grows against west
or east walls, only requiring a good soil,
and, perhaps, a slight protection during
winter. The white variety, Constance
Elliot, is as hardy as the older kind. No
other variety of P. casrulea is so distinct,
and no other Passion-flower is hardy
enough for outdoor walls. The blue
Passion-flower first came from Brazil two
hundred years ago.
PAULO WNIA.— P. imperialis is a fine
flowering tree from Japan, not suitable for
our climate generally though in a few
places it succeeds. It comes into flower
and leaf so early, that if the winter is
mild and the spring late the buds and
often the young leaves are injured by
late frosts ; otherwise, there may be a
lovely bloom. It is fine in leaf as
well as in bloom ; the leaves are a
foot in length, and have even ex-
ceeded 20 in. The flowers are in erect
spikes, resembling in form those of a
Bignonia ; of a delicate mauve purple,
blotched inside with a deeper tint. In
countries a little warmer than Britain this
tree is very beautiful and much used in
public gardens and even in street planting.
At maturity the Paulownia assumes a dense
rounded head, but rarely exceeds 30 ft. in
height, although in some south-coast
gardens there are trees nearly 40 ft. in
height.
If the young trees are cut back annually,
they make strong shoots bearing enormous
leaves, of sub-tropical aspect, with the
advantage of being much hardier than
the house plants used in summer to give
such effects. The tree is best on a light
deep loam.
Pavia. See yEscuLUS.
PELARGONIUM (Stork's Bill}. -
Nearly all Pelargoniums are natives of
the southern hemisphere, or have origin-
ated as hybrid or cross-bred varieties in
European countries. They are often
erroneously termed Geraniums, but al-
though allied to the Geranium family
they are distinct from it, Geraniums
being chiefly natives of the northern
PELARGONIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. PELARGONIUM. 703
half of the globe, all of them
being hardy plants. The
genus Pelargonium contains
many species, which botanists
have divided into several sec-
tions, and many kinds will
grow and flower in the open
air during summer, although
unable to withstand our
winters.
Of all varieties of the flower
garden the "zonals" are the
most useful, and they are sup-
posed to be descended from
two distinct species, P. zonale
and P. inquinans. As bedding-
out plants they are of great
importance ; and the facility
with which they yield improved
forms has led to the intro-
duction of numerous beautiful
varieties, of nearly all shades
of colour, from white to in-
tense scarlet ; while the richest
purple* and violet shades are
also to be found, and these
would almost appear to foretell
the advent of even a blue Zonal
Pelargonium. The Zonal Pe-
largonium, on account of the
brilliancy of its bloom, has
sometimes been too freely used
in the flower garden, but these
matters are now better under-
stood. Among the Zonal
varieties there are many with
variegated and beautiful foli-
age, this particularly being the
case in that section of the
Zonals known as Tricolors,
which, on account of their not
succeeding so well in some
soils as might be desired, are
less grown out-of-doors than
they deserve. Where they
succeed, however, they form
very attractive beds, when
grown for the sake of their
foliage, the trusses of bloom
being removed from time to
time as they appear. The
varieties known as the
" bronze zonals " are also
beautiful outdoor plants, the
free exposure intensifying the
rich tints of the leaves.
No plants are more easily
increased than these : cuttings
may be inserted whenever they
can be obtained, and will root
freely in any ordinary light or
sandy soil, in the open air
during summer and autumn,
Passiflora Constance Elliot.
704 PELARGONIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PELARGONIUM.
and under glass during winter and spring.
The principal stock of plants is, how-
ever, generally got by cuttings inserted
in pots, pans, or boxes in the open air
during the early autumn, such cuttings
making the best plants. During winter
the protection of glass and the exclusion
of frost are essential.
ZONAL PELARGONIUMS FROM SEED
may also be treated as annuals, and will
bloom in less than ten months from the
time of sowing ; but the seed should be
sown as soon as it is ripe, say during
August. Enough seed can always be had
by retaining a few plants for the purpose,
in front of a greenhouse, in any light, airy
spot. If new varieties are sought, re-
course must be had to artificial fertilisa-
tion ; but this is unnecessary if the plants
are merely for planting out in the parterre.
be potted singly into 3-in. pots and placed
in a cold pit, or a similar structure where
frost is excluded, until the time arrives
when they may be safely planted in the
flower garden or wherever they are re-
quired. During the early part of the
season such plants may bloom less pro-
fusely than those from cuttings, but their
neat habit and healthy foliage will com-
pensate for this.
Many sorts remarkable for the beauty
of their blooms, are, nevertheless, by their
habit, unsuited for bedding-out ; and few
of the many beautiful double varieties of
Zonals can be recommended for outdoor
culture, unless as standards, with clean
stems, 2^ or 3 ft. in length. In this form
they are" sometimes effective ; for being
compelled to draw sustenance through a
slender stem, induces a very free-flowering
Pelargonium Dr. Andre.
If the plants used for seed be all of the
same sort, the seedlings may be expected
to prove tolerably true — i.e. the same
variety as the plants. The pots should
be of convenient size (say 6 in. in dia-
meter), and filled to within \ in. of the !
rims with light turfy soil ; the seed may
be sown rather thickly, gently pressed
into the soil, and slightly covered with it.
Water with a fine rose, cover the pots j
with a piece of glass, and place them in j
a temperature of about 65° ; the seeds will !
soon vegetate, and the piece of glass
should then be removed ; the plants when
large enough should be pricked off into
seed-pans and kept near the glass in a
reduced temperature during the winter.
Early in the following March they should
habit. Strong stakes are needed to sup-
port the heavy heads, and the principal
branches should be secured to circular
hoops. Single varieties may with equal
facility be formed into standards, and in
their carse seedlings are likely to form
specimens sooner than plants from cut-
tings. Before frost, all standards should
be well cut back, taken up, and repotted
in pots not larger than may contain the
roots ; they should be staked and after-
wards placed in a temperature not under
60° until they root. Treated thus annually,
such plants are often in perfect health,
even when twelve or fourteen years old.
Next in importance to the Zonals for
outdoor culture are the Ivy-leaved kinds
or the varieties of P. lateripes. More
PELARGONIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. PELARGONIUM. 705
particularly is this the case since their
crossing with the Zonal varieties, which
has produced many beautiful sorts useful
for outdoor culture. As to treatment, it
may be said to be in nearly all respects
identical with those of the Zonal varieties,
with the exception of being somewhat
more tender, and requiring a little more
warmth in winter.
Among other Pelargoniums few are
suitable for outdoor culture, or for bed-
ding, their growth in the open air, in even
light or poor soil, being too luxuriant.
Each section will now be considered
separately, and the varieties that succeed
when planted out will be mentioned.
There are, however, so many varieties of
Zonals, and the older varieties are so
often superseded by others that are not
always improvements, that it will only be
necessary to give a short list of sorts
.really known to be good. It must, how-
ever, be borne in mind that some sorts
succeed in certain soils and situations
which are by no means successful in
others.
The following are a few of the many
Zonal varieties suited for outdoor culture
or for massing in the flower garden or
elsewhere : Anna Pfitzer, Ball of Fire,
Corsair, Culford Rose, Distinction, Dr.
Orton, Fire King, Harry Hieover, Henry
Jacoby, Havelock, Jenny Dodds, John
Gibbons, King of the Bedders, Master
Christine, Mrs. Lancaster, Mrs. Turner,
Mrs. Miles, Mulberry, Newland's Mary,
Vanessa, Vesuvius and its salmon-
coloured variety, Violet Hill, Nosegay,
White Perfection, White Princess, and
White Vesuvius.
The bronze Zonal varieties are as well
suited for bedding-out as the green-leaved
kinds, being in all respects as vigorous.
Their flowers vary in colour. The bright
golden ground colour and rich leaf zones
of some of them, however, show to greater
advantage when the blooms are removed.
The following are a few of those that may
be considered the best bedders : Black
Douglas, Bronze Beauty, Bronze Queen,
Crown Prince, Gilt with Gold, Golden
Harry Hieover.
There are also some useful bedding
varieties with yellow zoneless leaves, such
as Crystal Palace Gem, Golden Christine,
and Robert Fish ; while Happy Thought
is a singular variety, each leaf having a
large disc of a creamy-white colour, while
the margins are green, but it is inclined to
grow rather too robust in rich soils.
Though the variegated Zonals, or
golden Tricolors, do not succeed equally
•well as bedding plants in all kinds of
soil, the following varieties will, with
ordinary care, generally give satisfaction :
Mrs. Pollock, Sophia Cussack, Sophia
Dumaresque, Beautiful Star, Victoria
Regina, Edward Richard Benyon, Mac-
beth, Lady Cullum, Peter Grieve, William
Sandy, Prince of Wales, and Howarth
Ashton.
The drawback as regards the silver
tricolor sorts, when planted out in the
open air, is the circumstance of the central
or green portion of the leaves expanding
faster than the white or coloured margins
of the same, so that the centres of the
leaves become somewhat puckered. The
following are among the best for this
purpose : Italia Unita, Lass o' Gowrie,
Pelargonium "Pretty Polly."
Eva Fish, Maxwell Masters, Lady
Dorothy Neville, and Miss Farren.
Among silver-margined zoneless sorts,
Mangle's Variegated, a very old variety,
is still useful, together with Silver Chain,
Flower of Spring, Mrs. J. C. Mappin,
Princess Alexandra, and Waltham Bride,
the three last having pure white flowers.
Of the Ivy-leaved sorts, and their hybrid
varieties, the following are useful as
bedding plants : Album grandiflorum,
Duke of Edinburgh, 1'Elegante, Bridal
Wreath, Willsi roseum, Dolly Varden,
and Emperor.
Comparatively few of the Cape species
or of their hybrid varieties are of much
use as bedding plants : a few, however,
are sometimes used with pretty good effect.
Some of these are — Diadematum, Lady
Mary Fox, Lady Plymouth, Pretty Polly,
z z"
706 PENNISETUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PENTSTEMON.
Prince of Orange, Rollison's Unique,
Crimson Unique. Most of the sweet-
scented sorts, when planted out-of-doors
during the summer, succeed admirably,
and furnish abundance of fragrant flower-
ing slioots for cutting for the house. —
P. G.
PENNISETUM. — P. longistyhun is
one of the most elegant of Grasses, i to i^
ft. high ; the flower-spikes are borne on
slender stems ; they are from 4 to 6 in. long,
of singular twisted form, and enveloped in
a purplish feathery down. It is useful for
cutting, as it lasts a long time, is perennial
and hardy, growing in free garden soil.
P. fimbriatum is a similar species, equally
desirable.
PENTSTEMON (Beard Tongue).—
Varied in colour, profuse in flower and of
graceful habit, Pentstemons have a value
for our flower-beds and rock-gardens, that
few other plants possess, especially as their
blooming season extends five months,
commencing in June with the charming
blue P. procerus, and finishing with the
endless varieties of P. Hartwegi, in all
shades of rose, scarlet, and crimson, whose
beauty holds its own even in November,
long after the more fragile plants of the
flower garden have perished. Within the
past few years also much has been done to
improve the Pentstemon by selection of
varieties of P. Hartwegi and P. gentian-
oides, which, however, with all their wide
range of colour, lack the beautiful clear
blue of some of the species, and have a
somewhat monotonous effect. The garden
varieties, or so-called hybrids, resulting
from this selection, may be ranged under
two series of colours — those from P.
Hartwegi belonging to the red-flowered
set, and those from P. gentianoides to the
purple-flowered. As regards culture, the
species have the reputation of being diffi-
cult to manage, as some of the shrubby
section die when they are apparently in
robust health. To ensure success, often
drainage is essential, as they suffer more
from excessive moisture at the roots than
from cold. The soil best for Pentstemons
is friable loam, with a mixture of well-
decayed leaf mould and sharp sand. It
is well to have a few plants in cold frames,
to fill any vacancies in the borders. They
may be propagated either by cuttings or
seeds. The former mode applies chiefly
to the shrubby kinds, which strike freely
in spring ; and, in favourable seasons,
seeds are borne by those from which it is
not practicable to obtain cuttings. Any
attempt to multiply some kinds by divid-
ing the tufts will result in the loss of the
plants, but P. barbatus and P. procerus
endure this mode of propagation. Seed
should be sown in February or March on
a gentle hot-bed under a frame, in seed-
pans well drained with broken plaster and
filled with a compost of peat soil and sand.
In April the seedlings should be pricked
out under a frame, and these, planted out
in May, will usually come into flower by
autumn. Another mode is to sow in May
or June in the open air, in ground enriched
with leaf-mould. The seed-beds should be
covered with chopped Moss, to preserve
a uniform temperature and humidity.
In August the seedlings should be
potted and removed to a greenhouse
or conservatory for the winter. It is
necessary to observe that the seed sown
at either of these seasons frequently
does not germinate until the following
year. Foxglove order.
The following are some of the best
cultivated species. Many are excluded,
however ; some on account of their rarity,
and others, such as P. antirrhinioides,
cordifolius, and Lobbianus, because they
are not sufficiently hardy for border
culture, though they succeed well enough
against a warm wall.
P. azureus is a very pretty dwarf,
branching kind, with numerous branches,
bearing many blossoms in whorls, clear
violet-blue, towards the end of summer,
and lasting a long time. California.
P. barbatus. — A tall handsome plant,
often named Chelone barbata, with under-
ground stems forming tufts, whence rise,
to a height of 3 ft. or more, several grace-
ful stems, supporting many rosy-scarlet
flowers, in long succession. There is a
white variety. The variety Torreyi is a
fine robust plant, of greater height and
without the beard on the lower lip of the
flower which characterises the species.
Being a native of Colorado and Northern
Mexico, it is hardier than the older plants,
and is a showy border perennial of easy
culture.
P. campanulatus is an old inhabitant
of our garden borders, a slender plant,
about 1 8 in. high, branching freely, and
in southern districts having an almost
shrubby character ; the rose-coloured
flowers in one-sided racemes blooming for
a long period. Mexico. P. pulchellus is
a variety.
P.Cobsea.— -Oneofthehandsomest kinds,
bearing late in autumn long leafy racemes
of flowers, nearly 2 in. long, pale purple,
pencilled with red streaks and delicately
suffused with yellow, the base of the tube
being a creamy-white. P. Cobaea thrives
generally without protection, but it is
difficult to increase. The name is used
PE.VTSTEMOX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. PENTSTEMON. 707
in trade lists for several spurious kinds,
but the true plant when in flower can be
readily recognised. Texas.
P. crassifolius.— Allied to P. Scouleri,
but the flowers are of a charming light
lavender colour and the plant admirably
suited for a dry knoll of the rock-garden ;
but this knoll must be well exposed to
the sun and on a deep mass of bog soil
or peat, so that while the situation of
the plant is dry, the roots may find what
they require. P. Menziesi resembles P.
Scouleri, but has reddish purple flowers.
P. cyananthus.— A lovely kind, 3 to 4
ft. high, bearing in May and June dense
spikes about i ft. long of bright blue
flowers. The new variety Brandegei is an
improvement on the type, being more
robust, and having brighter flowers.
Rocky Mountains, and N. America.
P. diffusus. — A semi-shrubby kind, 2
to 4 ft. high, with violet-purple flowers
in a large, loose, many-branched head,
throughout the greater part of summer
and autumn. Its relative P. Richardsoni
much resembles it, but is inferior in
beauty, and P. Mackayanus and P.
argutus are nearly allied. This plant is
liable to succumb to the damp of our
winters. Like all the Pentstemons, P.
diffusus is readily increased by cuttings,
and might come true from seed, but,
in this country, seed is rarely matured.
N. W. America.
P. Digitalis is a large-leaved free-
growing kind, of erect habit, not very
showy. The same remark applies to P.
pubescens, laevigatus, perfoliatus, and
glandulosus.
P. Fendleri.— A distinct glaucous kind,
with a long, one-sided raceme of light
purple flowers, 12 to 15 in. high, hardy in
ordinary soils. P. Wrighti is a similar
plant with magenta-tinted blossoms, and
its variety angustifolius is also pretty.
P. Hartwegi, generally known as P.
gentianoides, is one of our best autumn-
flowering plants, its progeny, called into
existence by the skill of the florist,
including endless variety of colour and
increased size of bloom, the narrow
tubular flower acquiring almost the
dimensions of a Foxglove. About the
beginning of this century it was found by
Humboldt and Bonpland in Mexico, at
an altitude of nearly 1 1,000 ft., but it was
not introduced into cultivation till 1828.
THE HYBRID PENTSTEMONS, among
the most precious of flowers, are supposed
to have descended from P. gentianoides,
but there is little doubt that most of them
have come from the pretty P. Hartwegi.
P. Cobaea, too, has probably been em-
ployed in hybridising, for some varieties
bear a strong resemblance to it. What-
ever their parentage, they are beautiful
| plants, and much use should be made of
them, as they are valuable in autumn and
i carry their beauty into winter, at least in
western and seaside gardens.
The varieties of Pentstemon succeed in
any good soil, and are certain to do well
in a good loam enriched with manure and
leaf-soil. They can be planted out in
groups, in beds or in the mixed border,
where their various colours blend charm-
ingly, among them being a wonderful
range of colour from white to scarlet,
with intermediate shades of pink, rose,
purple, carmine, and purplish-lilac. If
good plants be put out by the end of
April, they will bloom about the middle of
June, and yield a succession of flowers
until winter. They are increased both by
cuttings and by seeds ; the cuttings taken
in August or early in September from the
young growth round the main stem, and
they should be put into a prepared sandy
bed, on a shady border, under a hand-
glass, or into boxes or pots in a cold
frame, where they root readily, and those
in boxes or pots might be wintered there,
and not transplanted till spring. Those
in the border should be lifted and potted
and planted in a cold frame for the winter,
or transplanted to the open ground in a
well-prepared bed, and protected during
severe weather with a little litter or
branches of Evergreens ; but -the young
plants should not usually be planted out
, till March or April. To increase the
stock of any given variety rapidly, the
i store pots of cuttings rooted in autumn
should be put in a gentle bottom-heat in
spring, and induced to grow ; if the
young growths be taken off when they
are 2 in. in length, and put into pans of
sandy soil of the same temperature, they
will quickly strike, and by May and June,
if properly treated, will be healthy plants.
SEEDLINGS. — The Pentstemon is a free
seeder, and there is no difficulty in obtain-
ing seed. Seed should be taken from
only the finest varieties showing distinct,
or novel character — and such varieties,
can scarcely fail to yield something
worthy of cultivation. The seed should!
be sown in February or early in March ini
a gentle heat : it will quickly germinate,,
and when the plants are large enough to
handle, they should be pricked off into
shallow boxes, and, after a time, hardened
off in a cold frame. Here they can
remain till the end of May or later ac-
cording to size, and they should then be
planted out in well-prepared beds. When
Z Z 2
703 PENTSTEMON.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
IVP:XT.STEMOX.
they flower, which they will do by August
and September, any especially good
varieties should be marked to propagate
from. If the bed of seedlings be allowed
to stand for another season (and this is
often a good plan), the seed-stalks should
be cut away as soon as ripe, and the bed
cleaned, top-dressed with leaf-soil and
short manure in spring, and there will be
a plentiful harvest of flowers the following
summer. Seedlings should be protected
by a cold frame during winter, and planted
out in April in good soil in a sunny spot.
P. heterophyllus. — A dwarf sub-
shrubby kind, its showy flowers, singly
or in pairs in the axils of the upper
leaves, of a pinky lilac ; plants from seed
are very liable to vary. Though hardier
than many species, it succumbs to severe
winters; and plants should be kept in
frames. California.
P. humilis. — A very distinct alpine
species, rarely exceeding 8 in. in height,
forming compact tufts, its large blossoms
of a pleasing blue suffused with reddish-
purple : it should be planted in the rock-
garden in a fully exposed spot in gritty
loam and leaf-mould, and during summer
the plant should be copiously watered. It
blooms in early June, and is a native of
the Rocky Mountains, abundant about
Pike's Peak.
P. Jeffreyanus. — A showy kind, and the
best of the blue-flowered class, its glaucous
foliage contrasting finely with its clear
blue blossoms borne during the greater
part of the summer. It is a handsome
dwarf border plant, but not being a good
perennial, the stock should be kept up by
the aid of seedlings, which will bloom
much more vigorously than old plants.
North California.
P. laetus is a close ally of P. azureus
and P. heterophyllus, and, like them, is of
dwarf branching habit, with blue flowers
in raceme-like panicles about \\ ft. high,
blooming in July and August. It is a
native of California, and is as hardy as
most of the species from that region.
P. Murrayanus.— A distinct plant, and
one of the most beautiful, 3 to 6 ft. high,
with tiers of brilliant scarlet flowers, and
broad glaucous leaves. It should be
raised from seed annually, and the seed-
lings should be grown well for flowering
the following summer, as few plants are
more worthy of care. It is a native
of Texas, and loves a warm sunny soil.
P. centranthifolius is similar but not so
handsome, though easier to grow, and
hardier.
P. ovatus, also known as P. glaucus, is
a fine vigorous plant, 3 to 4 ft. high, the
flowers small, but in dense masses, in
colour varying from intense ultramarine
to deep rosy-purple ; their brilliant colour,
and the handsome form of the plant com-
bine to give it a special value. It should
be considered a biennial, as it usually
flowers so vigorously in the second year as
to exhaust itself. Mountains of Columbia.
P. Palmer!.— A handsome species of
robust habit, in good soil 3 to 5 ft. high ;
the flowers in a many-flowered panicle 18
to 24 in. long, peach-coloured and streaked
with red, corolla with a gaping mouth.
The plant is quite hardy, succeeding in
almost any well-drained soil, and flower-
ing about midsummer. P. spectabilis is
similar.
P. procerus is a beautiful little plant,
and about the hardiest of all the species,
as it takes care of itself in any soil. It is
of a creeping habit, sending up from the
tufted base numerous flowering stems 6
to 12 in. high. The small flowers are in
dense spikes, and, being of a lovely
amethyst-blue, they make it charming for
either the border or the rock-garden. It
seeds abundantly. It is the earliest to
blossom of all the Pentstemons. P. nitidus
and P. micranthus are synonymous with
P. procerus, and P. confertus is somewhat
similar. P. confertus has straggling
stems, and is a very distinct species,
though by no means showy.
P. Scouleri is a small semi-shrubby
plant of twiggy growth. Its large flowers
are of a slaty bluish-purple, and are
arranged in short terminal racemes ; they
are not produced in great abundance, but,
combined with the dwarf and compact
growth of the plant, they have charms
sufficiently distinct to render it worthy of
cultivation. P. Scouleri may be readily
increased in spring by cuttings of the
young shoots, since such cuttings strike
freely in a little bottom-heat similar to
that used for ordinary bedding plants.
P. speciosus, a remarkably handsome
kind, has stems 3 to 4 ft. in height, and
many-flowered clusters of flowers, which
are sky-blue, varying to a reddish hue.
P. glaber is nearly related to P. speciosus,
but is dwarfer. The flowers are of various
shades of purple, and early in summer are
borne in crowded spikes about I ft. in
length. On account of its dwarfness it is
better suited for the rock-garden than
most of the kinds. P. grandiflorus is
very handsome, and allied to P. speciosus
and P. glaber. It grows about 3 ft.
high, and from July to August produces
large flowers of a beautiful pink colour.
Another and similar species is P. secundi-
florus, which bears in one-sided racemes
TERILLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PETROCALLIS. 709
blossoms of clear blue and violet. It is
about i| ft. high when well grown. P.
acuminatus is a beautiful similar kind.
These all require to be raised from seed
annually, and to be planted out the second
year.
PEEJLLA. — P. nankineiisis is a half-
hardy annual, with dark vinous-purple
foliage. Seed should be sown about the
middle of February in pans or boxes in
heat ; the seedlings should be transplanted
into boxes in soil not over-rich, and after
being gradually hardened off, they should
be planted out about the end of May,
For those without artificial heat in spring
it is not a very suitable plant, as it requires
heat to get to the requisite size for plant-
ing in proper time. It is much used in
bedding-out, and often with the worst re-
sults as to effect.
PERIPLOCA(6V/,£ Vine\—P.grceca is
a rapid-growing shrubby climber of the
Stephanotis order, excellent for walls, ar-
bours, trellises, and the like, but on ac-
count of the somewhat unpleasant odour
of its flowers it is not advisable to
plant it against the walls of a dwelling-
house. Its long slender stems and
branches form a dense mass, and at
midsummer are covered with brownish-
red velvety flowers ; it is deciduous, and
therefore unsuitable for a winter-screen.
A native of Southern Europe, it is hardy
in garden soil, and has been grown in
English gardens for nearly three centuries.
PERNETTYA (Prickly Heath}.— P.
mucronata is a little Evergreen of the
Heath family from South America, but
hardy enough for our gardens, its beauty
lying mainly in the berries which it bears
in autumn, the size of small Cherries, dull
purple, but there are varieties with berries
of white, rose, pink, crimson, purple-black,
and every intermediate shade. They
should be planted where the soil is
peaty or sandy, and even a heavy soil
may be made suitable by adding decayed
leaf-mould and sand. For autumn and
winter beds on a lawn near the house
they are excellent, as they have a cheerful
aspect throughout the winter.
PETASITES ( Winter Heliotrope}.— P.
fragrans is a rampant weed with fragrant
flowers 4 to 12 in. high, in December and
January, unless the weather is very severe,
bearing flowers, deliciously fragrant, of a
pale dingy lilac, in a rather short panicle.
It is unfit for garden culture, as it runs
very much at the root and becomes a weed,
but it maybe planted on rough banks, lanes,
and in hedgerows, as it is very useful for
winter bouquets, and may carpet, so to
say, a small clump of shrubbery, where it
can be conveniently gathered. Another
species, P. vulgaris (Common Butterbur),
The Winter Heliotrope (Petasites fragrans).
is a native plant, 2 to 2^ ft. high, closely
allied to the common Coltsfoot, but having
great Rhubarb-like leaves ; the flowers
appear in spring before the leaves, and
are of a dull pinkish-purple. Exotic
plants, with less effective leaves than
this have been used in gardens ; but
it should not be allowed to come nearer
to the garden than the margin of some ad-
jacent[stream or moist bottom. Division.
PETROCALLIS (Rock Beauty\—P
pyrenaica is a beautiful little alpine plant
Petrocallis pyrenaica.
forming dense cushions 2 to 3 in. high, when
not in flower resembling a mossy Saxifrage ;
it flowers pale lilac faintly veined, sweet
7io
PETUNIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PHILADELPHIA.
scented, in April. Though hardy, it is
fragile, and is best placed on the well-
made rock-garden, in sandy fibry loam, in
level sunny spots, where it can root
freely in moist soil, mingled with broken
stones. It may also be grown in pots
plunged in sand in the open air, and in
frames in winter, but it becomes " drawn "
and delicate under glass. Easily increased
by seed or careful division. Alps and
Pyrenees.
PETUNIA. — In certain positions, some
of these showy half-hardy plants of the Sol-
anum order produce a charming effect in
masses ; and all are well suited for large
vases, for baskets of mixed plants, for low
trellises, and for planting under windows
and walls. The spots chosen for Petunias
should be open and sunny, and the soil
deep and rich, for in low damp situations
they mildew and canker as soon as the
first cold nights of autumn set in. The
best bedding varieties are Spitfire, dark
purplish-crimson ; Dr. Hogg, purple, with
white throat ; Miss Amy, crimson and
white ; Countess of Ellesmere, rosy-
crimson, with a lighter throat ; and
Delicata, white, striped with purple. If
they are sown in heat in February or
March, good plants may be had for putting
out at the end of May, but it is not safe to
plant them out earlier. Seedlings, too,
are now so good that they are frequently
planted in mixed borders for cutting.
The named kinds must be propagated
from cuttings. Cuttings should be in-
serted in August in a bed of leaves or
other fermenting material at a tempera-
ture of 70° to 75°, and with a top-heat of
65°, since they strike quickly under such
conditions. As soon as rooted they should
be taken out of the bottom-heat and
placed in cold frames till frosty nights
set in ; then removed to an intermediate
house and placed on shelves near the
glass, remaining there in store-pots till
spring, then potted off singly and grown
sturdily on till planting-out time. The
roots are so brittle that, however well
they are rooted, the soil does not ad-
here to them ; and this is why it is
necessary to pot singly, for if the plants
are put in pans or boxes, and transplanted
thence to the beds, they suffer greatly, and
are a long time getting re-established. —
W. W.
PHACELIA.-Californian hardy annuals
of easy culture : none of the cultivated
kinds very important. P. congesta is the
best, and smaller than either P. tanaceti-
folia or circinalis. They have dense heads
of small blue or violet flowers. Hydro-
phyllaceas.
PHILADELPHUS (Mock Orange}.—
Handsome flowering shrubs, with the ex-
ception of P.mexicanus, hardy, and many of
them from their beauty deserving a good
place. They are generally seen struggling
for existence in some choked-up shrubbery
border, and often in some shady spot where
the bloom is sure to be meagre. Where
planted in a group or mass, ample space
should be allowed for the access of sun-
shine, as upon this will to a very great
extent depend the future display of bloom.
The larger kinds are seen to great ad-
vantage when isolated on the Grass or
disposed thereon in a group of three or
four, plenty of room being allowed each for
its full development. Some of the smallest,
and especially P. microphyllus, look well
in a small bed by themselves, or they
may be employed as a foreground to the
larger kinds. In pruning the Philadelphus,
as with most other flowering shrubs, if
carried, out at all, the main thing should
be to remove exhausted and useless wood
rather than to interfere with clean recent
shoots. The entire genus (and more par-
ticularly the larger growing forms) is in a
very confused state, and it is no uncom-
mon thing to see two names applied to one
plant, or a couple quite distinct bearing
one name.
P. microphyllus.— This forms a dense
bush, at the most not more than a yard,
and frequently less, in height, clothed with
small Myrtle-like leaves, disposed in a
regular manner on the slender twigs,
which in their turn are arranged very
regularly. The flowering spray is hand-
some ; its fragrance is very different from
that of any other kind, being more like a
combination of ripe Apples and Quince.
This little shrub is a native of New
Mexico and some of the adjacent States.
It was not long in Europe before the
hybridist took advantage of such a distinct
shrub, and M. Lemoine, of Nancy, raised
a variety, Lemoinei, which was announced
as the result of a cross between P. micro-
phyllus and the European P. coronarius.
It forms a shrub in appearance about
midway between its parents, and flowers
profusely. The blossoms possess the
fragrance of its North American parent,
without any of the heavy smell common
to the Mock Orange. Since P. Lemoinei
was sent out, a second form has made its
appearance from the same source, under
the name of P. Lemoinei erectus. Though
of more erect habit, it is in other respects
much like the preceding.
P. grandiflorus. — While P. micro-
phyllus is the best of the small-growing
kinds, this is the best of those with large
PHILADELPHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PHLOM1S. 711
blossoms, and it is certainly one of the
finest flowering shrubs to be met with in
gardens. The blooms are a couple of
inches in diameter, white, and with little
scent, the bush forming a rounded mass
Philadelphia grandiflorus.
from 6 ft. to 12 ft. in height. There is a
variety of this (laxus) less in stature
and of a more open style of growth
than the type. P. speciosus is now
regarded as synonymous with P. grandi-
florus.
P. Gordonianus is another large-grow-
ing kind, native of North America, whose
blooms are smaller than those of the
last named, but they are very numerous,
and later in expanding than most of the
others, and on that account this species is
especially valuable. It was introduced
from North-west America in 1823, and
was named in compliment to the late Mr.
R. Gordon, of the Horticultural Society's
Garden, Chiswick. Other species a good
deal in the same \vay are P. inodorus and
P. verrucosus, both North American,
while P. mexicanus is too tender to be
generally planted.
P. Satzumi is a slender, yet freely
branching bush about 6 ft. high, the
flowers rather small, borne in little clusters
for some distance along the shoots. Slight
forms of this are often met with under
different names, and it is also very prob-
able that the North American species
could be reduced in number if grown
under similar conditions.
P. hirsutus.— This derives its name
from the hairy undersides of the leaves,
while the flowers are, with the exception
of those of P. microphyllus, about the
smallest of the genus. They are also
generally solitary, but are borne in such
profusion that a specimen is wonder-
fully pretty when in bloom. This, as a
rule, grows about 4 ft. or 5 ft. high.
P. coronarius is the common Euro-
pean Mock Orange, which is well
known. There are, however, one or two
well-marked varieties, viz., nanus, a little
bush about 2 ft. high, that rarely flowers ;
variegatus, whose leaves are margined with
white ; and aureus, of moderate compact
growth, whose foliage retains its golden hue
throughout the summer. Several varieties
with double blossoms are to be met with,
among which may be mentioned flore-
pleno, primulasflorus, and rosaeflorus. — T.
Known Species P. affinis, Mexico ; as-perifolius, do. ;
coronarius, S. Kurope ; godokokesii, N. Amer. ; Gor-
donianus, Calif. ; grandiJJorus, N. Amer. ; hirsutus,
W. Amer. ; inodorus, N. Amer. ; insignis \ inter-
medius ; Keteleeiii; Lewisii, N. Amer. ; Mexicanus,
Mexico ; microphyllus, N. Mexico ; myrtoides, Guate-
mala ; parinjlotus, China ; pendulifolius ; rubricaulis,
China ; serpyllifolius, N. Mexico ; stenopetala ; tricfto-
petalus, Costa Rica.
PHILESIA (Pepino\—P. buxifolia is an
exquisite dwarf shrub, with large carmine-
red Lapageria-like bells (2 in. long) nest-
ling among and suffusing with their rich
colour the sombre evergreen foliage. It
is a precious shrub for the cooler parts of
the rock-garden in the more favourable
coast gardens, in peat or turfy loam. S.
America.
PHLOMIS (Jerusalem Sage].— Among
the finest hardy plants of the Sage family.
There are about a dozen kinds in cultiva-
tion, showing great diversity of size and
habit. Some, like P. fruticosa, are shrubs,
others stout herbaceous plants, while
others again, as P. armeniaca, are suffi-
ciently alpine for the rock-garden. The
most desirable is the South European P.
fruticosa, a half-shrubby plant 3 to 4 ft.
high, its Sage-like leaves covered with
rusty down, while its large rich yellow
flowers, attractive in summer, are in dense
whorls for about half the length of the
branches. It may be grown in the mixed
border or associated with shrubs in an
open spot. It is hardy in light soils in
the southern counties. Of the few other
shrubby kinds none is so fine, and though
P. ferruginea is similar, it is neither so
effective nor so hardy. Of herbaceous
kinds the best is P. Herba-venti, a strong
plant i to 3 ft. high, its rich purplish-
violet flowers in dense whorls. P. tuberosa
and P. purpurea, with purple flowers, may
be naturalised with it, as they flourish in
any soil or situation. The best herba-
ceous kinds with yellow flowers are P.
Russelliana and P. Samia, both about 3
12 PHLOX.
'I HE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ft. high, strong growers, and do well for
naturalising. The very dwarf P. armeni-
aca has silvery leaves and reddish-purple
flowers. P. cashmeriana somewhat' re-
sembles P. Herba-venti, but its flower-
heads are denser, and its flowers, besides
being larger, have a broad violet-purple
lip. All the species are easily propagated
— the shrubby kinds by cuttings and seed,
the herbaceous sorts by division and seed.
PHLOX. — For the most part showy
garden perennials ; but the annual P.
Drummondi alone has produced distinct
varieties enough to furnish a garden with
almost every shade of colour. The peren-
nials are numerous, and present such
variety in habit, that for the garden they
may be divided into three distinct groups.
One is alpine in habit ; of this the beauti-
ful P. subulata, or Moss Pink, is the best
known, but there are many others in the
Rocky Mountains and westward, some of
them more truly alpine. Next to these are
several that may be grouped as running
or creeping Phloxes, perennial, but with
prostrate stems. Lastly, there are the
well-known tall garden Phloxes, generally
called the perennial Phloxes, though all
Phloxes but P. Drummondi are perennial.
Perennial Phloxes have been so hybridised
that the types are quite lost sight of in a
vast number of garden forms. P. subulata,
for instance, varies so much in the wild
state that its forms have been described
as species.
EARLY OR SUMMER - FLOWERING
PHLOXES have chiefly come from P.
suffruticosa. They include many varieties,
varying principally in colour, and flowering
during June and July. They grow in any
good border or bed, and if the subsoil be
too wet, it must be drained, and about 9
in. of good Hazel-loam enriched with good
old manure and a small quantity of broken
bones laid on the surface. In the herba-
ceous border a pit can be dug — say, 12 in.
square and 9 in. deep — and filled with this
compost. Summer Phloxes are useful in
June and July, as they come between the
spring and autumn sorts. The following
are twenty-four of the finest : Beauty,
Beauty of Edinburgh, Bridesmaid, Con-
queror, Caller O', George Eyles, James
Nicholson, Mrs. P. Guthrie, Mrs. Burton,
Mrs. Gellatly, Philip Pollock, William
Mitchell, Allen M'Lean, Dr. Robert
Black, Duchess of Athole, Indian Chief,
Mary Shaw, Mrs. Ritchie, President,
Redbraes, Socrates, The Bouquet, The
Deacon, and The Shah.
AUTUMN OR LATE-FLOWERING
PHLOXES have been obtained by hybri-
dising and selecting from various N.
American species, principally P. panicu-
lata and its varieties acuminata, decussata,
and pryamidalis, which are stronger and
taller than the early Phloxes, and immedi-
ately succeed them in flower, thus prolong-
ing the season at least two months from
the end of July. They are bright and
varied in colour, including all shades from
rich vermilion to pure white, but the many
shades of dingy purple and magenta are
objectionable. There are endless varieties,
more or less distinct, but the following
will be found a good selection : Coccinea,
David Syme, Gavin, Greenshields, Jane
Welsh, Jenny Grieve, Lothair, Matthew
Miller, Mrs. Keynes, Monsieur Rafarin,
Reve d'Or, Robert Paterson, William
Blackwood, Andrew Borrowman, Carna-
tion, Henry Cannell, James Alexander,
James Cocker, Madame Yerlot, Major
Molesworth, Miss Wallace, Mrs. Tennant,
Thos. Chisholm, Triomphe du Pare de
Neuilly, and William Veitch. For large
beds, and to get bold masses of distinct
colour, the following are the most effec-
tive and can be used according to the
shades of colour required, viz. : Coccinea,
rich vermilion ; Carnation, white and
spotted with purple ; James Alexander,
rich crimson ; Lothair, bright scarlet ;
Mrs. Keynes, pure white ; Robert Paterson,
rich crimson ; William Blackwood, rosy-
salmon ; Miss Wallace, pure white ; and
Major Molesworth, scarlet with a crimson
eye. When in beds or borders, the early
and late sorts should be planted alternately,
and arranged according to height and
colour, a mass of bloom, lasting for at
least three months, being produced. After
planting give each plant a good stake, and
tie it up when necessary. In spring the
number of shoots should be reduced ac-
cording to the strength of the plant and
nature of the variety. Phloxes of this
group are also improved by a top-dressing
of good rich soil every spring; and in very
hot and dry seasons good watering will
prolong the bloom.
The way to propagate Phloxes is by
seed, cuttings of the stems and roots, and
division. Seed should be taken from the
best sorts, and sown in boxes or pans in
good free loam, immediately after being
ripe. Keep it in a greenhouse or warm pit
close to the glass. The young seedlings
will appear in February and March ; and
when fit to handle prick them into boxes
of good soil and keep close and warm for
a short time ; they can then be grown with
the other plants intended for the flower
garden. The strongest will be fit to plant
out in April and May. They will flower
the first season, but will not be strong
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PHLOX.
713
until the second. In the second year all
the best sorts ought to be marked and
then grown a third year, to test them with
the best named kinds. Cuttings can be
taken at all seasons, and in propagating
from roots cut the oldest into pieces about
-i in. in length, sown, so to speak, in boxes,
and treated like seedlings.
The leaves also strike, but this is a very
slow way. As regards division, this con-
sists in taking the old plant and cutting it
into small pieces. The habit of the plant
should be strong and erect, with plenty of
broad and healthy foliage, and not exceed i
3 or 4 ft.
P. Carolina is a handsome plant, about
i ft. high, with slender stems terminated
by a cluster of large showy deep rose
flowers. P. ovata has broader leaves ;
while P. nitida is also handsome. P.
glaberrima, is far less important. These
kinds flower in summer, in ordinary soil
and an open spot.
P. divaricata. — A handsome plant from
North America, larger than either the
Creeping Phlox (P. reptans) or the Moss
Pink (P. subulata), and about i ft. high
with large lilac-purple blossoms in summer,
while the leaves are rounded at the
base, and are egg-shaped or lance-shaped.
Rock-garden in good soil. Increased by
division.
P. Drummondi. — One of the most
beautiful of half-hardy annuals, varied and
brilliant in colour, and not injured by bad
weather, like many other flowers. It may
be used in a variety of ways, such as a
carpet to beds of standard Roses, as it
does not interfere with the well-being of
the Roses, but hides their naked stems.
It is also suitable for rustic vases and
boxes ; but it is when in masses that its
beauty and diversity of colour are best
seen. Seed should be sown about the
first week in March in shallow pans or
boxes, in a light rich soil, and a warm j
and rather moist temperature. Prick off :
the seedlings when fit to handle in boxes
or a bed in a warm house in a tempera-
ture of 50° to 60°. Here they will soon
grow, and place them out in the shade to
harden as the weather gets warm. Those
growing in a bed should be again trans-
planted to a prepared bed in a cold frame,
kept covered for a few days, and hardened
gradually. When the plants are 3 to 4 in.
high, pinch out the main shoot, to induce
bushy growth, and prolong the flowering
period. The bed should be fully exposed
to the sun, and if good moist soil, the
plants will be uninjured even in the hottest
weather. Although generally treated as
an annual, P. Drummondi strikes freely
from cuttings in autumn: these are useful
for pots and early spring bloom in the
conservatory or the greenhouse. Varieties
are endless, and some very distinct named
sorts differ from the type not only in
colour but in growth.
P. pilosa is a pretty plant 10 or 12 in.
high ; large flat clusters of purple flowers,.
\ to | in. in diameter, appearing from
June to August. It is one of the rarest of
cultivated Phloxes, though a spurious
kind is sometimes sold for it. The true
plant reminds one of P. Drummondi.
Another rare species is the true P.
bifida, an elegant plant, the flowers bluish-
purple.
P. reptans (Creeping Phlox}.— This is
a beautiful little plant sending up numbers
of stems from 4 to 6 in. at the end of
April or beginning of May, each bearing
from five to eight deep-rose flowers. It is
useful on the rock-garden or border ; and
makes pretty tufts round beds of hardy
plants ; thriving in peat or light soils.
It is known as P. verna and P. stolonifera
as well as P. reptans.
P. setacea is sometimes considered the
same as P. subulata, but its leaves are
longer and farther apart on its trailing
stems, the whole plant being less rigid.
The flowers are of a charming soft rosy-
pink, and have delicate markings at the
mouth of the tube. P. s. violacea is a
handsome Scotch variety more lax in
growth and with deeper coloured flowers,
almost crimson. Both the variety and
the type are lovely plants for the rock-
garden, where with roots deeply seated
among the fissures and enjoying coolness
and moisture, they thrive luxuriantly in
any amount of sunshine.
P. subulata (Moss Pink}.— A Moss-like
little Evergreen, the flowers pinkish-
purple or rose-colour, with a dark centre,
and so dense as to completely hide the
plant. The stems, though 4 in. to i ft.
high, are always prostrate, so that the
dense matted tufts are seldom more than
6 in. high ; but in moist, sandy, and well-
drained soil, when the plant is fully ex-
posed, the tufts attain a diameter of
several feet, and a height of i ft. or more.
P. frondosa is a vigorous form of P. subu-
lata, and in any ordinary light garden soil
its trailing branches will soon cover almost
a square yard of surface. P. nivalis is as
trailing, but smaller, and with shorter,
more densely arranged leaves. Its flowers
are snow-white. P. Nelsoni is no doubt a
hybrid between P. subulata and its forms,
as it possesses foliage of an intermediate
character ; the flowers pure white with a
charming pink eye. Besides this, the late
714 PHORMIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PHYSALIS.
Mr. Nelson, of Aldborough, raised a large
number of seedlings, as varied in hue as
Phlox Drummondi.
The dwarf Phloxes are so closely allied
that general cultural remarks will suffice.
Well-drained ordinary garden soil and
sunny exposure are essential. Though
perfectly hardy, the damp atmosphere of
mild winters is fatal, and as the plants do
not seed freely, they must be increased by
cuttings. A sharp knife and a careful
hand will soon remove the two or three
pairs of leaves with their included buds
without damaging either the slender stem
or the joint. These should be taken off
in July, when the branches are just com-
mencing to harden, and inserted in sandy
soil in a frame where they can be shaded
from full sunshine, and given the benefit
of the night dews by the removal of the
lights. They will soon root and become
good flowering plants the following season.
With large patches, the readiest way is to
sprinkle sandy soil over the entire plant
and to work the same gently amongst the
branches with the hand. If this be done
during the summer or the early autumn,
the trailing branches will form roots the
following season, and may be planted
elsewhere. These Phloxes are charming
in spring, being hardy and forming gay
cushions on the level ground, or pendent
sheets from the tops of crags or from
chinks in the rock-garden. Rocky hills
and sandy wastes in North America,
Known Species P. adsurgens, W. Amer. ; ainocna
N. Amer. ; bifida, do. ; biflora, Chili ; brevifolia, N
Amer. ; brycides, N. W. Amer. ; ceespitosa, do. ; canescens
N.W. Amer ; clarkioides ; divaricata, N. Amer.
Douglassii, N.W. Amer. ; Drummondii, Texas ; elata
N. Amer. \jtoridaita, do. ; gla.be* ritna, do. ; glomerata
do. ; Hoodii, N.W. Amer. ; intermedia, do. ; linean
folia ; Listoniana, N. Amer. ; longifolia, N.W
Amer. ; maculata, N. Amer. ; muscoides, N.W. Amer.
nana, do. ; odorata, N. Amer. ; ovata, do. ; panicu
lata, do. ; pilosa, do. ; reptans, do. ; Richardsom
Arctic Amer. ; Rceineriana, Texas ; rosea, N. Amer.
siberica, Arctic regions ; speciosa, N.W. Amer. ; stel
/aria, N. Amer. ; subulata, do. ; suffruticosa^ do.
Thomsoni, do. ; tigrina ; virginica, N. Amer.
PHOEMIUM (New Zealand Flax}.—
P. tenax reminds one in habit of a large
Iris, forming tufts of broad, shining,
leathery leaves, 5 to 6| ft. high, gracefully
arched at the top. The lemon-coloured
flowers are in erect loose spikes just above
the foliage. It will generally enjoy a
greenhouse, though in genial places in
south and west of England and Ireland it
does very well in the open air in a light
deep soil. A few specimens well grown
and plunged in the Grass or in the centre
of a bed have a distinct effect. The
variegated variety is also pleasing in
the open air in warm situations in the
south of England and Ireland, and in
any case will do out-of-doors in the
summer. Division of the lufts
summer.
PHRAGMITES (Great Reed). — P.
commttms is a common native waterside
Grass, suitable for the margins of water,
by which it forms excellent covert. There
is a good variegated form.
PHYGELIUS (Cape Figivorf). — P.
capensis, a Cape plant, is related to the
Chelone and the Pentstemon, but distinct
in its general effect. It grows some 3 or 4
ft. high, and its many stems are terminated
by a long branching raceme of brilliant
I scarlet flowers, which open in May and
June and continue far into autumn. It is
hardy near London, though it does not
flourish so well in the open as under the
shelter of a wall, where it thrives. It
prefers a light rich soil, but in warm sea-
shore districts is not fastidious. Readily
increased by portions of the root-stock,
the bases of the stems being furnished
with rootlets.
Phyllostachys. See BAMBUSA.
PHYSALIS ( Winter Cherry\-P. Alkc-
kengi is a handsome and curious South
European plant, bearing in autumn bright
Physalis Alkekengi (Winter Cherry).
orange-red bladder-like calyces, enclos-
ing Cherry-like fruits. It is a hardy
perennial, requiring a warm border ; i
PHYSOSTEGIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PICEA. 715
to \\ ft. high. Division or seed. Sol-
anaceae.
P. Francheti. — A splendid new hardy
plant from Japan, possibly a variety of
P. Alkekengi, but so distinct as to merit
special attention. It is larger altogether
than the old kind both in foliage and
calyx which is brilliant coral-red in colour,
though varying a little in shade, some-
times touched with orange, and generally
3 in. in length with a circumference of
7 or 8 in. The plant grows 18 in. high
and requires a similar position to P.
Alkekengi.
PHYSOSTEGIA.— Handsome peren-
nials for associating with the bolder kinds
of hardy plants. P. virginiana, I to 4 ft.
high, has flesh-coloured or purple flowers
crowded in terminal racemes. P. imbri-
cata from Texas, has higher and more
slender stems, broader leaves, and larger
flowers of a deeper colour. P denticulata
is similar to P. virginiana, but rarer and
less showy. All these kinds flower in
summer, thrive in any ordinary soil, and
may be naturalised with advantage in
moist loam. Division in spring.
PHYTEUMA (Rampiori).—1\& Ram-
pions are neat, pretty, and interestingplants
of the Bellflower order, with small flowers
in profusion. They enjoy a sunny posi-
tion, and some of them are good rock-
plants. P. orbiculare is a rare and desir-
able native Rampion, i to 2 ft. high, and
is best among rock-plants, where it would
be free from the destructive effects of the
Phyteuma comosum.
hoe and rake. It flourishes in a dry
position in a mixture of limestone grit,
peat, sand, and loam, and has violet-blue
flowers in July. It is extremely impatient
of removal or division, and should be
raised from seed sown in autumn in a
cool frame. P. Sieberi is neat for the
rock-garden, requiring a moist sunny
situation, and a mixture of leaf-mould,
peat, and sand. It forms cushion-like
tufts, and in May and June has dark-blue
flower-heads, on stems 4 to 6 in. long.
Division. P. humile is a neat tufted
plant for the rock-garden, where it can
get a dry sheltered position in winter, and
plenty of water in summer. The flowers
are blue, and produced in June on stems
6 in. high. Division. P. comosum is
very slow-growing, and must be particu-
larly guarded against slug. It is a
genuine rock-plant, suitable for a fissure
vertical or sloping to the sun, and does
best amongst a mixture of a little loam,
peat, sand, or grit, where it can root to the
depth of 2 ft. It bears almost stalkless
heads of dark purple flowers, has Holly-
like leaves in June and July, and comes
best from seed. P. Charmeli and P.
Scheuchzeri are much alike, P. Scheuch-
zeri being dwarfer. It bears pretty blue
flowers, on stems from 6 to 12 in. in height,
and is evergreen. Sow seed in autumn.
PHYTOLACCA (Virginian Poke}.—
This North American perennial, P. decan-
dra, is from 5^ to nearly 10 ft. high, with
reddish stems, and flower stalks. The
flowers, on cylindrical spikes, are at first
white, but afterwards change to a delicate
rose. In autumn the colour of the leave?
is in rich contrast to the pendent purple
berries. It grows in almost any-kind of
soil, and is raised from seed or division.
It is scarcely refined enough in leaf for
the flower garden, but is effective near the
rougher approaches of a hardy fernery, in
open glades near woodland walks, or in
any like position. P. icosandra is a bushy
plant, 2 to 3 ft. high, the leaves similar to
those of a Hydrangea. It has rather
long spikes of creamy-white flowers, suc-
ceeded by fruit-clusters similar in size
and shape to Indian Corn, but com-
posed of ripe Blackberries. Should have
the same treatment and position as P.
decandra.
PICEA (Spruce Fir].— Usually stately
evergreen cone bearing trees of the
northern world and mountains, including
among them the common Norway Spruce,
and the Douglas Fir, usually doing best
in moist valley soils. Trees that were
once included under this head are now
placed under Abies and also Pinus, to
which the reader should refer for trees he
seeks which are not placed under this
heading. As regards grouping and other
matters, what has been said of Pinus and
Abies maybe considered as applying to a
great extent to these trees also.
P. AJANENSIS. — The finest of the Japanese
Spruces, distinguished from all others by the
716 PICEA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PICEA.
bluish silver tint of the young branches on the
undersides, but which are upturned so that the
whole tree has a silvery appearance. It is
very hardy and thrives best in a stiffish soil.
It should not be in a too sheltered place or it
will commence growth too early and be liable
to injury by late frosts. Somewhat similar to
this spruce and often confused with it is P.
Alcockiana, also from Japan, but inferior as an
ornamental tree, being of a dull green more
like the common Spruce.
P. EXCELSA (Norway Spruce). — This is too
common to need description, forming as it
does beautiful woods in most parts of the
country. It is a quick growing tree but too
short-lived to be of great value for ornament.
It is a mistake to plant it on high exposed
places or in very light soil. In most sheltered
valleys it is a beautiful tree when seen in
masses. There are many forms of it, a good
number of which are mere monstrosities not
worthy of the garden, especially the so-called
golden and silvery varieties. The dwarf forms,
such as those named Clanbrasiliana, Gre-
gory ana, pygniaa are suitable for planting in
bold rock gardens. The North American
white and black Spruces, /'. alba and P. nigra,
Picea Morinda.
are too much like P. exceha to be of any great
value here.
P. DOUGLASI (Douglas Fir). — Among the
noblest trees of the West American forests, this
is undoubtedly one of the most valuable trees
ever introduced, both for ornament and timber.
It is now such a common tree being largely
planted, especially in Scotland, for timber,
and may be at a glance distinguished from other
conifers by its dense soft green foliage on pyra-
midal trees a hundred or more feet high in the
oldest specimens. It should be planted only
where the soil and situation are suitable, and
not in exposed places, as it thrives best in
sheltered valleys or woods, but it will live in
all soils ranging from light sands and gravels to
moderately stiff clay. There are several
varieties of the tree, that known as the
Colorado variety being considered the hardiest.
The glaucous form is an extremely handsome
tree, more rapid in growth than any other
silvery conifer. Varieties of this tree, taxifolia^
Standishi, pendit'a, &c., are not remarkable, of
far greater importance being the natural
variety from the Rocky Mountains.
P. MENZIESI (Menzies Spruce). — In places
where this Spruce thrives it is a very beau-
tiful tree because of the bluish silvery grey tone
of its needle-like leaves. In a damp climate
where the soil is deep and moist it grows into
a handsome tree, but in dry soils it soon
becomes in a wrretched condition. This Cali-
fornian Spruce is also known as P. sitchensis.
P. MORINDA. — No other Spruce has such
gracefully drooping branches as this Hima-
layan tree, which is also known well by its
other name P. Smithiana. It is worthy of a
place among the finest ornamental trees, but
must have a deep moist soil more heavy than
light, and the position not too sheltered. Under
these conditions it flourishes in the bleakest
parts of the eastern counties, where some of
the finest examples of it exist.
P. ORIENTALIS. — This Caucasian Spruce
has somewhat the appearance of the Norway
Spruce, but it is a smaller growing tree with
much shorter leaves and branches, and is more
suitable as a garden tree as it is of denser growth
and retains its lower branches. It is of a deep
glossy green, and on this account, and its
dwarfed growth, is especially suitable for
grouping with the larger conifers. It is very
hardy and thrives best in moist soils.
P. POLITA (Tiger-tail Spruce). — This is a
comparatively recently introduced Japanese
tree, but judging by the largest trees in various
parts of the country it is a Spruce that will
make a tree of the future in these islands. It
is a decidedly handsome tree of very rigid
pyramidal outline, and with leaves the stillest
and sharpest-pointed of all, which renders it
cattle proof. It stands exposure well and is a
tree for high windy places.
P. PUNGENS. — An American Spruce that is
proving itself a most valuable tree for this
country, as it is very hardy, quick in growth,
and withstands exposure in high lying places
better than any other. It is most generally
known in gardens by the variety glauca, which
is perhaps the most silvery of all conifers, the
whole tree being like a cone of frosted silver.
The Spruce is largely raised from seed in order
PIERIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
FIXUS.
717
to select from the seedlings these silvery
varieties, and it is the green kind which is
of less value for gardens that is so useful for
exposed plantations and shelter groups. This
Spruce is confused with another Californian
Spruce called P. Engelmanni, P. conumitata
or P. Parryana, but which is quite inferior as
an ornamental tree to P. pungens.
P. OMORICA (Servian Sprttce). — A recent
introduction, which promises to be a good ad-
dition to the Spruces notable for ornamental
planting. It has somewhat the appearance of
P. oriental's in its growth, and very dark green
foliage, but the leaves are larger, flat and de-
cidedly silvery beneath. It appears to thrive
well in light soils, but beyond that not much is
known about it in a cultural way.
PIERIS.— Evergreen shrubs of much
beauty, natives of Japan, China, and
America.
P. FLORABUXDA. — A compact growing free
flowering evergreen, hardy in most soils, but
thriving best in those of a sandy and leafy
nature. Originally figured in the Botanical
Magazine as Andromeda, it is better known
Flowers of Pieris.
in gardens under that name. It never grows
very high, and is best grouped among the
medium sized shrubs, and associated with
Rhododendrons and other choice evergreens.
P. JAPONICA. — An extremely graceful ever-
green bush with long beautiful clusters of
flowers giving almost a lace-like effect in the
case of well grown bushes. It is quite hardy,
but slow and poor on loamy soils, thriving
best on good peat, and should be associated
with the choicest evergreens.
P. FORMOSA is another beautiful kind,
but not quite so hardy as those we have above
described, with pretty clusters of flowers and
evergreen leathery leaves ; only likely to thrive
in the southern parts of England and Ireland.
Other species of less importance from a
garden point of view are P. mariana, N.
America, P. nitida, S. United States, and
P. ovalifolia, Nepaul, which, among others,
are poisonous to animals.
PINGUICULA (Butterwort}.—11nK$e
interesting dwarf bog-plants are pretty in
the bog-garden or moist spots in the rock-
garden. There are about half-a-dozen
kinds, all resembling each other and,
except P. vallisneria;folia, natives. P.
grandiflora (Irish Butterwort) is the finest.
Its flowers are large and blue-purple, the
leaves broad, spreading and flat upon the
rock or soil. It prefers the shady side of
a moist mossy rock, where the face is
steep and the narrow chinks are filled
with rich loam. If planted in earth
alone, where the drainage is imperfect, it
usually perishes in winter. P. alpina
differs from all other kinds in having
white flowers, marked more or less with
lemon-yellow on the lip, but sometimes
tinted with pale pink. It roots firmly, by
means of strong woody fibres, and prefers
peaty soil mingled with shale or rough
gravel, and shady humid positions, such
as are afforded by a high rock-garden with
a north aspect, or by the shelter of a north
wall. P. vulgaris grows freely in any
sunny position in rich moist peat or peaty
loam. A small form, with leaves like
those of P. alpina, both in form and colour,
is found in alpine bogs in the north of Eng-
land. P. lusitanica, found on the west
coast of Scotland and in Ireland, is smaller
than any of the preceding, and has pale
yellow flowers. It grows in peaty bogs
exposed to the sun. P. vallisneriaefolia,
from the mountains of Spain differs from
others in its clustered habit of growth.
Its leaves are pale yellowish-green, and
sometimes almost transparent, becoming
4 or 5 in. long, and occasionally even 7 in.
towards the end of the season. The
flowers are large, soft lilac colour, with
conspicuous \vhite or pale centres. Drip-
ping fissures and ledges of calcareous
rocks (frequently in tufa) suit the plant
perfectly, but it requires very free drain-
age, continuous moisture, and a humid
atmosphere.
PINUS Pine). — Noble evergreen,
cone-bearing trees of northern and tem-
perate regions, of highest beauty and use,
some of them admirably suited for the
climate of the British Islands and giving
finest evergreen shelter. When the
Mexican and Californian Pines were first
introduced and much talked of, little care
was taken in discriminating between the
PINUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PINUS.
hardy and tender kinds, so that the Pines i
of Mexico and Southern California got as j
good a chance in our pleasure grounds as ;
the most precious of the hardy ones ; but
if we want to make the best use of the
Pines we must plant only the best of the !
hardy ones, and those likely to endure
and be useful and beautiful in our climate.
The Pines of subtropical countries which
live in Devonshire and the west country,
and around the coast of Scotland and j
Ireland in sheltered places, are no proof
whatever of their value for the country
generally, or even of their surviving hard
winters in the places where they thrive
when young. Even in many of the places
where a show is made of these tender
conifers there is nothing so handsome as
a group of old Scotch or a grove of the
Corsican Pine. Nurserymen and others
concerned with planting seldom take the
trouble to see these trees in their native
beauty on their native mountains, and
assuming that the nursery or infant state
of the tree is the natural form, make
ceaseless efforts to keep the trees always
in this form, whereas the nature of the
Pine is generally to shed its lower branches, !
and hence we get that wonderful dignity
of the Pine as seen on the mountains, ,
both in the new and old worlds, lovely
pillars crowding all over the northern !
mountains. I have seen Pines condemned
because they began to assume this habit
of shedding their lower branches and ;
taking their true character. Like other
important families of trees, these have j
numerous garden and other varieties
which are generally best left out if we j
seek to get the full expression of the
natural beauty of the trees ; but, as usual,
the practice of professional planters ]
generally is rather against us. Ugly,
contracted, and monstrous forms are
always in catalogues, which should be let
alone there. While such varieties are
often worthless, natural varieties, especi- j
ally of kinds inhabiting vast regions of j
the earth, like the Scotch Pine in northern ;
Europe, and the Western Yellow Pine in !
America, may be important in giving us I
hardier varieties, or those of special use,
like the Russian form of the Scotch Fir. j
Synonyms are numerous, unfortunately,
leading to confusion in the nomenclature,
but among Pines, if anywhere, what is not
worth knowing is not worth growing, and
all the great Pines are so distinct in form
that those who care about them will soon
know them by heart, and the showy j
labelling method of the " pinetum " is not
necessary in any good way of planting.
It is this great family of trees which has
given the name for the " pinetum" which
we see in many country places, and it is
not by any means the best way of growing
the trees. The isolation of specimens in
the turf allows the grass in dry seasons to
take away all the moisture from the tree,
while the effect of this dotting about of
trees is very far from artistic. The true
pinetum is a wood of Pines, the trees all
chosen for their perfect hardiness in any
given district, sheltering each other, pro-
moting the true growth of the Pine by
their close planting, especially in early
life, shading the ground and keeping the
moisture in it. In such a pinetum the
trees should be planted in groups and
colonies, not necessarily rigidly separated
by hard-and-fast lines, but sometimes
those of like regions running together, as
the European cone-bearing trees do in
the mountains of Central Europe.
The advantage of grouping and massing
the pines in a natural way is that they
not only protect themselves from the sun,
but the leaves and dead branches of the
trees help to nourish the ground. The
roots are very near the surface, and they
get a source of nourishment which fails
them in the ordinary pinetum. In start-
ing woods of Pines I have sown Furze-
seed beneath (the little Furze and the
common kind), which come very freely
whether the ground be fallow at planting
or otherwise. These give excellent
covert, and, in rough districts, I think,
prevent rabbits and hares paying too
much attention to the little trees. There
may be a drawback or two, but on the
whole I think there is a gain, because the
vigorous young trees soon get their heads
above the Furze, which is limited in
stature, and eventually destroy it as they
do the Grasses.
In numerous places where there is not
room enough to make a true pinetum, or
Pine-wood even, then we should get a
better effect in grouping the Pines than
by scattering them about as they are often
seen even in villa gardens, where there is
little room. But in many places in every
county there is ample room for such
beautiful evergreen woods as these
precious trees give us, the true and
natural way of growing the trees being
carried out.
In making the ordinary pinetum the
richest ground is often taken, and large
holes are made and filled with rich soil,
whereas I think the better way would be
to choose true Pine soil, if we have it —
that is, rocky or poor ground of little use for
anything else, and, by-rightly choosing and
planting the trees, doing away with the
Corsican Pine.
720 riNus.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PINUS.
need of the costly and special preparation
of the regulation pinetum. In this the
rich soil and preparation give a rapid
growth at first, but no means of testing
the value of any Pine in the natural soil
of the place. The rapid growth is often
followed by weakness of wood, and often
by too early destruction from storms,
while the timber of such trees is always
inferior to that grown in poor or rocky
ground. We have the clearest evidence,
on the mountains of Europe, California,
Scotland, and elsewhere, that very fine
Pines may be, and are, grown naturally
on very poor rocky soils, and we should
take this lesson and make our Pine-wood
or pinetum in such a soil, or one as near
as we can approach to it.
In some places, on the other hand, we
may wish for the effects of a Pine-wood in
a given situation, and in that way we
must take the soil as it comes.
Not only is it unnecessary to make
costly and special preparation of soil for
Pines that suit our climate, but they
actually seem to do as well in rocky and
shaly places where there is almost no soil
at all. When in California, I often saw
seedling Pines starting vigorously on the
bare places where the gold-miners had
washed away the surface for many feet,
and the little Pines came and sowed
themselves on the bare, soilless ground,
and, bearing this in mind, I have several
times planted Pines in quarries and places
where there was literally no soil except
the debris of the stones that had been
turned out, and the result was even better
than we got in the natural soil around.
Often in young woods of Pine we find
double-headed trees owing to false starts
from our exciting mild winters, the attacks
of squirrels, and other causes. Where
time can be spared it is a good way to
go round now and then in spring, and
just pinch out the points of the second
leader in every case where we see two
or more growths where one erect leader
should be seen.
The habit of planting " specimen " trees
common in our present day pinetums is a
costly and not a good way. The best
way in all cases is to plant little trees,
never over I ft. high ; I have often
planted them much smaller with perfect
success. They have a struggle at first,
but eventually the growth is quicker and
cleaner than that of older trees, the speci-
men trees of the ordinary nursery having
a very hard time in dry seasons.
In devoting a piece of ground to the
pinetum it is as we.ll to begin by
ploughing it and letting it mellow in the
frost and air for a year or so, but this is
by no means necessary in poor rocky or
mountain ground. In some cases it may
be quite safe to sow seed of the Pine on
the ground where we wish it to grow,
instead of the usual nursery system, sow-
ing in lines about 4 ft. apart, so as to be
able to protect the trees a little in infancy,
though that is not always necessary,
because Pines that suit the climate will
! often get over all their early difficulties,
except the rabbit and hare. These ought
to be excluded by good wiring for at least
seven years after forming the plantation,
by which time, if the choice of trees has
been a good one, they will be too old and
vigorous for the teeth of these creatures
to kill, and all wire can be taken away
and grassy paths and drives may lead
freely from the Pine-wood into other
woods or plantations near. In the follow-
ing enumeration of the finer species I
have omitted those of doubtful hardiness
or fitness for our climate from any cause :
P. AUSTRIACA (Austrian Pine). — One of
the best and hardiest pines ; distinct in form
and colour, attaining a maximum height of
nearly 100 ft., of close dense growth when
young, thriving on calcareous and poor stony
or rocky ground and on clay soils (but not on
poor sands). Owing to its close "covert"
and habit it nourishes the ground beneath it
I so well with its fallen leaves that it is self-
supporting and gives precious shelter. It is
often planted in Britain, but generally set out
in the usual specimen way so that the tree is
, slow to take its true form as it does when
grouped as trees should be. The final form of
the tree, which so far we hardly ever see in
our grounds, is very picturesque, with a free
open head, but, being a free grower and giving
valuable wood, however grouped or massed it
should be freely thinned so as to allow of its
full development.
In books this Pine is sometimes classed as a
j variety of the Corsican Pine, but, from a
planter's point of view, the trees are as distinct
as any other Pines in colour and form. Being a
native of the mountains of lower Austria,
] Styria and Corinthia, sometimes also growing
on the low hills and even plains, it would, I
i think, be distinctly hardier than the Corsican
in the case of very severe winters, and their
I effects in low ground.
P. CEMBRA (Swiss Pine).— A hardy northern
Pine of distinct, close-growing form, and a
very slow grower in our country, as well as in
j its native land on the mountains of Central
j Europe or in Siberia, where it attains a maxi-
mum height of loo ft.
P. COULTERI. — A Californian tree, not so
large as other kinds from that great country of
Pines, but remarkable for the great size of its
cones, which are often 20 ins. long and
weighing 10 Ib. in its own country. In our
i country this tree should be planted only under
TIN US.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PINUS.
721
the most favourable conditions, in sheltered
valleys and on warm soils.
P. EXCELS A (Himalayan Pine}. — A hand-
some tree, much planted in Britain with long,
slender, drooping leaves and pendent cones. It
is a native of the Himalayas and of very wide
distribution in Asia, and also in another form
inhabits the mountains of Greece and south-
eastern Europe on high elevations. In our
country it thrives best in warm and well-drained
soils.
P. HALEPENSIS (Jerusalem Pine]. — A dis-
tinct and very useful Pine throughout the rocky
parts of Greece and its islands, also Crete,
Asia Minor, Syria and Palestine. When one
travels in those countries the hills seem very
bare until you get near their slopes, when the
welcome growth of this Pine appears, a fre-
quently graceful and stately tree. Coming
from such a hot country it is not likely to be so
useful with us, except in warm districts.
P. INSIGNIS (Monterey Pine}. — A beautiful
Pine of the seashore of California, grass green
in colour, and often thriving very well in the
southern and western parts of our country, but
in inland places occasionally suffers in hard
winters, and therefore not good for general
planting, although on high ground in the home
counties I have seen healthy trees. Syn., P.
radiata.
P. LAMBERT: AN A (Sugar Pine).— A noble
tree of California and Columbia River, reach-
ing a maximum height of 300 ft., and some-
times 60 ft. in girth of stem. We cannot
omit such a tree here, but could not expect it
to make such progress as in its own genial
climate, and where planted with us it is usual
to do so in sheltered situations and in free,
warm soils. The cones are each sometimes
over 2 ft long.
P. LARICIO (Corsican Pine}. — The tallest
Pine of Europe, reaching 160 ft. high and
over in Calabria and its own country, Corsica,
and of very rapid growth in our country, as I
have raised woods of it in ten years. The
tree, if one raises it from seed, as we should in
planting, shows a great variety of habit and
even foliage, and if one liked to do anything
so foolish one could give Latin names to several
forms found in one wood. The Calabrian
variety has been reckoned as a species by some,
as it is a more vigorous tree, especially in poor
soils. The variegated or otherwise dwarf,
deformed varieties are beneath the notice of
anybody who thinks of the dignity and true
character of this great tree.
P. MONTANA (Mountain Pine).— A dwarf,
very hardy Pine, which clothes the mountains
of many parts of Central Europe with a low
bushy growth not much larger than the Savin
or Furze, but under better conditions getting
into a larger state, sometimes into a low tree.
In our country it is often called mughits and
pumilio, but the best name for the species is
the one given here. It is a useful and distinct
Pine for clothing banks and giving cover
between taller trees.
P. MONTICOLA ( Western White Pine}.
Pine of the higher mountains of California,
Oregon and Montana, reaching a maximum
height of 80 ft., with a girth of 9 ft. It is con-
sidered a western representative of the great
White Pine of Canada, and as it is found at
elevations of 10,000 ft. is hardy in our
country and better worth planting than many
of the trees of greater size.
P. PARVIFLORA. — A medium sized and
pretty tree, with dense foliage, cultivated much
in Japan, and a native of the northern islands,
therefore a hardy tree with us, thriving in deep
soil.
P. PINASTER (Chister Pine}. — A beautiful
Pine of pleasant green colour, 70 ft. or more
high, native of the Mediterranean region, often
by the seashore, and useful in our country near
the sea, but often thriving in inland places,
best in free and sandy soils. It is also used
much in France as a protection against the en-
croachment of the sea. There are a great
many so-called varieties of this Pine, few of
any consequence.
P. PINEA (Stone Pine}. — A distinct and
picturesque Pine, old trees attaining a height
of 70 ft. to 75 ft. This very characteristic
Pine of Italy is not harcly in our country. It
has been often planted here, but does not
survive hard winters, and should not be planted
except in the most favoured parts of the south.
It is a native of sandy and rocky places by the
seashore in Greece, Syria and Asia Minor.
P. PONDEROSA ( Western Yellow Pine}. — A
very noble tree reaching nearly 300 ft. with a
trunk girth of over 45 ft., but in the arid
regions found much smaller. Sometimes one
may see trees branchless for over 100 ft., but
in quite healthy condition. It inhabits Mon-
tana, British Columbia, WTestern Nebraska, and
Northern California, and is hardy in Britain.
There is a form found on the eastern side of
the American continent which is hardier. P.
feffreyi (Black Pine) is now supposed to be a
variety, also scopularta, but it does not grow
quite so tall as the others. This P. Jeffreyi is
found 1 , 500 ft. high on the eastern side of the
Rocky Mountains, this answering for its hardi-
ness.
P. PYRENAICA (Pyrenean Pine}. — A fine,
rapid-growing tree, with bright green foliage.
A native of the Pyrenees and Spanish moun-
tains, and also in the south of France ; 60 ft.
to 80 ft. high. P. Brutia is supposed to be
a form of this.
P. RESINOSA (Red Pine}. — A tall Pine, 100
ft. to 150 ft. high, Newfoundland to Manitoba,
and southwards through the New England
States. From its northern area of habitation
this should be a hardy and thriving Pine in
Britain.
P. RIGIDA (Torch Pine}. — A forest Pine
reaching a height of 80 ft. on sandy and rocky
places in Canada, Kentucky, Virginia, and the
Eastern states. This Pine is hardy and a rapid
grower in Britain, growing in moist places less
likely to suit the greater Pines.
P. SABINIANA (Grey-leaved Pine}. — A very
interesting Californian Pine, inhabiting the dry
3 A
722 PINUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PITTOSPORUM.
and warm hills and the coast ranges and foot
hills of Sierra Nevada ; not often a very high
Pinus rigida.
mountain tree. The grey foliage gives the
wild trees the appearance of clouds in the
distance.
P. STROBUS ( White Pine : Weymotith Pine}. —
One of the noblest forest trees of the northern
world, sometimes reaching a height of over 170
ft. , with a girth of trunk of 30 ft. , though often
found much smaller. Owing to the cutting of
the woods in Canada and Northern America,
it is seldom seen in its native dignity in the
settled parts. It forms dense forests in New-
foundland and Canada, and westwards and
Shoot of White Pine.
southwards along the mountains. Certain
varieties are catalogued, but they are of little
use beside the parent tree.
P. SYLVESTRIS (Scotch Pine).— Our native
Pine and, in its old state, one of the most beau-
tiful and useful we can ever have. It is of
very wide distribution in Northern, Arctic,
and mountain regions, and also on the moun-
tains of Italy and Greece. The Russian
variety is considered a more erect and stronger
grower. A great number of varieties is men-
tioned in books and catalogues, and some
hybrids, compact and dwarf varieties, including
Old tree, Scotch Fir.
variegated ones, none of any consequence com-
pared to the wild tree. This Pine sows itself
in rough heaths and sandy ground, and thrives
there, if allowed to do so under these con-
ditions.
PIPTANTHUS (Ncpaul Laburnum}.- -
P. nepalensis is a Pea-flowered shrub,
hardy enough for walls, which it covers
with large deep green leaves similar in
shape to those of the common Laburnum,
and in southern and warm localities with-
stands our winters without even this
protection. But it is only to be recom-
mended for walls, and is not the most
desirable of plants even for them. It
has evergreen foliage, and in early summer
long dense clusters of large bright yellow
flowers similar to those of the Laburnum,
but larger. It succeeds best in light soils,
and in the west and south thrives away
from walls and among shrubs as at
Madresfield. Himalayan Region.
PITTOSPORUM.— Evergreen shrubs,
natives of New Zealand, Australia and
China, few of them in cultivation and
those usually only seen in southern gar-
dens or those in sheltered places near the
sea where they form evergreen bushes
and trees of some beauty and distinctness
of form. P. tobara is a good white
flowering shrub in some southern gardens
and is among the plants worth growing
in tubs or vases for placing out in the
summer. P. undulatiun is a graceful
PLATAN US.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. PLATYCODOX. 723
evergreen and P. Mayi is also a very
pretty evergreen at Castlewellan and
other gardens in districts with a climate
allowing of the cultivation of the half
hardy evergreens.
PLATANUS (Plane].— Stately sum-
mer-leafing trees of the East and America,
of rapid and vigorous growth and high
value in the warmer parts of our islands
as shade, lawn, or avenue trees ; thriving
too in the centre even of smoke polluted
cities as in many of the squares in west
and central London, and not merely
existing, as most trees do in such condi-
tion, but attaining much beauty of form
and dignity there, as in Berkeley Square
and Lincoln's Inn Fields. Here the
great trees, getting out of the gardeners'
way, or any attack of pruners or self-
appointed tree-architects, assume their
true and natural form, and are very fine
whether in summer or winter. Where
the Plane is used in the streets of London,
however, as on the Thames Embankment
the costly and wasteful labour of pruning
the trees to one ugly shape is carried out.
The Planes are easily increased by cut-
tings and layers, but planters should in
all cases avoid them, as they cannot
expect from such beginnings the fine
rapid, natural growth and true form of
the tree. The Plane which thrives best
in London, or what is often called the
London Plane, is not (as it used to be
thought) the American or Western Plane,
but the Eastern plane or one of its forms
of which the accepted name is now aceri-
folia, a name with many synonyms. The
true Western Plane, P. occidentalis, is
rarely seen in Europe outside of botanical
gardens, and, when it is, it has little of
the beautiful vigour of the Oriental Plane
in our country. The name Orientalis is
still kept up for a deeply cut leaved form
of Plane, but it is not really distinct as a
species from the London Plane. P.
cuneata is an Eastern species with deeply
cut leaves, but it may be taken for all
planting ends that the vigorous London
Plane is the Eastern Plane no matter by
what name it is called. The Plane, being
a tree of vast distribution in the East,
accounts for the origin and distribution of
the various forms, mainly differing in the
shape and lobing of the leaves. While
the tree attains its greatest growth in
Southern Italy and south-eastern Europe
generally, it is a noble tree in the southern
parts of England, attaining its best size,
height and form in good valley soils, and
there are many fine examples of it in the
Thamas Valley. There is a peculiarity
of the bark in scaling off in large irregular
patches, which leads to rather a striking
effect, and is in no way harmful to the
tree. The Greeks and Romans used it
much as a shade tree near their public
buildings, and from all recorded time it
has been much planted in Persia. As
Platanus orientals.
yet this tree has been little used in our
woodlands, though it certainly deserves a
place in them, especially in those on the
alluvial soils.
PLATYCODON (Broad Bell-flower}.—
P. grandiflorum, sometimes called Cam-
panula grandiflora, is a handsome Siberian
perennial, hardy in light dry soils, but im-
patient of damp and undrained situations,
where its thick fleshy roots are sure to de-
cay. Sometimes the decay commences be-
low and spreads upward, but it generally
begins above and spreads downward, the
plant rotting off at the neck. The flowers
are 2 to 3 in. across, deep blue with a slight
slaty shade, and in clusters at the end of
each branch. The branches are 18 in.
high, and very slender at the base, so that
if unsupported in their early stage of
growth, they will fall to the ground, and
the plant look untidy. Such neglect will
be almost impossible to repair when the
flowers are nearly developed, as branch
after branch will break away in tying. It
is better to leave them alone, merely
pegging down the branches to prevent
breakage by wind. Perhaps the best
position for the plant would be overhang-
ing a ledge in some sunny corner of the
rock-garden, where its negligent growth is
in keeping with the situation, and its
flowers, being on a level with the eye, are
shown to advantage. Like most Cam-
panulas it has a tendency to revert from
blue to white through various modifica-
tions. Equally pretty is the white variety,
3 A 2
724 FLATYSTEMON. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
POIXCIAXA.
though by no means so common as the
type. A rich loamy soil, good drainage,
and an open situation are best. Propa-
gate by seeds, which can be readily pro-
cured. The young shoots, if taken off
when about 3 in. long, in spring, and
placed in a gentle bottom-heat, will strike,
but not freely. The plant is a bad one to
divide — division often resulting in failure,
and, if attempted, must be carried out in
May, when the growth has just com-
menced. P. autumnale, or chinense, from
China and Japan, is taller and more
robust than P. grandiflorum, with narrower
leaves, but more dense, and its flowers,
though smaller, are pretty evenly distri-
buted along the upper half of the stems.
Besides a white variety, it has a tendency
to become semi-double, by a sort of " hose-
in-hose" reduplication of the corolla,
similar to what occurs in many of our
Campanulas. The dwarf, Mariesi, from
Japan, is distinct.
PLATYSTEMON.— P. californicus is a
pretty Californian hardy annual Poppy wort,
forming a dense tuft, studded thickly in
summer with sulphur-yellow blossoms. It
Platystemon californicus
merely requires to be sown in ordinary
soil in the open border either in autumn
or spring ; but the seedlings should be
well thinned out. P. leiocarpum is a
similar kind.
PLUMBAGO (LeaduHxr/).-rAn interest-
ing family of graceful perennials and half
shrubby plants, the hardiest being P. Lar-
pentaR the blue-flowered Leadwort. from
China. P. capensis usually grown under
glass, may be planted out in summer, bear.-
ingits lovelypale-blue flowers continuously
throughout the summer. The plants
should be specially prepared for out-of-
doors, young ones being always the best
for edgings, though taller ones may be
used in certain positions. P. capensis is
used with good effect in German gardens.
P. Larpentae is perfectly hardy, its wiry
stems forming neat and full tufts, varying
from 6 to 10 in. high, according to soil
and position. In September these are
nearly covered with flowers, arranged in
close trusses at the ends of the shoots, and
of a fine cobalt-blue, changing to violet :
they usually last till the frosts. A warm
sandy loam or other light soil and a sunny
warm position should be given, such as
above the upper edges of vertical stones
or slopes on the rock-garden. It may
also be used for borders, banks, or edgings
in the flower garden, particularly in the
case of slightly-raised beds. Very easily
increased by division' of the roots during
winter or early spring.
POA. — Perennial and annual Grasses,
few worth cultivating. P. fertilis has dense
tufts of long, soft, smooth, slender leaves,
10 to 1 8 in. high, and arched gracefully on
every side. In the flowering season they
bear airy, purplish or violet-tinged panicles,
rising to twice the height of the tufts.
Isolated on lawns the plant is effective,
and if in good soil gives no trouble. P.
aquatica is a stout native Grass, 4 to 6 ft.
high, usually occurring in wet ditches, by
rivers, and in marshes. It is one of the
boldest and handsomest of hardy Grasses
for the margins of artificial water or
streams, associated with such things as
the Typhas, Acorus, Bulrush, and Water
Dock. It increases rapidly.
PODOPHYLLUM (Hi)nalnyan May-
apple}. — P.Emodiis similar to P. peltatum,
but handsomer. The stem and leaves have
a reddish tinge, the fruits 2 in. long, and
coral-red. The plant succeeds perfectly
in peaty soil if in warm sheltered spots ;
and in such positions is useful for the
margins of beds of American plants. Seed
or division. P. peltatum (May-apple) is
interesting with its glossy green, wrinkled
leaves, borne umbrella-like, on slender
stems, about I ft. high. Its waxy-white
Christmas Rose-like flowers are produced
in May, and succeeded by green Crab-
like fruit ; hence the popular name. It is
adapted for shady peat borders, or for
woods, but requires moist vegetable soil,
and shady or half-shady positions. Seed
or division.
POINCIANA- P. Gilliesii is a beau-
! tiful sub-tropical tree which thrives
POLEMONIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
POLYGALA.
725
against walls in the Isle of Wight in the
garden of the Rev. H. Ewbank who writes
of it in the Garden : — " The foliage gives it
very much the look of an Acacia at a little
distance, and it is often mistaken for one
of them. But no Acacia that I have ever
seen has such splendid blossoms. My
great surprise has been in its well doing
to such an extent in the open ground that
I have now no fear for it at all, and during
the worst frost we have had here during
the last twenty or thirty years it was
entirely uninjured. A very great recom-
mendation for it in my eyes is the time of
year when it is accustomed to blossom.
All spring things have gone by, and the
wealth of flowering shrubs and trees has
become exhausted when this very beauti-
ful object makes full compensation for
any loss that has been sustained. More-
over, it goes on for such a very long
time — blossoming, it is true, in an inter-
mittent sort of way — but still remaining
an attraction in the highest degree in the
garden for week after week/' Such a
handsome and graceful thing deserves
trial in warm southern gardens especi-
ally where the soil and subsoil is open
and warm, and always against south
walls.
POLEMONIUM (Greek Valeria?!).—^
small family of Phloxworts, mostly from
North America. A few of them are familiar
in gardens, and among the best are the
following :
P. cceruleum (Jacob's Ladder] most
people are familiar with. Besides the
original blue-flowered species, there is a
variety with white blossoms, and another
handsome form with variegated foliage,
which on good garden soil is almost as
easily grown as the common one. It
thrives best in deep, rich, but well-drained
loam. To propagate it, dig up well-
established plants, pulling them to pieces,
and planting immediately in early autumn
in a bed of good soil. Where merely
required for borders and rock-garden, take
up, divide, and replant the old stools where
desired, in the old-fashioned way of deal-
ing with herbaceous plants. As the
variegated variety is grown for leaf-
beauty alone, the flower-stems should be
removed.
P. confertum.— This is one of the
finest of all, with slender deeply-cut
leaves, and dense clusters of deep blue
flowers on stoutish stems, about 6 in. high.
It requires a warm spot in the rock-garden
and a well-drained, deep, loamy soil, rather
stift than otherwise. Though it requires
plenty of moisture in summer, excessive
dampness about the roots in winter is
hurtful. It should be allowed to remain
undisturbed for years after it has become
established. Rocky Mountains.
P. humile is a truly alpine pretty plant
with pale-blue flowers on stems a few
inches high. In a dry situation and a
light sandy soil it is hardy, but on a damp
subsoil is sure to die in winter. P. mexi-
canum is similar but larger, and being
only of biennial duration is scarcely worth
cultivating. N. America.
P. reptans is an American alpine plant,
and, though far inferior in beauty to P.
confertum, is worth growing. Its stems
are creeping, and its slate-blue flowers
form a loose drooping panicle, 6 or 8 in.
high. Snails devour it ravenously, espe-
cially the scaly root-stocks during winter,
and must be watched for. P. sibiricum,
grandiflorum and Richardsoni much
resemble P. cceruleum, but are more
vigorous, with larger flowers. There are
several other species in cultivation, but
not important.
POLIANTHES (Tuberose}.— P. tube-
rosa is a native of the East Indies, but
strong imported bulbs from Italy and
France of this deliciously fragrant plant,
if inserted in warm soil, will flower well in
the open air during August. In the
neighbourhood of London we have seen
the Tuberose flowering freely in the open
border, the bulbs in a light, sandy, well-
drained soil, in which they had remained
all the winter, slightly protected during
severe weather by ashes or other dry
material.
POLYGALA (Milkw0rf).—'Zh* hardy
Milkworts are neat dwarf plants, with
flowers much resembling those of the Pea
family. P. Chamasbuxus (Box-leaved
Milkwort) is a little creeping shrub from
the Alps of Austria and Switzerland,
where it often forms but very small
plants. In our gardens, however, on
peaty soil and fine sandy loams, it spreads
out into compact tufts covered with
cream-coloured and yellow flowers. The
variety purpurea is much prettier ; the
flowers are a lovely bright magenta-
purple, with a clear yellow centre. It
succeeds in any sandy, well-drained soil,
best in sandy peat, if slightly shaded
from the mid-day sun. Even when out of
flower it is interesting owing to its dwarf
compact habit, bright shining evergreen
leaves, and olive-purplish stems. P. pau-
cifolia is a handsome North American
I perennial, 3 to 4 in. high, with slender
I prostrate shoots, and concealed flowers.
From these shoots spring stems, bearing
| in summer one to three handsome flowers
i about three-quarters of an inch long,
726 POLYGONATUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
POLYGON ATUM.
generally rosy -purple, but sometimes
white. It is suited for the rock-garden,
in leaf-mould and sand, and for association
in half-shady places with Linnaea borealis, j
Trientalis, Mitchella. Some of the !
British Milkworts, especially P. calcarea !
and vulgaris, are interesting and easily !
grown in sunny chinks of the rock-garden I
if in calcareous soil. They form neat
dressy tufts of blue, purple-pink, and
white flowers, borne profusely in early |
summer. Seed may be gathered from
wild plants and sown in sandy soil.
Plants carefully taken up from their native I
positions have also been established in '
gardens.
POLYGONATUM Solomoris Seal}.—
Graceful tuberous perennials distributed
autumn, germinate in early spring : the
creeping root-stocks may also be divided
to any extent, and in good soil soon form
nice tufts. A few of the species are also in
much request for forcing for early spring
use in the greenhouse ; these are gener-
ally imported instead of being grown at
home, as they might well be. It simply
requires singling out good crowns and
growing them in rich loamy soil, lifting
and potting when required.
P. biflorum.— A pretty species from
the wooded hillsides of Canada, and New
Brunswick, of slender graceful growth, the
arching stems I ft. to 3 ft. in height, the
small flower stems jointed near the base of
the flowers, which are greenish white, two
or three together in the axils of the leaves.
Polygonatum multiflorum (Solomon's Seal).
chiefly in the north temperate regions of
the Himalayas, America, Japan, China,
and Europe, and with very few, if any,
exceptions will be found quite hardy
enough to withstand the rigours even of
an English winter. There are nine dis-
tinct species known to us in cultivation,
and perhaps as many varieties, and
although there is some similarity amongst
them in habit, all are distinct as garden
plants. They thrive well in almost any
position in good sandy soil, and will be all
the better for an occasional liberal dress-
ing of leaf soil. It is in shady nooks,
under the shade of deciduous trees, in
the wild garden, however, where they do
best and are seen to the best advantage.
They are increased by seeds or berries,
which sown as soon as gathered in
| Syns., P. pubescens, P. hirtum, and P.
i canaliculatum.
P. japonicum. — A distinct species,
native of Japan, hardy in this country,
flowering in early April, growing about
2 ft. in height, the leaves of a very firm
leathery texture, the flowers white, tinged
purplish.
P. latifolium, the old Convallaria
1 latifolia or broad-leaved Solomon's Seal,
seems to be about intermediate between
I P. multiflorum and P. officinale. It is a
native of Europe, and is said to have been
found in Syke's Wood, near Ingleton,
Yorkshire. A fine robust species, the
stems being from i\ ft. to 4 ft. high, arch-
i ing, the leaves bright green ; flowers
large, two to five in a bunch from the
i axils of the leaves, greenish-white, in July.
POLYGONATUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
POLYGON UM.
727
P. latifolium var. commutatum differs
from the above in being glabrous through-
out, with a flower-stem 2 ft. to 7 ft. in
height ; large white flowers, three to ten
in a bunch. N. America.
P. multiflorum.— This is the common
Solomon's Seal, and is the most grown of
all the species. It grows from 2 ft to 3 ft.
high, glaucous green; the flowers are large,
nearly white, one to five in a bunch in the
axils of all the leaves. It is a very robust
and free-growing species, its arching
stems and drooping flowers being very
attractive. There are several garden
varieties, notably a double-flowered one,
and one in which the leaves are distinctly
variegated. P. Broteri is a variety with
much larger flowers ; P. bracteatum, a
form in which the bracts at the base
of the flowers are well developed, flower-
ing throughout the summer.
P. oppositifolium.— A charming kind
confined to temperate regions of the
Himalayas and hardy, although usually
given as a greenhouse species. It will
doubtless do best in a sheltered spot, but
even in the open it has given me no
trouble, and it is a good plant for shady
spots on the rock-garden, the habit grace-
ful, 2 ft. to 3 ft. in height, leaves glossy
green ; the flowers, white, marked with
reddish lines and dots, are borne in
bunches of from six to ten in the axils on
both sides in late summer. The fruit is
red when ripe.
P. punctatum. — Another beautiful
species from the temperate Himalayas,
where it is found at altitudes of 7,000 ft.
to 11,000, ft., and hardy in our gardens ;
about 2 ft, in height, the stem angular,
with hard leathery leaves, flowers white,
with lilac dots, two to three in a bunch, in
late summer.
P. roseum.— A handsome little plant
allied to P. verticillatum. It was first
sent to the Royal Gardens, Kew, by
Bunge, and is doubtless the plant de-
scribed in Flora Rossica. It appears
to vary considerably in the length and
breadth of its leaves in their being more
or less whorled, and also in the size of
its flowers, 2 ft. to 3 ft. in height, the
leaves in whorls of three or more ; the
flowers in pairs in the axils of the leaves,
clear rose-coloured, are very pretty
amongst the narrow green foliage. N.
Asia.
P. verticillatum.— An elegant species
distributed over the temperate Himalayas,
and pretty general in the northern hemi-
sphere. It was found in Perthshire,
Scotland, in 1792, and appears to have
been cultivated by John Tradescant,
jun., as early as 1656; 2 ft. to 3 ft. high
under cultivation, the leaves four to eight
in a whorl ; the flowers, two to three in a
bunch in the axils of the leaves, are
greenish-white, smaller than those of P.
multiflorum. The fruits are red when
ripe. It flowers in June. — D. K.
POLYGONUM (Knotweed\—'Y\xt vast
family of Polygonums, comprising 150
species of world-wide distribution, the
majority insignificant weeds, neverthe-
less includes several noble plants, which
are well worth considering for their beauty
of form. They thrive in any ordinary gar-
den soil ; those of a bushy habit should be
allowed plenty of space. Tying in the
shoots detracts much from their beauty,
which consists in the many flower-spikes
rising above a gracefully-developed mass
of foliage reaching to the ground. The
dwarf perennials, most of which are ever-
green, need no support and little atten-
tion beyond an occasional trimming ; but
Polygonum sachalinense.
the annuals, unless grown as single speci-
mens, and in sheltered situations, require
support.
P. affi.ne is a pretty alpine plant of the
Himalayas, where it grows on the wet river
banks and meadows, and hangs in rosy
clumps from moist precipices. In cultiva-
728
POLYGON U.M.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER CARD EX.
POLYPODIUM,
tion it is 6 to 8 in. high, with rosy-red
flowers in dense spikes borne freely in
September and October. P. Brunonis is
similar and as desirable ; the flowers, of
a pale rose or flesh colour, borne in
dense erect spikes nearly 18 in. high,
and continuing more or less through the
summer.
P. compactum is similar to P. cuspi-
datum, and forming a compact tuft i
to 2 ft. high. It bears white flowers in
great profusion, and its leaves are
similar to those of P. cuspidatum,
though much smaller. It flowers late
in autumn.
P. cuspidatum (Japan Knotweed], also
known as P. Sieboldi, is of fine and grace-
ful habit, its creamy-white flowers borne
in profusion. It should be grown apart
on the turf or in some rough part of
the wild garden, as, unfortunately, it is
weedy, and in light soils springs up
everywhere.
P. sachalinense. — A huge perennial
with bright green leaves upwards of a
foot in length, the flowers greenish-white,
in slender drooping racemes. It thrives
in a moist soil near water, where it is
effective, and it makes a fine feature on
the turf or in a spot where it can run
about freely. There is no better plant
for semi-wild places. Sachalien.
P. vaccinifolium is very distinct in
aspect, quite hardy, and thrives in almost
stumps. Under favourable conditions it
grows rapidly, and produces a profusion
of Whortleberry-like leaves and rosy
flowers. Himalayas.
POLYPODIUM (Polypody}. — This
large family of Ferns contains several
good hardy kinds, the principal being the
common P. vulgare, which has about a
score of cultivated varieties differing more
or less widely from each other. The most
distinct and beautiful as well as the freest
in growth are cambricum, elegantissimum,
omnilacerum, and pulcherrimum. Though
preferring shade, they only need a good
supply of water at the root during summer,
and will thrive even exposed to the full
rays of the sun. Plant them in fibry loam
and tough and fibry peat, with a liberal
Polygonum vaccinifolii
any moist soil, but is best seen where its
shoots can ramble over stones or tree
Oak Fern (Polypodium dryopteris).
admixture of leaf-mould and well-decayed
woody matter, to which add a thin top-
dressing of similar material every autumn.
The evergreen Polypodiums associate well
with flowering plants that do not require
frequent removing, and they may be
made to cover bare spaces beneath trees,
or to overrun stumps. A beautiful effect,
too, is got by their use as a carpet or
setting to some of the plants in the rock-
garden. Besides P. vulgare and its
varieties, there are several deciduous
kinds, such as P. Dryopteris (Oak Fern)
and P. Phegopteris (Beech Fern), well
known to all Fern lovers. They thrive
PONTEDERIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
POPULUS.
729
best in peat, loam, and sharp sand, with
some broken lumps of sandstone, and
prefer a dry situation in the rock-garden ;
or any situation which is not fully exposed
to the sun. A sligrhtly shaded spot should
be selected, where they might be planted
among flowering plants suitable for the
same treatment, and affording the needed
shelter. P. Robertianum (Limestone Poly-
pody) is a beautiful deciduous species,
somewhat difficult to manage ; it should
have a dry sheltered position, does not
mind sunshine, and prefers a mixture of
sandy and fibry loam, with a plentiful
addition of pounded limestone. P. alpestre
resembles the Lady Fern ; the fronds dark
green, and sometimes exceed 2 ft. in
length. It may with advantage be grouped
with Lady Ferns, as it flourishes under
similar treatment. P. hexagonopterum,
a native of N. America, is hardy in shel-
tered positions, and has elegant tapering
dark green fronds about I ft. in height.
Polystichum. See ASPIDIUM.
PONTEDERIA (Pickerel Weed].- P.
cordata is one of the handsomest water-
plants, combining grace of habit and leaf
with beauty of flower. It forms thick tufts
of almost arrow-shaped, long-stalked
leaves, from i^ to over 2 ft. high, crowned
with spikes of blue flowers. P. angusti-
folia has narrower leaves. Both should
be planted in shallow pools of water.
Division of tufts at any season. North
America.
POPULUS (Poplar].— Usually forest
trees of northern and temperate countries,
often of rapid growth, mostly hardy in
our country, some giving very fine effects
in the landscape, and others of value in
woodlands. Generally they are much
neglected in country places, and in future
they will be worth more attention, not
only* because their rapid growth often
helps to shut out objectionable things,
but some for their timber. Among the
best are the white, or the Abele Poplar
(P. alba], and its variety Bolleana nivea,
which is whiter in the foliage than the
wild tree ; the great P. monilifera of
North America, grown under various
names in our gardens, and the most rapid
grower of Poplars ; the Balsam Poplar
(P. balsamifera) ; Fremont's Poplar (P.
Fremontf) ; P. grandidentata ; P. hetero-
phylla of North America, of which there
is a pendulous variety ; P. laurifolia of
Siberia ; the Black Poplar (P. Nigra\ a
native tree which has one or two
varieties, one, the Lombardy Poplar ;
P. Sieboldi of Japan ; P. Simoni of
China ; P. suaveolens of North- West
India ; P. tremuloides of North America,
and P. trichocarpa. Poplars being com-
mon in French and Continental gardens
generally, their culture has led to what
are called improved races and hybrids,
among which the variety Eugenie is a
favourite in the east of France. Few
Poplars are ever planted in»a fine way in
our country, and some of them are not
well known yet ; but such as are known
are very fine in habit, especially the Abele
and its allies, and there is no more beau-
tiful tree than our native Aspen (P.
tremnla\ with its cloud of delicate mov-
ing leaves.
Four kinds of Poplar are considered
natives of our country — the White Poplar,
sometimes growing 100 ft., the Grey
Populus nigra.
Poplar (P. canescens], the Aspen, and
lastly, the Black Poplar, though this is
not certainly a native. In nature these
trees usually inhabit moist ground near
streams or lakes, or moist woods, and in
cultivation they often do best and look
best in such places, as in the Poplar-lined
valleys of France. In our moist climate,
however, such soil or place is by no means
essential to their growth, as we see noble
trees of the greater Poplars in good soil
away from lake or river ; but where there
is water it is often well to group them
near it, as, like the W'illows, they are
rarely so good in effect as when grouped
near water. The Lombardy Poplar is
often used in that way, and shows its
fine form in such situations ; the Grey
and White Poplars have claims in the
same way, as they, when old, often show
very fine form.
Our gardens are so crowded with
exotic things — many of them quite unfit
for our climate — that it is surprising how
little our native Poplars come into the
scheme of the planter, and hardly ever
into that of the ordinary nursery planters
with their conventional trees and pseudo-
botanical absurdities in the way of mons-
trous forms and variegations. The true
730
PORTULACA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
POT EN TILL A.
Aspen is one of our native trees that is
neglected, and rarely ever seen grouped
in the pleasure garden in an effective
way, though we may see it here and
there wild, and in many woodland places,
grouping itself very prettily. I know
nothing more, attractive than a group of
the Aspen by the waterside or in almost
any position. In Ireland, and on warm
limestone soils elsewhere, the leaves
become a lovely colour in autumn, but
not on stiff soils.
PORTULACA (Purslane) -This bright
little wniialP.grandiforahsiS been intro-
duced many years from its native home in
Chili, and few Chilian plants have spread
so widely all over the world. It seems as
happy under a tropical sun as in an Eng-
lish garden, where no other annual excels
it in brilliancy, delicacy, and diversity of
colour. It makes itself at home as well
on a dry, poor bank as in a rich border
Flowers of Portulaca grandiflora.
among taller things. One can see by its
growth that it is a child of the sun, and
that is why one finds it so fine in
gardens in the parched plains of India
and Egypt, as well as throughout North
America. The colours vary from crimson
and white through every shade to pure
yellow. There are single and double-
flowered kinds, and it is difficult to say
which are the more beautiful. The double
flowers last longer, and greater care seems
to have been made in selecting the finest
of the doubles by crossing the various
sorts. Forty years ago M. Lemoine, of
Nancy, raised many beautiful double sorts,
to which he gave names, but it was soon
found useless to keep named sorts, so one
buys seed now in mixed colours, as with
Cinerarias. Seeds of the Portulaca should
be sown thinly during the month of April
in pans in a frame, and the seedlings be
planted out early in June. They can be
also sown in the open ground about the
end of May, for succession after the frame-
raised seedlings. The best plants are got
when the seedlings, as soon as they are
large enough to handle, are pricked out
into small pots of rich soil and kept in an
airy frame. The seed is best sown in
light and rather rich soil, and only just
covered. In planting out, choose the
sunniest and warmest spots in the garden,
and plant in bold masses to get a rich
effect. It has proved in India one of the
most useful flowering plants for bedding
during the cool months. The named
varieties of P. grandiflora are Thellusoni,
lutea, splendens, and Regeli, while another
kind is P. Gilliesi from Mendoza.
POTENTILLA (Cinquefoit}.— A large
family, many hardy herbs and alpine
flowers among them. The most important
are the fine hybrid varieties got by hy-
bridising showy Himalayan species such
as P. insignis and P. atro-sanguinea.
These two species are well worth growing.
The former has clear yellow and the latter
deep velvety crimson flowers. The beau-
tiful rosy-pink P. colorata is also useful ;
but these three are about the only typical
species of tall growth worth cultivating.
The double kinds are most showy, lasting
in perfection both on the plants and when
cut longer than the single sorts. There
are about three dozen distinct named
kinds, all to be obtained from any of
the large hardy plant nurseries. These
varieties represent every shade of size and
colour that it is possible to obtain. The
culture of Potentillas, like that of most
hardy flowers, is simple. They luxu-
riate in a light deep soil and exposed
position.
The following is a good selection of
double sorts : M. Rouillard, reddish-
crimson ; Belzebuth, dark crimson ; Chro-
matella, yellow ; Dr. Andry, scarlet,
margined with yellow ; Escarboucle, crim-
son ; Belisaire, reddish-orange ; Vase
d'Or, yellow ; Le Dante, orange shaded
with scarlet ; Louis Van Houtte, crimson ;
Phcebus, rich yellow ; Le Vesuve, crimson
with yellow margin ; Versicolor, yellow
suffused with brownish-crimson ; Vulcan,
scarlet shaded with yellow ; Variabilis
fl.-pl., yellow with scarlet margin ; Eldo-
rado, scarlet-crimson with yellow margin ;
Perfecta plena, bright scarlet - crimson
slightly tinged with yellow ; Imbricate
plena, orange-scarlet ; Etna, reddish-crim-
son ; Panorama, yellow heavily stained
with scarlet ; Nigra plena, dark crimson ;
Meteor, yellow suffused and blotched with
scarlet ; Meirsschaerti fl.-pl., yellow veined
and striped with crimson ; William Rol-
lisson, deep orange-scarlet with yellow
centre ; Fenelon, orange and scarlet ;
PRATIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
PRIMULA. 731
Purpurea lutea plena, scarlet - crimson
slightly tipped with yellow.
Among the dwarf alpine species there
are some very beautiful plants for the
rock-garden. Of these the following are
the best : —
P. alba ( White Cinquefoil\—1}\t leaves
of this pretty plant from the Alps and
Pyrenees are quite silvery and have a
dense silky down on the lower sides.
It is very dwarf, and not rampant ; its
white Strawberry-like flowers nearly i in.
across, with a dark orange ring at the base.
Easily grown in ordinary soil, and on bor-
ders or for the rock-garden. It blooms in
early summer, and is increased by division.
P. alpestris (Alpine Cinque foil}.— A
plant closely allied to the spring Potentilla
(P. verna) forming tufts nearly I ft. high,
with bright yellow flowers about I in.
across. While enjoying a moist deep soil,
it cares little how cold the position is.
Though not very common, it is found on
rocks and dry banks in several parts of
the country.
P. amblgua, from the Himalayas, is a
dwarf compact creeper, with in summer
large clear yellow blossoms on a dense
carpet of foliage ; is perfectly hardy, re-
quiring only a good deep well-drained soil
in an open position in the rock-garden.
P. calabra (Calabrian Cinquefoil\ — A
very silvery species from Italy and South-
ern Europe. It has prostrate shoots, and
bears in May and June lemon-yellow
flowers nearly i in. across. It flourishes
freely in sandy soil, in the rock-garden.
P. fruticosa (Shrtibby Cinquefoil}.—^
pretty neat bush, 2 to 4 ft. high, and bears
in summer clusters of showy golden-
yellow flowers. It is suited for the rock-
garden or the dry bank.
P. nitida (Shining Cinque foil}. — A
beautiful little plant from the Alps, a
couple of inches high, its silky silvery
leaves seldom with more than three leaf-
lets each. The flowers are pretty and
delicate rose. It is well worth a good
place in the rock-garden, and is of the
easiest culture and propagation.
P. pyrenaica (Pyrenean Cinquefoif).—
This dwarf vigorous and showy kind has
fine deep golden-yellow flowers. It will
grow in the rock-garden or in the mixed
border without particular attention. H igh
valleys in the Central and Southern
Pyrenees. Division or seeds. The
shrubby kind P. fruticosa and its varieties
are worth naturalising and growing among
small shrubs in rougher parts of the
rock-garden.
VRA!EIA..—P.angulata is a pretty plant
for the rock-garden, creeping over the soil
like the Fruiting Duckweed ; the flowers
white, and like a dwarf Lobelia, numerous
Pratia angulata.
in autumn, giving place to violet-coloured
berries about the size of Peas. It is hardy.
New Zealand. Syn., Lobelia littoralis.
PEIMULA (Primrose].— There is so
much charm and beauty among Primroses
that no garden is complete without them,
and there is scarcely a species not worth
cultivating. They have a great diversity
of habit and growth. Some are at home
on the sunny slopes of the rock-garden,
others in shade, many make excellent
border flowers, and a few exotic species
are at home in the woodland with our
common Primrose. The family contains
nearly a hundred different sorts ; and \ve
have therefore confined ourselves to the
most distinct and desirable kinds. There
is so much confusion among certain
sections, particularly in the alpine and
the Himalayan species, that we have not
attempted to deal with these exhaustively ;
while others, such as P. nivalis, are too
little known in gardens to render it neces-
sary for us to speak of them.
P. amcena (Caucasian Primrose] is
allied to our common primrose, but is
quite distinct. The corolla is purplish
lilac in bud or when recently expanded,
but turns bluer after a few days. The
umbel is many-flowered, and the blooms,
which are larger than those of P. denticu-
lata, are borne about 6 or 7 in. high ; the
leaves are rather large and are woolly
beneath and toothed. The blooms come
out before the snow has left the ground.
It is so much earlier than the common
Primrose, that while that species is in full
flower, amcena has quite finished bloom-
ing, and has sent up a strong tuft of leaves
very much like that sent up by the common
Primrose after its own flowers are faded.
A sheltered position slightly shaded will
be best for the perfect health and develop-
ment of the plant. It flourishes quite
732 PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
freely in common borders, and is one of
the most valuable additions to the early
spring garden and mixed border that have
been made for many years. It is charm-
ing for the rock-garden or for well-arranged
borders, and, when plentiful enough, will,
no doubt, be used in various ways. There
is a st.emless variety, which would prob-
ably prove a great addition to our gardens.
P. sibirica is somewhat similar to P.
amoena, but is rare. Division of the root.
Caucasus.
P. auricula (Common Auricula}. — In
a wild state this is one of the many
charming Primulas that rival Gentians,
Pinks, and Forget-me-nots in making the
flora of alpine fields so exquisitely beauti-
ful and interesting. Possessing a vigorous
constitution, and sporting into a goodly
number of varieties when raised from
seed, it attracted early attention from
lovers of flowers ; its more striking varia-
tions were perpetuated and classified, and
it became a "florists' flower." Its cultivated
varieties may be roughly thrown into two
classes : first, self-coloured varieties, or
those which have the outer and larger
portion of the flower of one colour or
shaded, the centre or eye white or yellow,
and the flowers and other parts usually
smooth, and not powdery ; second, those
with flowers and stems thickly covered
with a white powdery matter or " paste."
The handsomest of the former kinds are
known by the name of " alpines," to distin-
guish them from the florists' varieties, and
are the hardiest of all. The florists' fav-
ourites are distinguished by the dense
mealy matter with which the parts of the
flower are covered. They are divided by
florists into four sections — green-edged,
gray-edged, white-edged, and selfs. In
the " green-edged " varieties, the gorge or
throat of the flower is usually yellow or
yellowish ; this is surrounded by a ring,
varying in width, of white powdery matter,
which is surrounded by another ring of
some dark colour, and beyond this a
green edge, which is sometimes ^ in. in
width. The outer portion of the flower
is really a monstrous development of the
petal into a leaf-like substance, identical
in texture with the leaves. The "gray-
edged" varieties have the margin of a
green leafy texture, but this is so thickly
covered with powder that the colour can-
not be distinctly seen. The same occurs
in the " white-edged " kinds, the difference
being in the thickness and hue of the
powdery matter. In fact, the terms
" green-edged," "gray-edged " and " white-
edged," are simply used to indicate slight
differences between flowers having an
abnormal development of the petals into
leafy substance. It is a curious fact that
between the white and the gray the line
of demarcation is imaginary, for both
classes occasionally produce green-edged
flowers. The " selfs " are really distinct,
since the outer portion of the corolla is of
the ordinary texture, though a ring of
powdery matter surrounds the eye.
The classification of such slight differ-
ences merely tends to throw obstacles in
the way of the general growth and enjoy-
ment of the flower in gardens. Let the
florists maintain these fine distinctions ;
those who merely want to embellish their
gardens with the prettier varieties need
not trouble themselves with named sorts
at all. It should be borne in mind that
the florists' kinds are the most delicate
and difficult to cultivate. The curious
developments of powdery matter, green
margins, &c., tend to enfeeble the plant.
They are, in fact, variations that in Nature
would have little or no chance of surviv-
ing in the struggle for life. The general
grower will do well to select the free
sorts — alpines, and good varieties of the
common border kinds. The special
merit of these is that they may be grown
in the open air on the rock-garden and
in borders, while the florists' kinds must
be grown in frames.
The free-growing kinds are most likely
to be enjoyed in all classes of gardens.
Their culture is very simple, light vege-
table soil and plenty of moisture during
the growing season being the essentials.
In many districts the moisture of our
climate suits the Auricula to perfection,
and great tufts of it are grown in gardens
without any attention. In others it must
be protected against excessive drought
by stones placed round it, and cocoa-
fibre and leaf-mould are also useful as a
surfacing. However, as none but good
varieties of the alpine section are worthy
of even this trouble, we would prefer,
wherever practicable, that they should
be placed in the rock-garden on spots
where they would have some shelter and
could root freely into rich light soil.
They would cause no trouble beyond
taking up, dividing, and replanting. This
should be done every second or third
year, or as often as they become too
crowded or lanky. The very common
kinds may be planted as edgings or in
beds in the spring garden, but wherever
the plant is free, naturally improved
varieties should be substituted for the
common old border kind.
Auriculas are easily propagated by
division in spring or autumn, but best in
PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PRIMULA.
early autumn. They are also easily
raised from seed. Seed ripens in July,
and is usually sown in a gentle heat in
the following January. It should be sown
thinly in pans. The plants need not be
disturbed till they are big enough to
prick into fine rich light soil on a half-
shady border. It is most desirable to
raise seedlings, as in this way many
beautiful varieties may be obtained, and
if a desirable variety is noticed, it should
be marked, placed under conditions
calculated to ensure its health and rapid
increase, and propagated by division as
fast as possible.
As to the florists' varieties, innumerable
and precise descriptions of the culture
considered necessary have been given,
but the essential points may be summed
up in a few words. They require protec-
tion in frames or pits during winter and
spring, and may be placed in the open
air in summer and early autumn. In
winter they should be put in pits, and
placed as near to the light as may be
convenient, the lights being left off in
mild weather, and air being given at all
times, except in severe frosts. Air by
night as well as by day is decidedly
beneficial. The pit or frame may be the
usual one for the winter months ; but as
soon as the plants begin to show flower,
they ought to be removed to one with
a northern exposure, so as to prolong the
bloom. In such a place, with abundance
of air, they form objects of much interest
and beauty through April and the first
weeks of May. After flowering they
should be potted in May, and kept shaded
till they have recovered. The potting
usually consists of carefully shaking away
all the soil and putting the plant in fresh
compost ; and the practice is a good one,
for this plant and its wild allies put forth
young roots higher up the stem every
year, and the encouragement of these
young roots is sure to have a good result.
The pots generally used (the 4-in. size)
are quite large enough where annual dis-
rooting is practised, one sucker of a kind
being placed in the centre of each pot.
The wisdom of potting every plant in this
way is doubtful, and it is better to select
those that have sound roots, and are set
firmly and low in the earth, and while
disturbing the ball but little to give them
a careful shift into a 5-in. pot. In grow-
ing the alpine kinds in pots — and they
are as worthy of it as the other kinds —
growers should put five or six plants in a
6-in. pot, one in the centre and four or
five round the side, so as to form a hand-
some specimen. The same principle
may be carried out in pans, and applied
to the free-growing florists' varieties as
well as the alpines. In summer all the
plants should be placed in the open air
on boards or slates or a bed of coal-ashes,
or some substance that will prevent the
entrance of worms into the pots. Some
careful growers guard the plants from
heavy rains, but this is unnecessary if the
pots are perfectly drained and everything
else is as it ought to be. The florists
rarely plunge the pots ; but if plunged in
a bed of clean sharp sand, or in any like
material on a well-drained bottom, and
free from earthworm, they will be safer
and less troublesome, because free from
the vicissitudes that must attend all plants
exposed in a fragile porous shell contain-
ing but a few inches of soil. Some pot
their plants in August, but the best time
is just after the flowering, as if disrooted
in the autumn, the plants have not that
accumulated strength for flowering which
is acquired by a long period of undisturbed
growth.
The perfect development of the choicest
florists' kinds is secured by mixing one
part of good turfy loam and one part
of leaf-mould with another of well-de-
cayed cow manure and silver or sharp
river sand. Although we have given
such full directions in regard to the cul-
ture of the florists' varieties, we again
earnestly advise all who care for the
flower to cultivate the free and hardy
forms that thrive in the open air. It is a
good plan to select bright or delicate self
or other colours that please one. Such
kinds should be increased, so that definite
effects may be worked out with each
colour.
P. capitata. — One of the finest of all
Primroses. It is like P. denticulata, but
is very distinct as a garden plant. It
has a tuft of sharply-toothed pale green
leaves, not half the size of that of a fully-
developed P. denticulata. In autumn it
bears dense heads of flowers of the
deepest Tyrian purple, which as regards
depth is very variable, and is shown to
advantage by the white mealy powder in
which the flowers are enveloped. It is
not so vigorous as P. denticulata, though
hardy, and it cannot be termed a good
perennial, as it is apt to go off after
flowering well. It is therefore advisable
to raise seedlings. This is easy, as the
plant seeds freely in most seasons, and
the seedlings flower in the second year.
An open position with a north aspect
in good loamy soil well watered in dry
weather suits it best.
P. cortusoides. — A distinct species
734 PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PRIMULA.
bearing clusters of deep rosy flowers on
stalks 6 to 10 in. high. In consequence
of its tall free habit it is liable to injury
if placed in an exposed spot or open
border ; and should therefore be put in
a sheltered position, such as a sunny nook
in the rock-garden, where it is surrounded
Primula capitata.
by low shrubs, etc., or in any place where
it is not exposed to cutting winds, and at
the same time not shaded to its injury.
It forms a charming ornament for the
rock-garden, for a sunny sheltered border
near a wall or a house, or for the margin
of the choice shrubbery. The soil should
be light and rich, and a surfacing of
Cocoa-fibre or leaf-mould is beneficial in
dry positions. It is one of the most beauti-
ful and easily raised of the Primulas, being
readily increased from seed, and hardy in
any well-drained and suitable position.
Siberia.
P. denticulata.— A pretty Himalayan
Primrose, of robust growth, 8 to 10 in.
high. It has large tufts of broad foliage,
and produces in spring, on stout erect
stems, large dense clusters of lilac
blossoms. It is a most variable plant,
and some of its more distinct forms
have received garden names, of which
the principal are mentioned below. It is
paler in colour than any of its varieties,
and its foliage and flower-stalks are not
mealy. P. pulcherrima is a great im-
provement on the original. It grows
from 10 to 12 in. high, and has a more
globular flower-truss, which is of a deep
lilac colour. The stalks are olive-green,
and, like the leaves, are slightly mealy.
It is very beautiful when in flower, and
P. Henryi is a very strong -growing
variety but does not otherwise differ
from P. pulcherrima. It is a very fine
plant, often 2 ft. across, and in Ireland it
reaches even larger dimensions. P. cash-
meriana is by far the finest variety. The
flowers are of a lovely dark lilac, closely
set together in almost a perfect globe on
stalks over I ft. high. They last from
March till May. The foliage is beautiful,
and, like the stalk, is of a bright pale
green, thickly powdered with meal, in
wrhich as in many other points the plant
strongly resembles P. farinosa.
All the varieties are hardy, though
their foliage is liable to be injured
by early spring frosts. They may be
placed either in the rock-garden or in an
ordinary border, and will grow vigorously
in a deep moist loamy soil, enriched by
manure. They prefer a shady situation,
with a clear sky overhead, and delight in
an abundance of moisture during warm
summers. If grown in masses in beds,
the flowers should be protected by a
hand-light or frame placed over them to
preserve them. P. erosa is similar to
P. denticulata, but is smaller and less
hardy, it has paler flowers, and altogether
it is an inferior plant.
P. farinosa (Bird's-eye Primrose}.— -A
charming native species with small
rosettes of silvery leaves, and flower-
stems generally 3 to 12 in. high, though
sometimes more. The flowers, which
are borne in a compact umbel in early
summer, are lilac-purple with a yellow
eye. They vary a little in colour, there
being shades of pink, rose, and deep
crimson. In our gardens it loves a
moist vegetable soil, and in moist and
elevated parts of the country it flourishes
in the rock-garden and in slightly elevated
beds without any attention ; but in most
districts a little care is necessary. In
the rock-garden it is perfectly at home in
a moist, deep, and well-drained crevice,
filled with peaty soil or fibry sandy loam.
In the drier districts it would be well to
cover the soil with Cocoa-fibre, leaf-mould,
or broken bits of sandstone to protect the
surface from being baked and from ex-
cessive evaporation. P. f. acaulis is a
very diminutive variety of the preceding.
The flowers nestle in the hearts of the
leaves, and both flowers and leaves are
very small. When a number of plants are
grown together, they form a charming little
cushion of leaves and flowers not more
than \ in. high. Being so small, the plant
PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PRIMULA.
735
should have greater care, whether it is
grown in the rock - garden or in pots.
P. scotica is a native plant similar to P.
farinosa, and requires similar treatment.
The flowers, which show in April, are
Primula farinosa (Bird's-eye Primrose).
rich purple with a yellow eye, and are
borne on stems a few inches high.
Native of damp pastures in the northern
counties of Scotland.
P. glutinpsa.— A distinct little Prim-
rose, rare in gardens. On mountains
near Gastein and Salzburg, in the Tyrol,
and in Lower Austria, it flourishes, in
peaty soil, at a height of 7,000 to 8,000 ft.
It is 3 to 5 in. high, bearing one to five
blossoms of a peculiar purplish-mauve,
with divisions rather deeply cleft. Suit-
able for the rock-garden, or for pots in
moist peaty soil or very sandy soil.
Similar to P. glutinosa are P. tirolensis,
Flcerkiana, Allioni, and others, all natives
of the Alps.
P. grandis.— A distinct species from the
Caucasus, remarkable only for its large
foliage and the smallness of its flowers.
P. integrifolia.— A diminutive Prim-
rose, easily recognised by its smooth
shining leaves, which lie quite close to
the ground, and by its handsome rose
flowers, which are borne one to three
on a dwarf stem, and are often large
enough to obscure the plant. There is
no difficulty in growing this plant on flat
exposed parts of the rock-garden, if the
soil be firm, but moist and free. The
best way is to form a wide tuft, by dotting
six to twelve plants over one spot, and in
a dry district, scatter between them a
few stones or a little Cocoa-fibre mixed
with sand, so as to prevent evaporation.
P. Candolleana is another name for this
plant. P. glaucescens, spectabilis, Clusi-
ana, and Wulfeniana are of a similar
character. All are natives of the Alps.
Division or seed.
P. intermedia.— A charming hybrid
between P. ciliata and P. Auricula. In
habit it closely resembles some of the
dwarf alpine Auriculas, and its purplish-
crimson flowers have a conspicuous
yellow eye, and are borne on stout erect
scapes. On sheltered portions of the
rock-garden its richly-tinted blossoms
are seen to advantage. It is delicately
fragrant.
P. japonica. — One of the handsomest
of Primroses, and now too common to
need description. It is a good perennial,
and is not in the least tender. It is a
first-rate border plant, and in moist shady
spots of deep rich loam it grows as
vigorously as a Cabbage, throwing up
flower-stems 2 ft. or more high, and un-
folding tier after tier of its beautiful
crimson blossoms for several weeks in
succession. It may be grown in the
rock-garden as well as in the border,
and is an excellent wild-garden plant,
thriving almost anywhere and sowing
itself freely. It is said to be rabbit-proof.
There are several forms differing in colour;
there is a white form, a pale pink, and a
rose form, but the best is the original rich
crimson form. In raising P. japonica
from seed it should be borne in mind
that the seed remains some time dormant,
unless it is sown as soon as it is gathered,
and that it must on no account be sown
in heat. A cool frame is the proper place
for the seed-pan, and till the seed has
germinated, care must be taken to pre-
vent or keep down the growth of Moss
and Liverwort on the soil.
P. latifolia. — A handsome Primrose,
with from two to twenty violet flowers in
a head. It is less viscid, but larger and
more robust than its alpine congener
the better-known P. viscosa. Its leaves
sometimes attain a height of 4 in. and a
breadth of nearly 2 in., and it grows to a
height of 4 to 8 in. Its fragrant flowers
appear in early summer, and in pure air
it thrives on sunny slopes of the rock-
garden, if it has sandy peat, plenty of
736
PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PRIMULA.
moisture during the dry season, and per-
fect drainage in the winter months. Like
P. viscosa, it will bear frequent division,
and may be easily grown in cold frames
or pits. Alps.
P. longiflora is related to P. farinosa,
but is distinct from it, being deeper in
colour, and is considerably larger than
the best varieties of it, the lilac tube
of the flower being more than I in. long.
It is not at all difficult to cultivate either
on the rock-garden or in pots, and the
treatment recommended for P. farinosa
will suit it. Austria.
P. luteola. — One of the handsomest of
the yellow Primroses, and a noble plant
when well grown. The flower-stems are
often i^ to 2 ft. high, though they
are usually under i ft. in height. They
sometimes become fasciated, and thus
carry a huge cluster of flowers 4 to 6 in.
across. These flowers are like those of
a Polyanthus or an Auricula, but they
are borne in more compact heads. P.
luteola is hardy. It likes a moist situa-
tion in full exposure, and if put out in
Primula nivalis.
rich borders of rather moist soil, or on
the lower banks of the rock-garden, or in
a copse with a good bed of leaf-soil,
it will soon repay the planter. Caucasus.
It has been well figured in The Garden,
from plants that flowered at Chipping
Norton, in Oxfordshire.
P. marginata. — One of the most attrac-
tive of the family, and readily distinguished
by the silvery margin of its grayish leaves,
and by its sweet, soft, violet-rose flowers.
Even when not in flower it is pleasing
from the tone of the margins and surfaces
of the leaves. The flowers appear in
April or May. Our wet and mild winters
are doubtless the cause of its becoming
rather lanky in the stems after being more
than a year or so in one spot. When
the stems become long, and emit roots
above the ground, it is a good plan to
divide the plants, and to insert each
portion firmly down to the leaves, and
this will be all the more beneficial in dry-
districts, where the little roots issuing
from the stems would be the more likely
to perish. P. marginata is a charming
ornament for the rock-garden, and thrives
freely there. In the open ground a few
bits of broken rock placed round the
plants, or among them if they are grown
in groups or tufts, will prevent evapora-
tion, and protect them, as they rarely
exceed a few inches in height. Alps.
P. minima (Fairy Primrose]. — One of
the smallest of European Primroses.
Usually there is only one flower, which
is generally rose-coloured, and sometimes
white, and appears in summer. The
plant is only an inch or so high, but its
single flower is nearly i in. across, and
almost covers the tiny rosettes of foliage.
Bare spots in firm open parts of the rock-
garden are the best places for the plant,
but the soil should be very sandy peat
and loam. It is peculiarly suited for
association with the very dwarfest and
choicest of alpine plants. Division or
seed. Mountains of S. Europe. P.
Floerkiana is much like it, and prob-
ably is only a variety, since the sole
difference is that it bears two, three, or
more flowers, instead of only one. It
enjoys the same treatment in the rock-
garden. Austria. Of both kinds it is
desirable to establish wide-spreading
patches on firm bare spots, scattering
half an inch of silver sand between the
plants to keep the ground cool.
P. Munroi. — This has neither the
brilliancy nor the dwarmess of the
Primulas of the high Alps, nor the vigour
of our own kinds, but it is distinct, and
is of the easiest culture in any moist
boggy soil. It grows at very high
elevations on the mountains of Northern
India, in the vicinity of water. Its smooth
green leaves have a heart-shaped base,
and are 2 in. long, and nearly as much
across. From them arise flower -stems
5 to 7 in. high, bearing creamy-white
flowers with a yellowish eye, which are
more than an inch across. These flowers
appear from March to May, and are
very sweet. Altogether, P. Munroi highly
merits culture in a bog or in a moist spot
of the select rock-garden. P. involucrata
is a closely-allied kind, also from the
mountains of Northern India. It is,
however, somewhat smaller, its leaves
are not heart-shaped at the base, and it
is not quite so ornamental. It thrives
under the same conditions as its relative.
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PRIMULA.
737
P. Palinuri. — This is quite different
from other cultivated Primroses, inasmuch
as it seems to grow all to leaf and stem ;
while many of the other kinds often hide
their leaves with flowers. In April its
bright yellow flowers appear in a bunch
at the top of a powdery stem. They are
ornamental, though rarely fulfilling the
promise of the vigorous-looking plant,
and they emit a Cowslip-like perfume.
P. Palinuri flourishes as a border plant
in rich light soil in various parts of these
islands, and nothing more need be said
of its culture. It is well suited for some
isolated nook on the rock-garden, where
P. purpurea. — A handsome Primrose,
allied to P. denticulata, but far finer, for
the exquisite purple flowers are larger.
They are borne in heads about 3 in.
across. The leaves are entire, and dis-
tinguish it from its near relations.
Sheltered and warm but not very shady
positions either in the rock-garden, or in
the open parts of the hardy fernery, will
best suit it if the soil is a light, deep,
sandy loam, and well enriched with de-
composed leaf-mould. It never thrives
so well as in nooks at the base of rocks,
where it enjoys more heat than it would
if exposed. It must not be confused with
Primula rosea.
there is an unusually deep bed of soil.
Established plants are easily increased
by division. Southern Italy.
P. Parryi.— A pretty Primrose, bearing
about a dozen large, bright, purple,
yellow-eyed flowers nearly I in. across.
These flowers are borne on stems about
i ft. high. Though an undoubted alpine,
and growing on the margins of streams
near the snow-line, where its roots are
constantly bathed in ice-cold water, it
has succeeded in the open border in
moist, deep, loamy soil mingled with peat ;
it is hardy, and requires partial shade
from extreme heat rather than protection
from cold. N. America.
the variety of P. denticulata commonly
called by the same name of P. purpurea.
P. rosea (Rosy Himalayan Primrose}
is a charming little Primrose, with flowers
of the loveliest carmine-pink, produced in
heads like the Polyanthus. Its pale green
leaves form compact tufts, and the flower-
stems, 4 to 9 in. high, are produced in
early spring, often as many as half a-dozen
from one plant. It is perfectly hardy,
and though only recently introduced
from the Himalayas, has become quite
acclimatised, and grows vigorously in
almost any soil, preferring, however, a deep
rich loam in a moist shady part of the
rock-garden. When plentiful it should be
3 B
733
PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
tried in various positions and soils, as it
has not yet been thoroughly tested.
P. Sieboldi.— Though this handsome
Primrose is considered a variety of P.
cortusoides, it is very distinct in many
important particulars. The size of its
flowers, the breadth of its foliage, the
creeping character of its root, its exclu-
sively vernal habit, its pseudo-lobed or
marginata, fimbriata oculata, vinciuflora,
cceiTilea-alba, Mauve Beauty, Lavender
Queen, laciniata, and maxima. These
possess a great diversity of colour, and
some have the petals beautifully fringed.
One of the chief merits of these Primulas
is that they bloom early, flowering about
the month of April when other flowering
plants are rare ; and another is, that they
Primula
grooved seed-vessel, and the roundish
flattened form of its seed, all warrant the
belief in its distinctness from P. cortusoides
as a garden plant. It is at any rate one
of the showiest and most charming of all
the Primulas, and is as easy to gro\y and
as hardy as many others. Since its intro-
duction from Japan numerous beautifi
varieties have been raised, some of the
most distinct being clarkiaeflora, lilacma-
Sieboldi.
are remarkably free bloomers, throwing
up successive flower-stems, and lasting a
long time in perfection. Their cultivation
also is comparatively easy. The best
soil for them is light, rich, free material,
consisting of fibry loam, leaf-mould, pul-
verised manure, and some grit to keep
it open. They are impatient of excessive
moisture, and when put in open ground
should be planted in well-drained soil, or
PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PRIMULA.
739
in raised positions in the rock-garden.
The roots creep just below the surface,
and form eyes from which any variety can
be easily propagated. P. Sieboldi is a
hardy herbaceous perennial, which loses its
leaves in autumn and winter, when it goes
to rest, and breaks up again early in spring.
P. sikkimensis.— This is ' a robust
species, deciduous or herbaceous in our
climate, and quite distinct from all other
sorts. It throws up strong flower-stems,
15 to 24 in. high, bearing numerous bell-
shaped flowers of a pale yellow, with
mealy pedicels, and having a peculiar but
agreeable perfume. Some of the stems
bear a head of more than five dozen buds j
and flowers, and each flower is nearly I
in. long and more than \ in. across. P.
sikkimensis starts into growth in April or
early in May, and should have a shady
position when in bloom, as its delicate
blossoms suffer from cutting winds
and bright sunshine. Blossoming in
May, it remains in flower many weeks. I
It is hardy, and loves deep, well-drained, j
and moist ground ; but spots in the lower
parts of the rock-garden near water, or
situations in deep boggy places, suit it
best. It is readily increased, either by j
seeds sown in summer as soon as they are
ripe, or by careful division in spring
or autumn. This Primrose is said to be j
the pride of all the Primroses of the |
mountains of India, inhabiting wet boggy i
localities at elevations of from 12,000 to
1 7,000 ft., and covering acres of ground !
with its yellow flowers.
P. Stuarti (Stuarfs Primrose}.— A
noble and vigorous yellow Primrose,
about 1 6 in. high. It has leaves nearly I
ft. long, and many-flowered umbels. A
light deep soil, never allowed to get dry
in summer, suits it well ; but the most
suitable place for it is some perfectly-
drained and sheltered slightly elevated
spot in the rock-garden. It may be
planted against the base of rocks, to
shelter it from cutting winds, though,
when sufficiently plentiful, this precaution
is unnecessary. Mountains of India.
P. villosa.— A lovely little Primrose,
and one of the oldest cultivated. It is
known by dark green obovate or sub-
orbicular leaves. These leaves have close-
set teeth, and are covered with glandular
hairs, and are viscid on both sides. Its
flower-stems, also viscid, barely elevate
the sweet blooms above the foliage. It
is well adapted for the rock-garden, in
which it may be grown in any position,
but it requires light peaty or spongy loam,
about one-half being fine sand, and its
roots should be kept moist during the
dry season. It is easily increased by
division, and may be raised from seed.
Varieties are sometimes, but rarely, found
with white flowers. It is sometimes
grown under the name of P. viscosa.
The variety nivea or nivalis is a beauti-
ful plant, dwarf and neat in growth,
producing trusses of lovely white flowers,
which are quite distinct from any other
in cultivation. It is of very easy culture,
and may be grown either in pots or in
the open ground. It deserves a select
position in the rock-garden or in the
border, a light free soil, and plenty of
water during the warm season. It flowers
in April and May. Alps. Similar to P.
villosa are P. ciliata, Steini, hirsuta,
pubescens, rh?etica, pedemontana,
cenensis, and Dinyana, charming little
species from the Alps. All thrive under
the same conditions as P. villosa.
P. vulgaris (Common Primrose]. — Of
all the Primula family none excel our
native Primroses in loveliness, and they
are the earliest of all to flower. The
Gentians and dwarf Primulas do no more
for the Alps than these charming wild
flowers do for our hedgerows, banks,
groves, open woods, and the borders of
our fields and streams. In some places
the Common Primrose varies a good deal
in colour. Some of the prettiest of the
wild varieties are worthy of being in-
troduced into shrubberies and semi-wild
places ; and so long as lovely colour and
fragrance are esteemed in the spring
flower garden, some of the more distinctly
toned varieties should be sought after.
Varied hues of yellow, red, rose, lilac,
bluish-violet, lilac-rose, and white have
already been raised, and if the good
single varieties become popular, striking
and desirable variations from the
commoner types will be much more
likely to be preserved. For shrubberies
and woodland walks, single varieties will
always prove more useful than the old
double kinds, because more vigorous and
more easily increased. All the varieties
are readily increased by division of the
offsets, or by seeds, which are produced
in abundance. In woods and shrubberies
the plants will take care of themselves, a
quality which adds to their charms ; but
in the flower garden some system of
culture must be pursued. The following
very simple one will secure the best
results, both as to the production of
vigorous free-blooming plants and an
abundant stock. In autumn, after the
summer occupants of the flower-beds are
faded and removed, the Primroses and
other spring flowers are planted in beds
3 B 2
740 PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PRIMULA.
as the taste of the grower may direct.
About the middle or the end of May it
will be time to think of preparing the
beds for their summer ornaments, and
by that time also the Primroses will have
begun to fade after yielding a long and
abundant bloom. Then take them up,
divide the offsets singly, doing this, if
the day be sunny, in a shed or in a shady
position. New or scarce varieties, or
varieties of which a large stock is required,
may be divided into the smallest offsets,
but where much increase is not desired, the
plants should be simply parted sufficiently
to allow of their healthy development.
As soon as they are parted, plant them
in the kitchen-garden or in some by-place.
The more rich and moist the soil the
better they will grow ; especially if the
be transferred to beds in the flower
garden or the pleasure-ground. The
varieties of single coloured Primroses are
so numerous, that it seems a folly to
name them ; but a few of 'the most
distinct of those propagated by division
have received names. Among these may
be mentioned : Auriculasflora, one of the
finest ; Altaica, or grandiflora, also a
beautiful sort ; Rosy Morn, deep rosy-
red ; Gem of Roses, rosy-pink ; Queen of
Violets, deep purplish-violet ; Crimson
Banner, deep maroon-crimson ; Violacea,
pale purple ; Fairy Queen, pure white
with good eye ; Sulphurea, large, sulphur
colour ; Virginia, pure white ; Brilliant,
rich vermilion-red ; King of Crimsons,
rich massive crimson ; Violetta, a very
beautiful violet-purple ; Lustrous, very
An Alpine Primrose.
position be a half-shady one. The alleys
between Asparagus beds would do admir-
ably if more convenient positions can-
not be found. If the weather be very
bright, it would be desirable, for a few
days after planting, to shade the plants
by spreading boughs or old garden mats
over them, and they should at this time
be thoroughly watered. If the plants are
strong and regular in their development,
they should be planted in lines, 10 or 12
in. apart each way, but if the offsets are
small they should be closer in the lines.
By autumn they will make fine plants,
and may then be taken up ; as much of
the root as will come up with ordinary
care, but not necessarily any soil or ball,
being preserved, and the plants should
deep crimson, with small perfect lemon
eye ; and Scott Wilson, a singular bluish-
purple. The propagation of these kinds,
as well as of all the perennial Primroses,
is slow, unless they can be reproduced
true from seed. A seedling may produce
two others the first year after blooming ;
and these may produce six or eight the
next year, so that it takes several years to
raise a hundred plants, and some patience
must therefore be exercised before the
newest forms can be circulated largely.
DOUBLE VARIETIES. — The forms most
precious for the garden are the beautiful
old double kinds. No sweeter or prettier
flowers ever warmed into beauty under a
northern sun than their richly and deli-
cately-tinted little rosettes. Once they
PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PRIMULA.
741
were in every garden ; but the day came
when, like many hardy flowers, they were
cast aside to make way for gaudier things ;
now, however, people are beginning to
grow them again, and are inquiring for
old and half-lost kinds which they used
to know long ago. The best-known and
most distinctly marked are the double
lilac, double purple, double sulphur,
double white, double crimson, and double
red. These and several allied forms are
occasionally honoured with Latin names
descriptive of their shades of colour. In
catalogues will be found the following :
Primula vulgaris alba plena, lilacina
plena, purpurea plena, rosea plena, rubra
plena, sulphurea plena ; but we had
better speak of them in plain English and
confine the Latin term to the species.
The double kinds are slower-growing and
more delicate than the single ones, and
require more care, and the development
of healthy foliage after flowering should
be the object of those who wish to succeed
with them. In the double kinds the
deeper the hue the less robust the plant.
The rich crimsons and the deep purples
are usually most difficult to cultivate ; but
in the extreme north, where the climate
is at once moist and temperate, they grow
almost with luxuriance. The climate of
Ireland also favours them, but in the
south and midland districts it is necessary
to give them shade and abundant moisture
during summer, and in winter the pro-
tection of glass against the continued
frosts and rains. The white, lilac, and
sulphur kinds, on the other hand, are very
hardy, and, if established, appear to stand
our climate well.
Shelter and partial shade are the
conditions chiefly necessary to their
successful culture. Open woods, copses,
and half-shady places are the favourite
haunts of the wild Primrose. In them,
in addition to the shade, it enjoys the
shelter, not merely of the tall objects
around, but also of the long Grass
and herbaceous plants growing near.
Taking into account the moisture con-
sequent upon such companionship, let
these facts guide us in the culture of the
double kinds. It will readily be seen
that a plant exposed to the full sun on a
naked border is under conditions very
different from one in a thin wood ; the
excessive evaporation and the searing
away of the leaves by the wind would be
quite sufficient to account for its failure.
It is therefore desirable to plant the
beautiful double Primroses, in slightly
shaded and sheltered positions, in borders
of light rich vegetable soil ; and, to keep
the earth from being dried up too rapidly,
spreading Cocoa-fibre or leaf-mould
on it in summer. It would be better to
plant them in some favourite spot per-
manently than to change them repeatedly
from place to place. Indeed, they ought
never to be disturbed except for the pur-
pose of division. They may, however,
be employed as bedding plants, and
treated in the manner recommended for
single varieties, but they are not then so
useful or so pretty as when in good colonies
or large informal groups. Double Prim-
roses well grown, and the same kinds
barely existing, are such different objects,
that nobody will grudge them the trifling
attention necessary to their perfect de-
velopment. Occasionally they may be
seen flourishing by chance in some
cottage-garden or some old country gar-
den, where they find a home more con-
genial than the fashionable prim and bare
flower garden. Division of the roots.
The Rev. P. Mules, a most successful
grower of the Double Primroses, writes
to the Field about them. " Unless these
flowers have been seen at their best, and
that can only be under the favourable
conditions of suitable soil, pure air, and
great experience in culture, no one can
imagine their beauty. I have had a bed
of fifty plants of the double white carrying
at one time 4,000 fully expanded blooms,
averaging i§ in. in diameter. So also
Pompadour, with blooms of still larger
size, which has flowered without inter-
mission since October, throwing its rich
crimson blossoms well above the succulent
green foliage, and presenting a fine
picture of form and colour. Then we
have double rose, double mauve, double
dark lilac, double cerise, double sulphur,
double yellow, and double rose white
mottled. Besides these are some bright
crimsons, making a combination of
colours which lend themselves to many
varieties of garden and house decoration.
Some — the sulphur and the dark lilac —
occasionally throw up corymbose heads,
polyanthus-wise ; but this is not uncom-
mon with many primroses, and is the
result of high cultivation, and occurs
towards the end of the flowering period.
The reason that the rarer varieties are
difficult and expensive to obtain is
because their culture is not understood,
and stocks once allowed to die out can
scarcely be replaced. Their reproduction,
as they have no seed, is impossible, and
one has to depend on division alone for
their increase. Like all perennials, there
is a tendency to natural deterioration, and
unless they be kept in the highest vigour
742
PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PRIMULA.
by change of soil and locality and break-
ing up, nothing can keep them.
The secret of growing double-primroses
differs little, if at all, from that of the I
more delicate perennials, two points being I
specially to be observed — protection from i
cutting and strong winds, and that they
be grown together in beds massed, not |
dotted through the herbaceous border. \
Beyond this only such knowledge is j
required as can be obtained by experience
in the management of this class of plants. j
THE POLYANTHUS.— Though the origin j
of this beautiful old-fashioned flower is I
somewhat obscure, it is considered to be
a form of the common P. vulgaris with
the stems developed. Polyanthuses are
not at all sufficiently appreciated, con-
usual, and Maddock, in the following
passage, describes a very beautiful varia-
tion of the flower: "The ground colour
is most to be admired when shaded with
dark rich crimson resembling velvet, with
one mark or stripe in the centre of each
division of the limb, bold and distinct
from the edging down to the eye, where
it should terminate in a fine point." He
further says : " The pips should be large,
quite flat, and as round as may be con-
sistent with their peculiarly beautiful
figure, which is circular, excepting those
small indentures between each division of
the limb, which divide it into five or six
heart-like segments. The edging should
resemble a Bright gold lace, bold, clear,
and distinct, and so nearly of the
Primrose Munstead Early White.
sidering the wonderful array of beauty
they present, and that for rich and
charmingly inlaid colouring they surpass
all other flowers of our spring gardens.
It would require pages to describe even
the good varieties. At one time the
Polyanthus was highly esteemed as a
florists' flower, and none in existence
better deserved the attention and regard
of amateurs ; but nearly all the choice old
kinds are now lost, and very few florists
really pay any attention to the flower.
In consequence, however, of the great
facility with which varieties are raised
from seed, nobody need be without
handsome kinds, especially as raising
them will prove interesting amusement
for the amateur. The rules of the florists
are in this case of a little more value than
same colour as the eye and stripes as
scarcely to be distinguished. In short,
the Polyanthus should possess a graceful
elegance of form, a richness of colouring,
and symmetry of parts not to be found
united in any other flower." Here,
however, as in most similar cases, the
grower will do well to select the most
beautiful of his own raising, and not be
tied by any conventional rules.
As to the capabilities of the various
kinds of Polyanthus, it would be difficult
to name any hardy flower which is so
generally useful. The finer varieties are
worthy of a place in the rock-garden
amidst the choicest alpine plants ; while
the showier ones are suitable for spring
bedding. Numbers of vigorous varieties
will form the most appropriate ornaments
PRIMULA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PRIMULA.
743
that can be massed by shady walks in
pleasure-grounds, and some may be
employed as edgings. Many varieties
are worthy of being naturalised abund-
antly in pleasure-grounds and along wood
walks, though the enthusiastic florist
grows the finer ones in pots. Poly-
anthuses are scarcely to be recommended
for using in masses in the spring garden
as much as the finer varieties of the
Primrose, since in order to be admired
they require to be seen rather closely ;
but wherever flowers are placed for
their beauty rather than their effect
as colour, Polyanthuses are invaluable,
and they should be seen in strong
colonies in shrubberies and borders.
culture and very vigorous. There are,
however, very few, if any, double varie-
ties, but some varieties are curious and
interesting from the duplication of the
calyx or corolla ; these are popularly known
as " hose-in-hose " Polyanthus. They
¥row with the same facility as the others,
he beautiful Gold -laced Polyanthuses
are much prized. The best are those
raised years ago, such as Cheshire
Favourite, George the Fourth, Formosa,
Duke of Wellington, Black Prince,
Lancashire Hero, and others, and they
are mentioned in most florists' catalogues
of hardy plants. The common Oxlip is
a hybrid more or less intermediate between
the Cowslip and the Primrose. It differs
Their cultivation is almost as simple
as that of meadow Grass. They grow
vigorously in almost any garden soil,
but best in a soil that is somewhat rich
and moist ; and though they thrive in
the full sun, they best enjoy a partially
shaded and sheltered position, and are
somewhat impatient of heat and drought.
When grown for bedding, they are, like
the Primroses, removed in early summer
from the flower garden to the kitchen-
garden or nursery, and replaced there
when the summer bedding plants have
passed away.
There have been lately raised some
varieties, a good deal larger in their parts
than the type, and these are very easy of
from the true or Bardfield Oxlip (P.
elatior) in bearing much larger and
brighter flowers with longer foot-stalks,
and in having in the throat of the flower
the five bosses characteristic of the
Primrose and the Cowslip. Some of its
varieties approach the Cowslip, and some
the Primrose in character. The treat-
ment that suits Polyanthuses and Prim-
roses will suit the Oxlip. P. suaveolens
is a variety of the Cowslip found in many
parts of the Continent, but is not suffi-
ciently distinct or ornamental to merit
cultivation. P. elatior, the true Oxlip,
is not very ornamental, the flowers being
of a pale buff-yellow, and readily dis-
tinguished by their funnel-shaped corolla,
744
PRIMULA
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PR UN US.
which is quite destitute of the bosses
present in the Primrose and Cowslip.
It is found on clayey soils in woods and
meadows in the eastern counties of
England, particularly in Essex, Suffolk,
and Cambridgeshire. It is of easy
culture, and is most suitable for collec-
tions of interesting plants, but is neither
distinct nor ornamental enough for
limited collections of ornamental kinds.
It is also known as the Bardfield Oxlip.
The blue Polyanthus (P. e. cceruleus) is a
singularly handsome variety of it with
slaty-blue flowers. It is now rare in gar-
dens, but is well worth growing.
CULTURE. — Where soil is prepared for
the choicer varieties, any good loam with
a free addition of sand, well-rotted leaf-
mould, and decomposed cow-manure will
form an admirable compost. The Poly-
anthus may be raised with great facility
from seed, which should be sown imme-
diately after it is gathered, say about the
end of June. It will indeed grow with
vigour if the seed is not sown till the
following spring, but by sowing it imme-
diately nearly a year is gained. The
amateur wishing to raise choice kinds
had better sow the seed in pans or rough
wooden boxes, but for ordinary purposes
a bed of finely-pulverised soil in the open
air will answer to perfection. Sowings
in early spring are better made in pans
or rough shallow boxes, placed in cold
frames, as time will be gained thereby.
The best plan is not to lose time by
allowing the seed to lie idle in the drawer
all the autumn and winter, but to sow it
as soon as it is ripe, and have strong
plants in the following spring.
Known species : — Primula alba, S. Europe ; algida,
As. Min. ; Allionii, W. Europe ; atnethystina, China;
amcena, Persia ; angtistifolia, N.W. Amer. ; aucheri
Arabia; auricula, Europe; auriculata, As. Minor
bella, China ; bcllidifolia, N. India ; bractrata, China
bullata, do. ; calliantha, do. ; capitata, Himal. ; capi
tellata, As. Minor, Persia ; carniolica, Austria ; cernua
China ; ciliata, Alps ; Clarkei, N. India ; Clusiana
• Europe ; cordifolia, Hungary ; cortusoides, Siberia
Japan ; cuneifolia, Arctic regions ; daonensis, W
Europe ; darialica, Caucas. ; davurica, Dahurica
Delavayi, China ; denticulata, N. India ; Dickieana
do.; dolomitis^N . Europe ; dryadifolia, China ; egalik
sensis, Arct. Amer.; elatior, Europe ; elliptica, Himal.
elongata, do. ; Ehvesiana, do. ; erosa, do. ; farinifolia
Caucas. ; farinosa, N. Amer. ; Fedschenkoi, Turkes.
filipes, N. India; fintbriata, N. India; flava, China
Floerkeana, Alp. N. Europe ; jloribunda, N. India
frond0sa,1hr&c.\.a. ; Gambeliana, N.India ; geraniifolia
do. ; gigantea, Siberia; glabra, N. India; glacialis
China ;glaucescens?N . Europe; glutinosa, do. \grandis
Caucas. ; Hampeana, Europe ; hcterochroma, Persia
Heydei, Himal. ; htrsuta, N. India; Hookeri, Himal.
imperialis, Java ; integrifolia, W. Europe ; involu
crata, Europe, N. Asia ; japonica, Japan ; Jesoana
do. ; Kaufmanniana, Central Asia; Kingii, N. India
Kisoana, Jap. ; Kitaibeliana, Europe ; lasiopetala
do. ; Listen, N. India ; longiflora, Europe ; luteola
Caucas.; macrocarpa, Japan ; J/o^//a«zVa,Magellans
tnarginata, Europe ; maxima Maximoiviczii, N.
China ; megasaefolia, As. Min. ; minima, Central
Europe ; minutissima, N. India ; mollis, do.; moschata
muscoides, Himal. ; nivalis, Asia and N. Amer. ; ob-
conica, China.;obtusifolia, N. India; officinalis, Europe
j and As. Min.; Olgte, Turkest. ; pacJiyscapa, Palinuri,
I Italy; Parryi, VLW.Ajuer.^^eaetmtfttana, C. Europe;
peteolaris, X. India; pinnati'fida, China \proliftTii. X.
India ; pulchra, do. ; piuniiio, Thibet ; pusilia, X.
India ; Reidii, Jap.; reptans, N. India ; rcticulata, do.;
rosea, do.; rotundifolia, N. India ; Ritsbyi, XT. Mexico;
sapphirina, N. India ; secundiflora,(2\\ma. ', scptanloba,
do. ; serratifolia, do. ; sibirica, Asia and Arct. Amer. ;
Sibthorpi, Spain and Greece Sieboldi, Jap. ; Sikkim-
ensis, N. India ; simpUcissitna, sinensis, China ; sol-
danelloides, N. India ; sonchifolia, China ; spcctablis,
Alps ; spicata, China ; stenocalyx, do. ; Stirtoniana,
Himal.; stricta, N. Europe; Stuart ii, X. India;
suffrutescens, Calif. ; tenclla, X. India ; tyrolcnsis,
Alps ; uniftora, N. India ; urticifolia, China ; ragi-
nata, N. India ; verticillata, Arabia ; I'illosa, C.
Europe ; tnscosa, Europe ; vulgaris, Europe ; M'attii,
N. India; IVnlfeniana, Europe ',yuiinant'nsis, China.
PRUNELLA (Large Se//-/ieaf).—Th\s
handsome and vigorous plant P. gniihii-
flora is readily distinguished IDV its
large flowers from the common British
Self-heal (P. vulgaris), which is unworthy
of cultivation. There is a white and a
purple variety, both handsome plants,
thriving in almost any soil, but preferring
one moist and free, and a somewhat shaded
position. In winter they are apt to go off
on the London clay, at least on the level
ground, but are well suited for mixed
borders, banks, or copses. The variety
laciniata has deeply-cut leaves. Europe.
Flowering in summer. P. pyrenaica
(Pyrenean Self-heal) is allied to the pre-
ceding, and is considered a variety of it.
It is alDOUt 10 in. high, and its beautiful
violet-purple flowers are larger than those
of P. grandiflora. It should have the
treatment recommended for P. grandiflora.
Labiatas. Syn. Brunella.
PRUNUS (Plum, Almond, Peach, Apri-
cot, Cherry, Bird Cherry, Cherry-Laurel].
— Bentham and Hooker in the " Genera
Plantarum" united under Primus the
whole of the species which had at an
earlier date been known under one or
other of the following names : Amygdalus,
Persica, Armeniaca, Prunus, Cerasus,
Padus, and Lauro-Cerasus. This arrange-
ment, which was necessary from the fact
that no well-defined line could be drawn
between them, has resulted in some con-
fusion in garden nomenclature. And we
may see in consequence two Apricots,
may be, growing side by side, the older
one called Armeniaca, the newer one
Prunus. In the following notes the whole
of the species dealt with are considered as
Prunus and are arranged alphabetically ;
and some, not of much garden value, or
those not hardy in Britain, are excluded.
But it will be of some value perhaps to
first show the section to which each
belongs.
THE ALMONDS AND PEACHES. — AMYGDALUS.
P. Amygdalus, P. Davidiana, P. incana, P. iiana,
P. orientalis, P. Persica, P. Simoni.
PRUNUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
PRUNUS.
745
THE APRICOTS. — ARMENIACA.
P. Armcniaca, P. brigantiaca, P. dasycarpa, P.
J\Iu»te, P. tomentosa, P. triloba.
THE PLUMS. — PRUNUS.
P '. alleghaniensis, P. ainericana, P. angustifolia, P.
cej-asifera, P. cefasifera var. atro-purpurca, P. com-
)>noiis, P. cotniminis i'ar. pruneaiiliana, P. drvari-
cata, P. insititia, P. spinosa, P. Watsoni.
THE CHERRIES. — CERASUS.
P. acida, P. A-vium, P. Ceraszts, P. ChcuiKecerasus,
P . km/iilis, P. Jacquetnonti, P. japonica, P. Jla.i'i-
ntoiviczi, P. pendula, P. pennsylvanica, P. prostrata,
P. pseudo-Cerasus, P. Pudduin, P. pumila, P. ser-
rulata, P. subhirtella.
THE BIRD CHERRIES.— PADUS.
P. Capollin, P. cornuta, P. demissa, P. Makaleb, P.
inollis, P. Padzts, P. serotina, P. virginiana.
THE CHERRY- LAURELS. — LAUROCERASUS.
P. ilicifolia, P. Laurocerasus, P. lusitanica.
P. ACIDA. — One of the species from which
the Cherries of gardens have been derived,
allied to P. Cerasus ; small, dark-green, shining
leaves of firm texture and nearly glabrous. A
variety is semperflorens, of drooping habit and
bearing white flowers (sometimes double)
from May to September, and often carrying
flowers and fruit. A dwarf tree, usually
grafted standard high.
P. ALLEGHANIEXSIS. — Usually a shrub from
4 feet to 6 feet high, but sometimes a small
tree three or four times that height. The
flowers, \ inch across, at first pure white
changing to pink, are followed by handsome
fruits, which are blue-purple, nearly globular,
and valued for preserving. Pennsylvania.
P. AMERICANA (wild Red Plum). — A hand-
some tree found in North America to the east
of the Rocky Mountains, and one of the
hardiest. It is a tree 20 feet or more high, of
graceful habit, bearing at the end of April or
the beginning of May many pure snowy white
blossoms ; fruits red or yellowish-red, the
species being cultivated in the United States
on their account.
P. AMYGDALUS (the common Almond).—
One of the earliest of trees to bloom, and
reaching its best before hardy trees have done
more than show signs of reviving life. There
are several named varieties in cultivation :
amara (Bitter Almond) — flowers slightly
larger than those of the common Almond,
petals almost white towards the tips, deepening
into rose at the base. Dulcis (Sweet Almond) —
This has leaves of a grey-green colour, and is
one of the earliest to flower. Macrocarpa —
This is a strong-growing tree with larger,
broader leaves than the type ; the flowers, too
which are rose-tinted white, are larger. This
tree is hardy and vigorous in our country.
There are also double-flowered and pendulous
varieties cultivated under names denoting these
characters. Syn. Amygdalus communis.
P. ANGUSTIFOLIA (Chickasaw Plum).— In
Britain this is a shrub 4 to 6 feet high, but in
America it is a small tree 15 to 20 feet high ;
the leaves 3 inches long ; flowers in clusters of
one or two pairs, white, sometimes with a
creamy tint, one-third of an inch in diameter.
Several excellent varieties of this Plum are
grown in the United States for the bright red
Prunus Davidiana.
746
PRUNUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PR UN U.S.
fruits, and there are variegated forms cultivated
in Europe.
P. ARMENIACA (common Apricot). — The
wild bush of the cultivated Apricot flowers in
February or early March, its blossoms being
usually of a pinkish-white, but there are
varieties with deeper-coloured flowers, and one
in which they are double. N. China.
P. AVIUM (the Gean). — Wild in the British
Isles and is generally a tree 20 feet to 30 feet
high, this has long been grown as an orna-
mental tree, and there are three or four good
varieties. None is more beautiful than the
double form, whose pure white flowers are
borne in spring. The var. decumana is a
striking tree with large leaves, some of which
Cerasus Watereri.
measure 6 inches to 8 inches in length. The
var. nana is a curious dwarf plant ; var.
laciniata has cut leaves ; and var. pendula is
of weeping habit. The fruit is sweet or bitter
(not acid).
P. CAPOLLIN. — A native of Mexico and
southwards, where it ranks as a fruit tree ;
leaves are of a dark glossy green, and hanging
loose and pendent, as in some Willows ; flowers
in erect racemes, white ; fruits round, dark
red and like small Cherries ; a tree 30 feet to
35 feet high. In France it ripens seed.
P. CERASIFERA (the Myrobalan). — The
showiest of all the Plums, flowering whilst the
leaf-buds are as yet mere tips of green, the
flowers three-quarters of an inch to I inch in
diameter, in clusters on the short twigs ; tree
round-headed and of spreading habit, 20 feet
high. Prunus Pissardi is a variety of this
species (var. atro-purpurea, the purple Myro-
balan), a variety of Persian origin. Its white
blossoms are followed by the beautiful red-
purple young leaves, which assume their richest
tints when just opening and in late summer
and autumn. It fruits in favourable seasons,
the fruits being coloured like the leaves, even
when young.
P. CERASUS (the wild Cherry).— A native of
Britain, and usually a small tree or even a
shrub, bearing its pure white flowers in spring.
It is the double-flowered varieties, however,
that give the species its chief value in gardens.
A very old and beautiful Cherry is the variety
known as persiciflora, the flowers of which are
double and tinged with rose. One of more
recent origin is Rhexi fl.-pl., whose pure white,
long-stalked flowers, borne in May, hang from
the branches in great abundance. It is a small
tree, and one of the prettiest of all the Cherries.
Syn. Cerasus vulgaris.
P. CHAM^CERASUS (Siberian Cherry).— A
dwarf cherry, the blossoms white, three-
quarters of an inch in diameter, appearing in
May. One form of this species is represented
by a tree 10 feet or more high at Kew, but, as
a rule, it is only half as high. It is naturally
a small rounded shrub of neat, close habit, but
is mostly grown as a standard. There is a
drooping variety (pendula) and another with
variegated foliage.
P. COMMUNIS (common Plum). — This
species is believed to be the source from which
the cultivated Plums have been derived, al-
though in a less degree the Bullace (P.
insititia) and the Sloe (P. Spinosa) have each
most probably a share in their origin. It has,
however, some value as an ornamental tree,
and reaches a height of 1 5 feet to 20 feet, the
flowers white. Of the varieties cultivated as
ornamental trees, var. pruneauliana is perhaps
the most beautiful. It bears in April many
white flowers, not large but so thickly borne
as to cover the twigs. There is also a double-
flowered form of this variety.
P. CORNUTA (Himalayan Bird Cherry).—
This is the Himalayan form of our Bird Cherry.
Its leaves are as a rule larger, broader, and
of stouter texture than those of our British
trees ; they are also distinct in having red
stalks.
P. DAVIDIANA. — This is the earliest of all
the Peaches to bloom, in mild winters as early
as January. Its branches are of somewhat erect
growth, the flowers individually I inch across
and completely covering the shoots made the
preceding year, which are frequently 2 feet
along. The petals in one form (alba) are of a
pure white ; in the other (rubra) pink, but not
so freely borne.
P. INSITITIA (the Bullace). — A small tree,
often wild in hedgerows, which bears its white
flowers in pairs during March and April ; its
black fruits are ripe in October. There are
several varieties, amongst which may be
TRUNUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
747
mentioned that with double flowers, another
with yellowish-white fruits, and a third with
red fruits.
P. JACOUEMONTI. — A pretty shrub, native
of Northern India, where it is found at altitudes
from 6,OOO to 12,000 ft., with flowers of a
bright rosy pink, about half an inch across,
but borne in great abundance on the growths
of the previous summer. The Chinese P. hu-
milis is nearly related to this.
P. JAI'OMCA (Double Chinese Plum). —
This is one of the most lovely of spring-flower-
ing shrubs. The single form probably not in
cultivation ; the double one has white flowers
with a more or less rosy tint, some, indeed, of
a distinct rose colour. The flowers, each about
I ^ in. across, are borne thickly on short stalks
from the slender shoots of the previous year.
Prunus Japonica.
It can be struck from cuttings, but it is better
to layer the shoots of an old plant. In that
way nice flowering plants can be obtained in
two years. Grafted plants neither grow nor
flower so well, and a constant watch has to be
kept for suckers. Syn., P. sinensis.
P. LAURO-CERASUS (Cherry Laurel).— A
noble evergreen tree often overplanted and
misused, and where this is so Cherry Laurels
have to be continually cut back to keep them
within bounds, and their hungry roots prevent
the cultivation of better things anywhere near.
Several varieties are in cultivation, the best of
which are colchica, caucasica, and rotundifolia,
all with broader, larger leaves than the common
Laurel and preferable to it on account cf their
hardier constitution. Salicifolia, angustifolia,
and parvifolia are narrow-leaved varieties, the
last being often grown under the name of
Hartoghia capensis. A new variety from the
Shipka Pass (shipkaensis) is said to be the
hardiest of all.
P. LUSITANICA (Portugal Laurel). — A noble
evergreen rarely seen in its full beauty, because
it is nearly always choked with other things in
the shrubbery. It is as an isolated bush or
group, and allowed full freedom of growth,
that its value both as a winter and summer
shrub is seen. But like the Cherry Laurel it
is often over-planted. Var. myrtifolia has
smaller leaves than the type and its branches
are of more erect growth. Being dwarfer it is
also better suited for shrubberies. Var. azorica
has much larger leaves and fewer, but larger
flowers on the raceme. Spain, Portugal, and
the Azores.
P. MAHALEB (the Mahaleb). — None of the
European Cherries surpass this in its spring-tide
beauty. The Mahaleb is a native of Central
and Southern Europe, perfectly hardy in
England. Reaching a height of 20 ft. to 30
ft. , of free graceful growth ; especially is this
the case with the variety pendula, which, al-
though not strictly weeping, is of looser, laxer
habit than the type. The leaves are each 2 in.
long, and the pure white flowers appear in
rather flat racemes in May.
P. MUME. — Under the hands of the Japan-
ese cultivators this has varied into numerous
forms, and there are now at Kew varieties
with flowers red and white, single and double,
as well as one of pendulous habit. The wood
resembles that of the common Apricot. The
plant is leafless at the time of flowering. It
has been in cultivation for some years both
here and on the Continent, but disguised under
other names, one of which is Prunus Myro-
balana fl.-roseis. Corea.
P. NANA (the dwarf Almond). — This, a
native of Southern Russia, is one of the dwarf -
est of the Almonds, being from 2 ft. to 5 ft.
high. It flowers during March and April
when the leaf-buds are only beginning to
burst, the flowers being of a lively rose colour
and about three-quarters of an inch across.
The leaves are narrow, smooth, dark green,
and glossy. It is a charming shrub, and can
be easily and quickly propagated by layering.
The species will thrive in a dry situation better
than most Almonds. There is a pretty double
form.
P. PADUS (the Bird Cherry).— This beautiful
tree, a native of Britain as well as of North
and Central Europe and Asia, is often 40 ft.
high, the flowers borne in drooping racemes,
in the commonest form being 4 ins. to 6 ins.
long. There are varieties, however, finer both
in the flowers and racemes. A double-flowered
variety (flore-pleno) recently obtained from the
Continent is the most striking I have seen.
A variety also worth special mention is- the
Manchurian one, with fine racemes, but chiefly
notable for coming into flower early in April,
and, therefore, long before our Bird Cherry is
748
PRUNUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PTEROCARYA.
showing a bloom. There are other named
varieties in cultivation, the most distinct being
var. stricta, with quite erect racemes. Var.
aucubaefolia has its foliage mottled with yellow.
The common Bird Cherry is a tree rather for
the park and woodland than the garden proper,
but the Manchurian and double-flowered
varieties fully deserve a place among flowering
trees.
P. PENDULA (Cerasus pendula).— A beauti-
ful Japanese Cherry and one of the earliest to
come into flower, commencing usually towards
the end of March. Its pendent growth has
led to its being commonly worked on stocks
5 ft. to 6 ft. high, but it comes true from seed.
The leaves are much like those of the common
Cherry, the flowers of a lovely shade of soft
rose and borne in profusion. In the United
States, where the summers are much hotter, it
thrives better than in England, and it should,
if possible, be planted in a sunny spot sheltered
from the north and east.
P. PERSICA (the Peach).— Although neither
so free -growing nor so hardy as the Almond,
the Peach in various forms is beautiful, and in
positions sheltered from the north and east
ought to be planted freely. There is now a
number of varieties at the service of the planter,
chiefly single and double forms with white or
red flowers. There is one also with purple
foliage known as foliis rubris, this colour ex-
tending also to the fruit. The many double
varieties it is not necessary to specify ; they
are known by descriptive names, like flore albo
pleno. These unfortunately are rarely seen
well grown.
P. PROSTRATA (Mountain Cherry). — A rare
species, but one of the most lovely of the dwarf
Cherries, a native of the mountains of the
Levant, and, although not strictly prostrate (at
least in cultivation), is a low spreading bush,
the long, slender branches arching outwards
and downwards to the ground. The flowers,
borne on very short stalks, are of a beautiful
lively shade of rose, are half an inch to three-
quarters of an inch across, and so plentiful as
to almost hide the branches.
P. PSEUDO-CERASUS (the Japanese Cherry).
— This is the tree whose flowering marks one
of the epochs of the year in Japan. In the
forests of North Japan this species becomes a
large timber tree, but in England it is not
often seen above 20 feet high, and it is the
double-flowered varieties that are cultivated in
England. They are of various shades of rosy
white, and are known under such names as
Cerasus Watereri, C. Sieboldi, &c. More so
perhaps' than any other are these double-
flowered Cherries worth extensive planting,
never failing to flower, being of surpassing
beauty and perfectly hardy. They should be
grown on a cool, moist bottom, and the effect
they produce in spring is all the greater if room
can be afforded for a grove of a dozen or so
trees with a backing of Holly or other evergreen.
P. SERRULATA. — This cherry, which is a
native of Japan, although scarcely so fine a
tree as P. pseudo-Cerasus, is nearly allied to
it, and it can be recognised by its peculiar
mode of branching. The main stem is erect
for a few feet, but then branches off almost
horizontally into three or four divisions, and
henceforth ceases to send up a defined lead.
It is picturesque, representing one of the modes
of growth we have come to regard as essentially
typical of Japanese tree vegetation, and it
comes into flower about a fortnight later. The
flowers, whilst scarcely so large as in the finest
varieties of P. pseudo-Cerasus, are beautiful,
rose-tinted white, and always double. The
single-flowered form is not in cultivation.
P. SIMONI. — This has leaves of about the
same size as the common Almond, but the
tree itself is of more erect habit and frequently
resembles the Lombardy Poplar in form of
growth. The flowers are white, and appearing
in February and March. Its fruit is deep
purple and ripens early. China.
P. SPINOSA FLORE-PLENO (the double Sloe
or Blackthorn). — This flowers at the same
time as the Sloe, its blossoms white, about
half an inch in diameter and not perfectly
double, the centre of the flower containing a
cluster of stamens. The flowers are thickly
crowded on the short spiny branches, the black
colour of which serves to show off more vividly
the beauty of the flowers. It is one of the
most charming of March flowering shrubs.
P. TRILOBA FL.-PL. — This, perhaps the
most lovely of all the dwarf Prunus, is a native
of China and was introduced by Fortune. The
flowers are at their best in early April, and
each one measures \\ in. to 2 in. in diameter.
On first opening they are of a lovely shade of
delicate rose, changing with age to an almost
pure white. This species is perfectly hardy
and will thrive as a bush in the open, although
not so well as on a wall. The above remarks
refer to the double-flowered variety, which for
forty years has been in our gardens. Within
the last year or two, however, the single-
flowered wild type has been introduced. It
has smaller rosy white flowers and leaves of
the same shape as Fortune's plant, but smaller.
— W. J. B.
Pseudotsuga. See PICEA.
PTERIS (Brake}.— The Bracken Fern
(P. aquilina), the only thoroughly hardy
species of this genus, is generally so
common as not to need cultivation. If,
however, any one wishes to introduce it
where it is scarce, he should bear in mind
that to transplant it successfully large sods
containing the strong creeping roots must
be dug up, and planted in light soil ; if
peaty, so much the better. In very mild
localities, such species as P. cretica and
the elegant P. scaberula, from New
Zealand, sometimes thrive in sheltered
nooks.
PTEROCARYA ( Winged nut}.— Wal-
nut-like trees of fine stately form of leaf
and habit, P. caucasica being hardy in
our country, at least in the southern and
PTEROCEPHALUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PUNICA.
749
warmer parts. There are good trees at
Claremont and other places and one in
Hyde Park. The foliage is very glossy
and large, the tree is a vigorous grower
and should not be planted near shrubs or
other plants we wish to have a fair chance.
The trees are natives of temperate
Pterocarya caucasica.
co untries in Asia and their number is
likely to be added to as soon as more of
China, Mongolia, and countries near are
opened up. The Caucasian is the best
known species — others are : — rJwifolia
Japan, stenoptera China, and Dehwayi
Yun-Nan.
PTEROCEPHALUS.— P. Parnassi is
a Scabious-like plant of dwarf compact
growth, forming a dense rounded mass of
Pterocephalus Parnassi.
hoary foliage which in summer is studded
with mauve-coloured flower-heads. It is
a most desirable plant, thriving best in
light warm soils, and is suited either for
the rock-garden or the ordinary border.
Syn. Scabiosa pterocephala. Greece.
PTEROSTYRAX.— P. hispidum is a
deciduous Japanese shrub, and quite hardy
enough for culture as a bush. It makes a
capital wall shrub, being rapid in growth,
handsome in foliage, and very beautiful in
flower. The leaves are heart-shaped,
about 6 in. long and 3 in. broad ; the
small white flowers borne very freely in
drooping clusters about the end of July.
Another Japanese species, P. corymbosum,
is less common, though desirable for walls.
Its flowers, which are white or faintly
tinged, are in crowded clusters. Both
species are 8 to 12 ft. high in this country.
They are known botanically as Halesia
hispida and H. corymbosa, but ever since
their introduction they have been known
as Pterostyrax in gardens.
PUERARIA (Kudsu\—P. thunbergi-
ana is a remarkable and climbing plant
of almost tropical vigour, growing up poles,
colonnades and walls to a great height in
a very short time. It belongs to the pea
family and is a plant the Japanese make a
great economic use of in various ways, but
our main concern with it here is for the
flower garden and that has as yet been
little tried in England. The flowers are
a dull purple, and it is said to be hardy
even in N. Germany.
PULMONAEIA (Lungwort}.— These
are vigorous and hardy in any soil. Most
of them grow well under the shade of trees,
and all succeed best in shade. They form
dense tufts of foliage, generally hand-
somely blotched and speckled with white,
and make pretty groups in the spring
garden, or in semi-wild places, but are
worthy of the best places in the flower
garden. There are about half-a-dozen
kinds, all like each other. P. officinalis
and P. angustifolia are native plants. P.
officinalis (sometimes called P. saccharata)
has rose flowers turning to blue, and P.
angustifolia bears blue flowers. P. mollis
is intermediate between the two, and P.
grandiflora is somewhat similar to P.
officinalis. P. azurea has rich blue flowers.
Chiefly natives of Europe. P. dahuricais
sometimes called Mertenzia dahurica.
PUNICA (Pomegranate}.— i:\te the
Myrtle, the Pomegranate, P. granatum, is
grown as a wall shrub, the walls of some
old houses being covered with it, and it
makes a very beautiful covering with its
dense mass of tender green foliage. The
type has single flowers of a brilliant
scarlet, but the best is the double-flowered
sort (flore-pleno), which is also scarlet, and
is that most commonly seen. There is
750 PUSCHKINIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PYRETHRUM.
also a yellow-flowered sort and a white or
almost white kind (albescens) with single
and double forms, but these are rare. The
flowers are borne freely on the young
slender shoots of the previous year's
growth, and in pruning these must be left
untouched.
PUSCHKINIA (Striped Squill).— P.
scilloides is one of the most beautiful of
spring bulbous flowers. In its growth it is
like some of the Scillas, but its flowers
are delicate blue, each petal being
Puschkinia scilloides.
marked through the centre with a
darker colour. The flower spikes are 4
or 5 in. high. There are two forms of the
plant — the ordinary one and P. compacta.
Compacta is so called from its denser and
more numerous flowers, and is therefore
the handsomer of the two. P. scilloides
is also known as P. libanotica and P.
sicula. The Puschkinia delights in a
sunny border with a southern aspect near
a wall, or an open border slightly raised
will suit it. The soil should be light and
friable, and about i ft. in depth ; and the
bulbs planted about 4 in. deep. It will
not thrive when mixed indiscriminately
with plants of coarse growth, for their
shade and consequent dampness injure
the bulbs. During winter protect with a
mulch, but this should be removed as soon
as the severe cold is past. After the
flowering season, which is late in spring,
quite expose the soil so that it gets warm
and dry, and to ripen the bulbs well.
Shady situations in sub-alpine districts of
Asia Minor.
PYRETHRUM (Feverfew}.— Vigorous
perennial or rock-plants, by far the most
important of which is the Caucasian P.
Roseum, which has yielded the in-
numerable varieties, both single and
double, that have now become such
popular border flowers. These varieties
have much to recommend them ; they
are extremely showy, are very hardy
and easy to grow, are little affected by
sun or rain, and are invaluable as cut
flowers for several months in summer and
autumn. The blossoms are continually
becoming more varied in colour and more
refined in shape. Though Pyrethrums
are in their fullest beauty in June, they are
seldom altogether flowerless throughout
the summer ; and a succession can easily
be kept up by judicious stopping and
thinning. They are also invaluable for
autumn decoration, for if they are cut
down after flowering in June they flower
again in autumn. They are easily pro-
pagated by division or seed. The proper
time for propagation is in spring. Take
the plants up, shake off all soil, pull them
to pieces, put them in small pots, and
place them in a cold frame for a few weeks
until they become established. Do not
keep them too close, as they are apt to
damp. When they are established they
may be planted out. A good rich loam
suits them best, though they will grow and
flower freely in any good garden soil,
and the more we incorporate well-rotted
manure with the soil the better they grow
and the more luxuriantly they flower.
Mulching, especially in dry soils, is very
advantageous, as it keeps the ground
moist and cool. The varieties are so
numerous that it is difficult to make a
selection, and new sorts are continually
being raised, but the following are some of
the best : White and white-shaded —
Boule de Neige, Delicatum, Madame
Billiard, Nancy, Niveum plenum, Olivia,
Argentine, Prince de Metternich, and Ne
Plus Ultra. White with yellow centre —
Bonamy, Imperatrice Charlotte, La Belle
Blonde, Virginale, and Voie lactee. Purple
and red — Mrs. Dix, Rubrum plenum,
Mons. Barral, Brilliant, and Wilhelm
K ram per. Crimson — Michael Buckner,
Miss Plinkie, Modele, Multiflorum, Prince
Teck, Progress, Emile Lemoine, and
Marquis of Bute. Carmine and pink —
Carmineum plenum, Charles Baltet, Flori-
bundum plenum, Gloire de Stalle,
Imbricatum plenum, Nemesis, Fulgens
plenissimum, Haage et Schmidt, Iverya-
num, J. N. Twerdy, and Rev. J. Dix.
Yellow — Sulphureum plenum, Solfaterre.
Lilac and rose — Comte de Montbrun,
Delicatissimum, Dr. Livingstone, Gaiety,
Galathee, Hermann Stenger, Lady
Blanche, Lischen Minerva, Uzziel, and
Roseum plenum. Most of these are
double-flowered sorts ; but there is also a
great diversity of colour among the single
kinds, and they are quite as beautiful as
the heavy-headed double flowers, and are
PYROLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PYRUS.
751
more suitable for vases. Other species of
garden value are —
P. Parthenium (Feverfew]. -- The
golden-leaved variety of this plant (P.
P. aureum or Golden Feather) is now
common in every garden. Of this there
are several forms. One is called lacinia-
tum, and is very distinct from the older
kind. These have their uses in geo-
metrical borders, where they have a bright
effect. Their culture is of the simplest
description. Seed is sown in heat in
spring, and the seedlings are pricked off
in pans, and when large enough trans-
ferred to open borders, and there they
withstand the winter unprotected. New
plants should be raised every year, as
after flowering the second year the old
plants lose their neat compact growth.
P. Tchichatchewi (Turfing Daisy). —
A Caucasian plant, retaining its verdure
in dry weather on dry banks or slopes
where few plants would flourish ; a dwarf
creeper, quickly forming a carpet of green.
The flowers have white rays and a yellow
disc, and in forming turf of the plant in
poor dry soils they should be removed,
though for the rock-garden of the rougher
kind or for borders the flowers have some
claim to beauty.
P. uliginosum is one of the noblest of
tall herbaceous plants, and forms dense
tufts 5 to 7 feet in height. These are
crowned by lax clusters of pure white
flowers, each about twice the size of an
Ox-eye Daisy. It is excellent for cutting,
and its blossoms are produced late in
autumn before the Chrysanthemums come
in. It is a stately plant for a rich border,
and thrives best in a deep, moist, loamy
soil. It may be naturalised in damp places.
Division. Syn., P. serotinum. Hungary.
PYROLA ( Winter-green).— L\t\\z ever-
green plants of the northern woods and
boggy or sandy places, very distinct and
attractive both in leaf and flower.
P. rotundifolia (Larger Winter-green).
— P. rotundifolia is a rare native plant, 6 to
1 2 in. high, inhabiting woods, shady, bushy,
and reedy places. It has leathery leaves,
and its erect stems bear long, handsome,
and slightly-drooping racemes of pure
white flowers, half an inch across, ten to
twenty of which are borne on astern. They
have a sweet scent. P. r. arenaria is a very
graceful plant, found wild on sandy sea-
shores. It differs from the preceding in
being smooth, deep green, and dwarfer,
and in having as a rule several empty
bracts below the inflorescence. Both the
type and its variety are beautiful plants
for the shady mossy flanks of the rock-
garden in free sandy and vegetable soil.
They flourish more readily in cultivation
I than any other species of the family. In
i America there are varieties with flesh-
coloured and reddish flowers, but none of
these' are in cultivation. P. uniflora, P.
! media, P. minor, and P. secunda are also
interesting British plants, and the first-
named is very ornamental, besides being-
very rare. P. elliptica, a native of N.
America, is also found in our gardens,
though rarely. Any of the Pyrolas are
: worth growing in thin mossy copses on
light sandy vegetable soil, or in moist and
half-shady parts of the rock-garden or
the fernery.
PYRUS (Pear and Apple].— Beautiful
flowering trees and bushes of which
there is now a bewildering number, since
botanists have classed all Apples, Pears,
and their allies under the one family.
Here, however, it will be convenient to
adhere to the old classification, which
places Pears under Pyrus, Apples under
Malus, Beams under Aria, and Mountain
Ashes and Service Trees under Sorbus.
No one is likely to confuse one with
another, and their names are more easily
remembered when so classified. These old
genera are now placed as sections of Pyrus.
The finest flowering trees are those in-
cluded under the section Malus, the type
of which is the common Crab Apple (M.
communis). There is a beautiful flowering
variety of the Crab Apple called the
Paradise Apple, having large handsome
flowers, but it is seldom planted for effect,
although in common use as a stock for
grafting. The Chinese and Japanese Crab
Apples include the finest of our small trees
that flower in early summer. The Chinese
double-flowered Crab (P. M. spectabilis) is
a lovely tree, 15 to 25 ft. high, with a wide-
spreading head of branches abundantly
wreathed with large semi-double delicate
rose-pink flowers. It is not often met
with, except in old gardens. The varieties
of P. M. baccata or Berry Apple (so called
from its small round fruits) are known as
Siberian Crabs. They are graceful in
growth, showy in flower, and have highly-
coloured fruits, which add much to the
beauty of the garden in autumn. The
Japanese Crab (P. M. Toringo) has
beautiful flowers and fruits. The flo\vers
are white or pale pink, and the very small
fruits are hung on long slender stalks. Of
the Toringo Crab there are now several
forms, differing in colour of flower and of
fruit. It is a small tree, and is a large-
spreading bush if the leaders are removed.
The finest of the Eastern Crab Apples is
the Japanese P. M. floribunda. Fully
grown it makes a low tree with a dense
752 PYRUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
PYXIDANTHERA.
wide-spreading head of slender branches,
loaded every May with a profusion of
flowers of a pale pink when expanded,
and of a brilliant crimson in the bud,
when they are most beautiful. No gar-
den is well planted if this tree is wanting,
as it is hardy, grows rapidly anywhere,
and costs little to buy. There are a few
varieties of it, one called Halleana having
larger and more richly-tinted blossoms.
The North American Sweet-scented Crab
Apple (P. M. coronaria) is a lovely little
tree with large pale pink deliciously-
scented flowers. There are other orna-
mental Apples in the section Malus, but
the foregoing include the finest and the
most readily obtainable. The charming
Pyrus arbutifolia pumila.
Pyrus Maulei is allied to the handsome
P. japonica. Of the true Pears as
ornamental trees little can be said. They
are a good deal like orchard and garden
Pears in growth and flower, and their fruits
are not remarkable. One or two, how-
ever, may be planted for ornament. One
is P. Bollwylleriana, from Central Europe,
which produces in spring an abundance
of small white blooms in clusters ; and
another, P. Salicifolia (the Willow-leaved
Pear), which is well worthy of planting on
account of its distinct and beautiful foli-
age, has leaves of silvery whiteness. P.
olaeagnifolia, or Oleaster-leaved Pear is
another Eastern species with hoary leaves.
Of the Sorbus section the common
Mountain Ash (P. Aucuparia) is a familiar
example, but it is too common to need
description. There is a rare kind with
yellow berries (fructu luteo), another kind
with weeping branches (pendula), a third
of erect growth (fastigiata), and a fourth
with variegated leaves. The last, how-
ever, is not very ornamental, as the
variegation is seldom distinct. Other
species worthy of attention are P. S.
americana, the American Mountain Ash,
which is a good deal like our own Mountain
Ash ; and P. S. hybrida, a tree of very dis-
tinct growth, with a dense pyramidal head.
The leaves of P. S. hybrida are intermediate
between those of P. S. Aucuparia and P.
Aria (the White Beam). The true Service
Tree, P. S. domestica, used to be more
The true Service Tree (Pyrus domestica).
frequently planted than now. It is a hand-
some tree with elegant foliage. Of the
White Beam (P. Aria) there are some
very handsome kinds. Even our native
White Beam is ornamental. Like the
Mountain Ash, it is also one of the best
trees for planting in exposed places on
poor soil, and no tree thrives so well on
chalk. Its broad silvery foliage makes
it show in the landscape, and it is a valu-
able park tree. Its allies and varieties
include some beautiful trees, such as lati-
folia, with leaves which are broader than
the type and quite as silvery. P. A.
Hosti is a handsome tree, both in foliage
and flower. Its leaves are large and
silvery, and its delicate rose-pink flowers
are in broad flat clusters. It is a Central
European tree, perfectly hardy, and about
10 ft. high. The Himalayan Beam Tree,
P. vestita (called also P. lanata and nepal-
ensis) is extremely fine, but is not hardy
everywhere. Its very large leaves are like
those of the Loquat, and are of silvery
whiteness. Where it thrives it is 20 to
30 ft. high.
PYXIDANTHERA (Pine Barren
Beauty']. — P. barbulata is a curious little
American evergreen shrub, smaller than
many Mosses, flowering in summer, rose-
coloured in bud, white when open, the
effect of the rosy buds and the white flowers
on the dense dwarf cushions being singu-
larly pretty : it is plentiful in the sandy
dry "Pine barrens" between New Jersey
and North Carolina and often found on
little mounds in low, but not wet, places.
It is a charming plant for the rock-garden,
QUAMOCLIT.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
QUERCUS. 753
planted in pure sand and leaf-mould fully
exposed to the sun. Division.
QUAMOCLIT. — Q. cocdnea is a pretty
Convolvulus-like plant, with many small
scarlet flowers and slender stems of rapid
growth, attaining a height of 6 to 8 ft. in
a few weeks. It may be treated either
as a half-hardy annual, and sown in
February or March under glass or in a
hot-bed, but it requires a warmer climate
than ours to do its best in. Q. hederae-
folia is another pretty species. It has
scarlet flowers and lobed foliage, and
requires the same treatment as Q.
coccinea. Both are excellent plants for
sheltered trellises, as they give abundance
of flowers from July to September.
QUEECUS (Oak}.— Noble evergreen
and summer-leafing trees of northern and
temperate regions, of which no book can
give any but a feeble idea of their gift of
beauty to the earth, and value to man ;
but if we think of our own stately Oak in
the counties of Britain, and its varieties
of form in different situations in our
storm-tossed isle of such limited area, we
may, perhaps, get some idea of the value
of the several hundred known species of
Oak. Of these, by far the most useful
for our northern land are the summer
leafing (or deciduous) Oaks, resting as
they do from all evil influence during the
trying season, and coming out in beauti-
ful leaf, as our own Oak does, when the
summer is nearly with us. The evergreen
Oaks, though of vast importance in more
temperate countries (I have passed
through millions of acres of evergreen
Oak in North Africa alone), are of less
value in our cold climate, but we have one
precious kind in the Ilex, and other kinds
may be grown in the mild parts to a lim-
ited extent, especially in sea-shore districts
where evergreen shelter is welcome.
From the point of view of effect, the
most noble of the summer-leafing Oaks
are the American Oaks, with their fine
colour in autumn. No trees have been
more and more talked of, yet why are
they so rare in our gardens ? The answer
is, I think, because of our ways of pro-
curing them, by plants too old, from
nurseries, and, most fatal of all, by the
habit of grafting exotic kinds on the com-
mon Oak, and neglecting the natural
modes of increase, in the case of Oaks,
certainly by seed. If we were dealing
with plants of a tender nature, for which
some hardy stock would be necessary,
there might be some reason for this, but
it is not so, because these lovely American
Oaks inhabit colder regions than our own
country, and they are absolutely different
in character from ours, some of them living
on dry, warm soils, whereas our Oak is
usually best, and certainly the timber is
best, on soils of a heavy nature. There-
fore, those who wish to have the American
Oaks in their beauty should work from
! seed sown in the place where we wish the
trees to grow, or raised in nurseries and
transplanted early, or purchase young
and healthy plants from forest tree nur-
series, and in that way secure the vigorous
growth of the seedling tree. Communi-
cation is so easy with America now that
there should be no difficulty in getting
seeds by post, nor should there be any
trouble in our nurserymen raising good
stock from seed of all the more essential
and well-known kinds. In getting acorns
over from America or other countries,
they should be sown as soon as possible
after coming to hand, and it is best to
have them sent packed tightly in moist
earth.
In the country seats of the United
Kingdom there is much varied land in
which these Oaks might find a place, at
first for their beauty, as in the case of the
scarlet and red Oaks, and eventually
these great Oaks would have value as
timber trees, more than some of the trees
we give a place to. Therefore I think
that in renewing and filling gaps in wood-
lands near the house, and also in planting
new woods, it might often be well to
plant a group or mass of these American
Oaks.
In such a large family as the Oak there
are rare and delicate species which we
need not concern ourselves with, at least
before we have established about us in
some effective ways the more stately and
noble Oaks, nor need we be much con-
cerned about hybrids which occur in
nature between wild species, and also
have been raised in gardens and much
talked about. As a rule, hybrids in this
family are not nearly so important as the
wild trees, except, of course, such varieties
as occur naturally when we raise the tree
from seed, as in the case of the common
European evergreen Oak, which gives a
pretty variety from seed, as, indeed, our
wild Oak does, of which we may see in any
good Oak district, perhaps, trees in a dozen
different states of leaf and colour in one
day.
It is well that some of the favoured
shores and valleys of the world have Ever-
green Oaks which we may grow in our
country, the best known of these being the
Ilex of Italy, which is, happily, hardy in our
country. It is perhaps most beautiful in
3 c
754 QUERCUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
QUERCUS.
sea-shore districts, and many places,
both in England and Ireland, have fine
trees. Old trees give excellent shade,
and it is a very pretty shelter for the flower
garden.
With such a great shore-line, the op-
portunities for growing the evergreen
oaks well are vastly greater than they
would be in a Continental country of
like temperature to ours. They are
lovely shelter trees as groups or groves
for gardens swept by sea winds, as
we may see at St. Ann's, near Dublin,
Holkar, in Norfolk, and Tregothnan, and
they are just as good in inland places
wanting shelter. Sometimes after very
hard winters the trees look as if they
were killed, but afterwards throw off
the injured leaves and grow happily
again. They should be transplanted
with the greatest care when young,
and the best way is often to raise
plants from acorns, common where the
tree grows well, and which may be often
gathered in Italy and at home. They
should be sown as soon as possible after
ripening.
The following excludes kinds not likely, j
from their inhabiting warmer regions or i
other reasons, to be hardy and vigorous \
in our country : —
SUMMER-LEAFING OAKS.
Q. ACUMINATA (Chestnut Oak}. — A tall
tree with a maximum height of over 150 ft.,
with grey flaky bark, and chestnut-like leaves,
shiny on the upper surface and greyish beneath.
This should be a very useful Oak in certain
soils in Britain supposed to be inimical to our
own Oak. Eastern States and Canada, and
westwards, in dry limestone soil.
Q. ALBA (White Oak}. — A fine forest tree,
sometimes 150 ft. high with deeply lobed but j
not sharp-pointed leaves, and grey bark scaling
off in plates. A native of Canada and the j
more northern United States, its hardiness
need not be doubted, and the wood is hard |
and tough and good.
Q. CERRIS (Turkey Oak}.— This is a valu-
able tree for garden and park. Though not
unlike the common Oak in growth and branch-
ing, it is readily distinguished by its deeper
green and finely cut foliage and by its mossy-
cupped acorns. It is also much more rapid in
growth and will flourish in light and varied
soils. It retains its foliage longer than most
other trees and some of its varieties are almost
evergreen. The chief of these is the Lucombe
Oak a tree of graceful growth which rapidly
ascends into a tall cone of foliage and
retains its leaves through mild winters. The
Fulham Oak is a similar tree of hybrid origin.
It is also partially evergreen and differs from
the Lucombe Oak chiefly in its habit of growth
being more spreading. Other varieties of the
Turkey Oak are the Weeping, a decidedly
pendulous branched variety and most desirable
for a lawn, a variegated form, one of the best
of these kinds as the leaves are clearly mar-
1 gined with creamy white, and the cutleaved,
in which the leaves are finely cut, giving the
tree an elegant feathery appearance. The
variety known as Q. aitstriaca semfervircns is
a form of the Turkey Oak sub-evergreen in
character and of medium growth and useful for
small gardens. It is easy to attach too much
importance to these varieties which rarely
equal the wild tree in beauty or character, and
which have the disadvantage of being increased
by grafting, which is against their ever attain-
1 ing the stature and dignity of the wild tree.
Q. COCCINEA (77^ Scarlet Oak). — A forest
I tree, in its native country growing to 160 ft.
high, and one of the best North American Oaks
i worthy of planting for ornament in this country.
It is a beautiful tree at all seasons, but particu-
larly so in the autumn when the rich scarlet
and crimson hues of its foliage are very hand-
some. There are varieties of it in nurseries
called uiacrophylla with larger leaves than the
type, and pendula which has a drooping habit
of growth. There is a variety known as
tinctoria.
Q. CONFERTA (Hungarian Oak}.— This is a
noble tree in its own country and one of the
quickest growing Oaks in cultivation. It has
much larger leaves than the common Oak and
they are cut in much the same way. Its growth
is denser and less spreading as we see it here at
present than in Hungary, but there are as yet no
large trees of it. It is without question a good
Oak to plant as a tree of the future, as it is very
hardy and grows well in almost all kinds of
soil except the lightest and the heaviest. Syn.
Q. pannonica.
Q. MACROCARPA (Bur Oak}. — A large forest
tree of a maximum height of 160 ft. with a
trunk as much as 8 ft. in diameter, and rather
large, thin, deeply incised, but blunt lobed
leaves shiny on the upper side, but whitish
below. The timber is good and tough. A :.
native of rich soils from Nova Scotia to M anitoba,
and also southwards. Syn. Q. olivaeformis.
Q. MINOR (Post Oak). — A tall tree, some-
times in its best state 100 ft. high, with rough
grey bark and deeply incised but blunt pointed
leaves. The wood is very hard and durable.
North America, in the eastern states, and \\ esl
wards and southwards.
Q. NIGRA (Water Oak).—\ forest tree-
though not so tall as other Oaks — 80 ft. There
is a variety of it in cultivation named iwhilis
which has leaves 9 ins. ormore in length of a rich
green. It makes a handsome small tree. In
wet and swampy ground, Eastern and \\ estern
United States, also southwards. Syn. o.
aquatica.
Q. PALUSTRIS (Pin Oak}.—^ forest tre«
with a maximum height of 120 ft, and i> so
hardy and so handsome that it is quite an
established tree in English nurseries. It is one
of the quickest growing Oaks and its chief
beauty is the tender green, almost yellow, of
QUERCUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
QUERCUS. 755
the unfolding foliage in May, and rich autumn
tints. It soon makes a fine tree and is one of
the best to plant in moist ground or marshy
places, as it grows naturally in such places.
Leaves deeply cut, bright green and smooth.
Northern United States and westward.
shade and fine beauty of form as at Shrubland
and in many other places. Botanists give this
and the other British Oak under the general
term of Q. Robur, but they are wrong, as the
Oaks are distinct in form and habit. Of the
common Oak there are several varieties that
Q. PEDUNCULATA (British Oak} is the most
valuable of British trees and most beautiful in
old age in many different states both in wood,
park, chase, by rivers, and in pasture land,
and one which I like well to see coming into
the home grounds in its old state, giving noble
An Evergreen Oak.
should be made use of in ornamental planting.
Those with coloured foliage include the Golden
Oak ( Concordia) which has rich yellow foliage
throughout the summer. It is a very slow
growing variety and rarely seen larger than a
dwarf scrubby tree. The purple leaved variety
3 C 2
756 QUERCUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
QUERCUS.
(purpurascens} is stronger growing and a
desirable tree on account of the rich ruddy
tinge of its foliage. It is also called atropur-
purea. Of the varieties that differ from the
type in growth the most distinct are fastigiata
or pyramidalis) which is of much the same
style of growth as the Lombardy Poplar, but
does not grow so tall. The Weeping Oak
(var. petidula) is as decided a weeping tree as
the Weeping Ash and is a vigorous grower and
a beautiful and graceful tree. There are several
forms with cut leaves, the most distinct being
those named filicifolia or the Fern leaved Oak,
heterophylla and scolopendrifolia which latter
has leaves like a miniature Harts Tongue fern.
There are variegated forms of both the common
type and of the Cypress Oak, but not so im-
portant for landscape effect as the varieties
that take a natural colour, but we have
never seen any variety of Oak as handsome
as the common tree. It is frequently in
forests over 100 ft. high, and occasionally
over 150 ft., giving a great quantity of valu-
able timber. The leaves fall earlier than those
of the Durmast Oak, and are more varied
in yellowish and brownish colours at the com-
mencement of growth.
O. PHELLOS (Willow Oak). — A forest tree
80 ft. high, and unlike the other Oaks in
foliage which is narrow and long like that of a
Willow, whitish beneath which gives the tree
a silvery appearance on a windy day. It is not
a common tree though it was introduced from
North America in the last century. It is of slow
growth in cold places and soils and thrives well
and grows rapidly on well drained light soils
especially in a gravelly subsoil. United States.
Q. PLATINOIDES (Swamp White Oak). — A
large forest tree with flaky green bark, and, in
its best state, reaching a height of over 100 ft.,
with slightly lobed leaves, and the acorns on
rather long stalks. It has good, tough, closely-
grained wood, and is a native of moist and
swampy soils in Canada and west to Michigan.
Syn. Q. bicolor.
Q. PRINUS (Rock Chestnut Oak). — A large
tree sometimes attaining a height of 100 ft.
with the leaves somewhat chestnut like, and
bearing an edible Acorn, in dry soil. Eastern
States, and Ontario and southwards.
Q. RUBRA (Red or Champion Oak). — A
noble forest tree with a maximum height of
nearly 1 50 ft , and one of the finest of American
trees, remarkable for the richness of its
autumn tints. It is a fine park tree and also
makes a beautiful shade tree for lawns. It
grows best on a free and deep soil and is much
more rapid in growth on moist than in dry
soils. It has large foliage that hangs in heavy
masses on the wide-spreading limbs. Nova
Scotia, Canada and Eastern States.
Q. SESSILIFLORA (Durmast Oak) is the
second species of British Oak and is often
included with Q. pedtmculata but is distinct
from a planter's point of view, not being so
long lived or quite so noble a tree. It is,
nevertheless, one of the finest forest trees of
northern countries, and has a straighter and
more cylindrical stem and form of tree even
than the common Oak, is of a deeper green,
denser foliage, and giving better covert and
more leaf soil. The leaves are a little longer
than those of our other native Oak, sometimes,
in mild winters, remaining on the tree until
the others come. Its area of distribution is
slightly different, growing less in plains and
valleys than our other Oak, but inhabiting
plateaux and slopes of hills and mountains,
sometimes growing 3,000 or 4,000 ft. high,
and also different from the common Oak in its
thriving on gravelly, sandy and calcareous soil,
while the common Oak is best in heavy soils.
The qualities of the wood of the two kinds
have been the subject of much dispute, and
perhaps the discussion is often confused by the
influence of soils, the wood of Q. sessiiiflora is
generally thought to be less tough and less
resisting than that of the common Oak. It
has a straighter fibre and finer grain. Like
the other Oak this has several varieties of little
value.
Q. VELUTINA (Black Oak). — A tall tree up
to 150 ft., the outer bark a very dark brown
with deeply cut leaves with sharp points.
This fine tree is rare with us and worth a trial
from seed sown where we wish it to grow, or
from young seedling plants. Northern United
States, Canada and westwards, and also in the
southern states. W. R.
EVERGREEN OAKS.
Q. ACUTA is a native of Japan, with dark
leathery leaves about the size of those of the
common Cherry Laurel. This has not been
long enough in the country to enable one
to judge the merits of an adult tree, but even
as a bush it is a fine object. Q. Bucr^cri
robusta is a vigorous large-leaved form.
Q. AGRIFOLIA, the Enceno of the Californian
coast, is a distinct Oak rarely seen in gardens,
in aspect not unlike some forms of Q. 7/kv,
but the leaves are of a different shade of green.
Dr. Engelmann says it is "a large tree, with
a stout, low trunk, often 8 to 12 ft., sometimes
1 6 to 21 ft., in circumference, and with a
spread of branches of 120 ft."
Q. CHRYSOLEPIS ( Calif ornian Live Oak) is
found along the coast ranges and along the
western slopes of the Sierra Nevada, where it
forms a tree 3 to 5 ft. in diameter of stem, or,
at higher elevations, is reduced to a shrub. It
has pretty spiny-toothed dark green "leaves,
somewhat golden on the under surface, and in
its native country it is a beautiful evergreen
tree.
Q. COCCI FERA. — A dense bush with small
spiny dark green leaves, and very small acorns,
often hardly larger than a Pea, which now and
then ripen in Southern England. S. Europe.
Q. DENSIFLORA. — A tree 50 to 60 ft. high,
in some positions often a shrub. At Kew this
grows freely in rather sheltered places, and
produces fine leathery leaves of a dark green
colour, in outline somewhat like those of a
small Spanish Chestnut. Mountains of Cali-
fornia.
RAMONDIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. RANUNCULUS. 757
Q. GLABRA. — A Japanese Oak, with large
handsome leaves, the acorns borne in upright
spikes. Several varieties are mentioned in
catalogues, but they are hardly distinct. At
Kew the species makes a large bush and is
thoroughly hardy.
Q. ILEX. — The best-known of Evergreen
Oaks, and the most valuable for Britain. Old
trees, which have been allowed plenty of space
and have been allowed to grow naturally,
resemble in form the Olive trees of the Italian
coast and of the Riviera. It is one of the
most variable of Oaks, but few of the named
varieties — and there are many — are so beauti-
ful as the wild kind.
Q. SUBER (Cork Oak}.— The Cork Oak,
which, except for the curious growth of its
bark, hardly differs in effect from the Holm
Oak. There are fine old trees of this at Mount
Edgcumbe, Goodwood, and other places,
though the Cork Oak is not hardy enough for
our climate generally.
Q. VIRENS (Live Oak] is in its native
country a tree of the first economic value,
and deserves all the encomiums passed on
it by Cobbett in his Woodlands. All the
trees in England I have seen under this
name are, however, forms of Q. Ilex, and I
doubt there being any fine trees of the true
Q. virens in cultivation in this country. — N.
RAMONDIA (Rosette Mullieji}.—R.
pyrenaica is an interesting Pyrenean plant,
with leaves in rosettes close to the ground,
the flowers purple-violet colour, with
Ramondia pyrenaica.
orange-yellow centre, i to i^ in. across,
on stems 2 to 6 in. long, in* spring and
early summer. There has been a good
deal of writing about its cultivation, but it
is really not difficult ; growing in cool peat
borders on the lower ledges of the rock-
garden, or in moist chinks. It is found
in the valleys of the Pyrenees, on the
face of steep and rather shady rocks.
There is a rare white variety which does
well in borders of American shrubs in1
peat soil. There is one good and one or
more pure white varieties, and some less
known species of new kinds are talked of
of, such as R. Heldreichi, R. serbica,
and R. Natalias ; the two last found in
Servia. Seed and division. Gesneraceae
RANUNCULUS (Crowfoot Buttercup*}.
— Mountain, meadow, and marsh herbs,
many of them weeds, while others are
among the choicest of alpine flowers and
perennials for borders. They are for the
most part of the simplest culture ; only
R. asiaticus and its many varieties re-
quire special treatment.
R. aconitifolius. — A mountain pasture
herb. The double-flowered variety which
is known as Fair Maids of France is a
pretty garden plant about 18 in. high,
Ranunculus aconitifolius fl.-pl. (Fair Maids of France).
for several weeks in early summer
covered with small rosette-like white blos-
soms. It is a charming plant in deep
moist soils, and the single wild plant
worth a place in collections.
R. acris (Bachelors' Buttons).— T\&
pretty double form of this plant is also a
useful kind, its rich yellow blossoms borne
in button-like rosettes : a border plant,
and good in moist soil.
R. alpestris (Alpine Buttercup}.— A
native of the alpine regions of Central
Europe, and found chiefly growing in
calcareous soil : a handsome kind, forming-
small tufts of shining, dark-green, prettily
cut leaves ; flowers large pure white, with
numerous yellow stamens in the centre,
and borne singly on erect stems from
2 in. to 6 in. high in June and July. A
758 RANUNCULUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
RANUNCULUS.
good rock-garden plant in light, porous,
moist soil. — C.
E. amplexicaulis ( White Buttercup} is
a lovely garden plant, about I ft. high,
with slender stems, glaucous-gray leaves,
and blossoms I in. across, pure white with
yellow centres, blooming in April and
May : a pretty border and rock-garden
plant, doing best in a deep moist loam.
Pyrenees and Alps of Provence.
R. asiaticus ( Turban Buttercup}. — An
old garden plant, with neat double flowers
of many colours, divided into various
sections, such as the Dutch, Scotch,
Persian, and Turkish, each representing
a distinct race, and all beautiful. The
culture of this Ranunculus is simple
if a few essentials are observed. The
situation should be open, but not exposed,
and the soil a loam mixed with decayed
stable manure equal to a third of its
bulk. About a month previous to plant-
ing, the bed should be prepared to a
depth of 15 in., and planting should take
place about the last half of February ; in
some seasons it may take place in October,
though such an early date is not the best.
Drills about 5 in. apart and \\ deep
should be made with a small hoe ; the
claws of the roots should be placed down-
wards and pressed firmly into the soil,
which should be raked over the roots, and
a top dressing of about 2 in. of good loam
given. If the surface soil is light, it may
be gently beaten with a spade in order to
obtain a firm surface, and this may be
repeated just before the foliage appears,
say about a month or six weeks after
the planting. As this Ranunculus de-
lights in moist soil, water should be given
if there is a scarcity of rain, and in no
case should the roots be allowed to be-
come dry. A light top-dressing of arti-
ficial manure or guano just as the foliage
is above ground will do good. When the
flowers are past and the leaves faded, the
roots must be taken up, dried, and stored
in a cool place in sand till the next plant-
ing season, for roots left in the ground are
injured by rains and never strong. The
Persian varieties are the finest as regards
colour, compactness, and symmetry of
growth ; but the Turban varieties are of
hardier constitution and of freer growth,
and therefore are better suited for beds,
lines, and masses. The Scotch and
Dutch varieties are also fine for masses
in beds, being all of highly effective
colours. It is useless to enumerate the
different varieties, as they are usually sold
according to colour, and are mentioned
in nearly every bulb catalogue. The
large semi-double French (de Caen) and
the Italian forms of this plant are good.
j The wild plant, which I gathered in Egypt
both in the yellow and red forms, "is a
lovely wild flower, and as well worth
growing as any of its garden varieties,
but it is not hardy and soon perished on
my cool stiff soil. To be grown it must
be treated like its variety, /.£., the roots
taken up yearly.
R. bulbosus fl.-pl. is a showy plant,
about i ft. in height, with, in early sum-
mer, numerous double yellow blossoms,
growing well in any soil. Of R. repens
there are two double varieties, one neat
and the other untidy.
R. bullatllS is a fine border plant, about
6 in. high, with large orange-yellow blos-
soms like those of the Marsh Marigold
(Caltha palustris). It is not so hardy as
the majority of the Crowfoots, and should
therefore be placed in warm dry soil.
R. crenatus.— A native of alpine and
siliceous mountains in Styria, the leaves
entire and roundish ; the flowers are large,
white, with almost entire petals, two or
three together at the extremity' of stem, 3
or 4 in. high in April and May, in the
rock-garden in deep sandy soil in our
country, fully exposed to the sun.
R. glacialis (Glacier Buttercup}. —
This is the plant of the icy regions,
being found near to the melting snow
on the loftiest
mountains. The
whole plant in-
voluntarily re-
minds one of
melting ice.
The thick fleshy
leaves of a dark
green, and deep-
ly incised, the
stem of a brown-
ish-red tint, 3 or
4 in. long, pros-
trate on the
ground, and
bearing from one
to four flowers,
the petals of
which are at
first of a light
pink colour, pas-
sing intoabright
coppery - red —
everything
about this plant
has a glacial as-
pect. It thrives
on cool and moist but fully exposed ledge
of the rock-garden, in deep gritty soil with
white stones or sand on the surface to
keep it cool. Alps and Pyrenees.
Ranunculus lingua.
RAPHIOLEPIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. RETIXOSPORA. 759
R. Lingua (Great Spear-wort}. — A
native kind, and a noble waterside plant,
its leaves rising boldly out of the water,
and large yellow and attractive flowers.
Thrives in muddy watersides, and the
numerous and handsome flowers are good
for cutting for the house.
R. Lyalli (Rockwood Lily).— A lovely
New Zealand plant ; in moist places in the
Southern Alps the plant has large rounded
leaves and very large handsome waxy white
flowers, not unlike those of Anemone
japonica, with delicate yellow stamens
in the centre. In some places in Britain
this plant is not hardy, but in others it
stands the winter well. A writer in The
Garden says of a plant at Kew : " It is
growing in a deep peaty bed, sheltered
from the north and east, and has been
without protection of any kind for over two
years. To get the seed of this charming
plant to germinate is difficult, as importa-
tions in recent years have failed, and like
many other similar plants it seems to do
best when let alone. It has flowered in a
few gardens, and would seem to require
cool rock-garden treatment so far as now
known." — W. K.
R. parnassifolius (Parnassia-leaved
Buttercup}. — A singular-looking plant with
thick, entire leaves, woolly on the edges,
flowers large, of a pure white colour, borne
two or three together on a prostrate stem
in the month of May. In the Pyrenees
and on the French Alps it is rare to
find a flower of this handsome species
which possesses the full number of petals.
A rock-garden plant requiring the same
treatment as the higher mountain species.
R. rutaefolius (Rue-leaved Buttercup}
has Rue-like leaves and white flowers
with dark yellow centres. Coming from
the highest parts of the Alps, it requires
the same treatment as the higher alpine
plants, in a fully-exposed spot in moist soil
with plenty of grit in it.
R. speciosus (Large Double Buttercup}
is a showy plant, with compact rosette-
like flowers of bright yellow in May,
succeeding in any light soil. In a full
collection, R. gramineus, chasrophyllus,
illyricus, and fumaricRfolius may be in-
cluded.
The above is but a selection from a
very large family in nature, many of which
are little known in gardens, and many of
no garden interest.
RAPHIOLEPIS (Japanese Hawthorn}.
— R. ovata is a beautiful Japanese shrub,
hardy in southern districts, and with a
little winter-protection may even be
planted in cold parts. Its thick evergreen
leaves are of a dark colour, and its flowers,
Raphiolepis indica.
which are large, white, and sweet-scented,
are in clusters terminating the young
branches. It is a low
spreading bush, some-
what open and strag-
gling, and should not
be crowded with other
shrubs. Some of the
other species, such as
R. indica and R. salici-
folia, both from China,
are not hardy enough
for the open ground,
but make good wall
shrubs.
RESEDA (Mignon-
ette}.— The only spe-
cies worth growing is
R. odorata, and its
varieties. Seed sown
in the open ground in
March or April pro-
duces in a few weeks flowering plants, which
continue to bloom till late in autumn. If,
fine masses be wished for, the seed should
be sown in pans about the end of March,
the seedlings placed singly in 3-in. pots, and
planted out in good soil in an open posi-
tion. A little attention should be given
to thinning out the weak shoots and
stopping the vigorous ones. Plants sown
in autumn will survive mild winters and
produce flowers in early summer, these
being finer than those of spring-sown
plants. There are now many varieties, as
R. odorata grandi flora, R. o. pyramidalis
grandiflora, the compact strong growing
variety Machet, with bold spikes of reddish
flowers and broad abundant leaves, and
dwarf varieties. Machet is the kind
grown so largely in pots for the London
markets, and it is also a good kind for
the open air.
Retinospora. See CUPRESSUS.
A name often wrongly given, and it would
be difficult to exaggerate the evil effect in
various ways of giving long Latin names to
mere forms and "states" of twigs which may
unhappily be propagated by cuttings or grafts,
and the repeating for ever in nursery catalogues
of doubtful generic names, of which a bad in-
stance is that of this name, with which our
catalogues have been crowded for years. As
is not unusual among the conifers, mere
states — of totally distinct trees, such as the
Arbor vitic — were catalogued ; and where it
was given with somewhat better reason to
distinct plants we now find that all given the
name belong to a nobler race, the Cypresses.
This name Retinospora, therefore, may be
dropped out of use by those who care to sim-
plify their words and collections of trees. One
result of this confusion of mystifying names is
that it very often keeps many willing planters
760 RHEUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. RHODODENDRON.
from finding the really great trees among the
cloud of names.
RHEUM (Rhubarb]. — Herbaceous
plants of great vigour and picturesque
aspect, and their fine leaves are well seen
by the margins of. shrubberies and in
places where luxuriant vegetation is de-
sired. They like deep and rich soil. R.
Emodi is a fine-leaved plant, for groups in
the pleasure-ground, but requiring good
soil. It grows about 5 ft. high, and is
imposing with its wrinkled leaves and
large red veins. R. officinale, however,
as regards foliage, is the most effective.
It is effective early in the year and
should be placed near the shrubbery,
on the turf, or in the wild garden. In
small glades with rich soil a bold effect
might be produced by a good selection of
Rhubarbs with Ferulas, Heracleums, Rhu-
barbs, Acanthuses, Yuccas, the common
Artichoke, Gunnera scabra, and other
vigorous hardy plants. R. officinale
is hardy and easily propagated. R.
palmatum is a slow-growing plant, and
smaller than its variety, R. p. tanguticum,
which increases rapidly, has fine foliage,
and will be welcome to those who grow
the other hardy species. R. nobile is
distinct, forming a dense pyramid of
foliage. It is, however, one of the most
difficult to cultivate, and in Europe has
succeeded only in the Edinburgh Botanic
Garden. Indian and Asiatic Mountains.
The garden Rhubarbs worth growing are
R. australe, R. compactum, R. rugosum,
R. hybridum, Victoria Rhubarb (with very
large leaves and long red stalks), Myatt's
Linnaeus, and Prince Albert. Scott's
Monarch is the most ornamental of all the
garden varieties.
RHEXIA (Meadow Beauty].— R. -uir-
ginica is a beautiful dwarf bog plant with
vivid, deep rosy flowers 6 or 8 in. high, in
sandy swamps in New England and the
Eastern States, and is found as far west
as Illinois and Wisconsin. R. Mariana
is even scarcer in this country than R.
virginica, and less important. The Rhexias
must not be divided much, and healthy
tufts should be obtained from their native
localities, and planted in a sandy peat bed.
RHODANTHE (Everlasting].-Chzrm-
ing half-hardy annuals from Australia,
valuable as border flowers and for winter
bouquets. They are all of slender growth,
i to i£ ft. high, and have glaucous-grey
foliage and pretty flowers. The original
species, R. Manglesi has fine rose-
coloured blossoms with yellow centres,
and of which there is a double variety.
R. maculata has a deep crimson ring
encircling the eye of the flower ; and there
is a pure white variety. R. atro-sanguinea
differs considerably from R. maculata,
being not only dwarfer, but more branched.
The flowers, of a bright magenta colon rr
are rather smaller than those of maculata,
but average i in. in diameter. It is rather
less hardy than maculata, but sufficiently
hardy for the open air. All these kinds
should be sown thinly in heat in pots in
February or March. In the southern
counties they may also be sown in the
open air in May on warm borders in good
soil. In frames, freely watered, and
placed in a temperature of 65° to 70°, the
seeds quickly germinate, but if in-
sufficiently watered, will remain dormant
for several weeks. The seedlings should
be pricked while young, as they do not
transplant well when large. Plant them
in a warm open position, and a well-
manured light soil — if peaty, the better.
They ought to be protected for a few days
after transplanting.
RHODODENDRON (Rose Tree].-A
noble family of shrubs, so popular that
they are often over-planted ; that is to
say, we see Rhododendrons in large and
often lumpy masses in many country
places where no planting of any other
kind worth speaking of is carried out.
In districts where they do well, the soil
and climate being suitable, monotonous
effects arise through their over-use, against
which all who care for beautiful gardens
should protest. The mild climate of our
country and generally our rather mild
winters allow many more kinds to grow
with us than on the Continent of Europe
generally, or in N. America. In severe
winters some kinds are touched by frost
even with us, and therefore we must be
on our guard against planting other than
the hardy varieties except in the south
of England and Ireland. The hardy
American species should be grown more
in lowland valleys, as I find that they
stand winters which kill R. ponticum.
The vast range in our country over
which the plant will grow well, alike in
Ireland, England, and Scotland, makes
the possession of the finest kinds most
important. Among the numbers of kinds
that have been raised by English nursery-
men, a good many poor, dull, or ugly in
colour have been sent out, and therefore it
is important to get kinds good in colour
and to group and arrange them better
than has hitherto been done ; that is to
say, not so much in flat areas and lumpy
beds. A far better way is to break them
up into bold and simple groups, holding
the colours more together and not scatter-
ing them about in spotty mixtures. It
RHODODENDRON.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. RHODODENDRON. 761
is important to get plants from layers
where possible, and not grafted plants,
as these are apt to perish and their
places be taken by the common stock, of
which we have already far too much.
Hitherto it has been very difficult to get
layered plants ; but some of our best
nurserymen see the change suggested
here is a good one and are providing for
it. It makes great difference in the end
whether the kind has its own roots and
limeless soil, the difficulty is to prevent
their growing so quickly as to smother
each other. They are often too closely
planted, and after a few years of rapid
growth such plantations cannot show
their beauty. It would be much better to
plant all the choice kinds rather thinly.
Where from previous thick planting the
bushes are too close together, thin them
promptly and severely, leaving the choicer
kinds and the finest-formed bushes. In
Rhododendron Falconeri.
is spread about into many plants, or is on
some wretched stock on which it perishes.
Rhododendrons are of free growth in
almost any soils except those with lime
in them. On many loamy soils free
from lime the plants do perfectly well,
although perhaps never so much at
home as on a sandy peat. Over a
large area of Ireland where the lime-
stone prevails it is, I think, not worth try-
ing to cultivate Rhododendrons and it is
always better to grow things that do best
on one's own soil. Given a peaty or
this way we get light and shade among
the plants instead of allowing them to
form one flat level mass. The excellent
plan of placing lilies and the other fine
handsome hardy flowers among Rhodo-
dendrons and like shrubs tends to keep
them more open and delightful in every
way, their forms as well as flowers being-
better shown.
The plants, forming generally close balls
of earth, are more easily transplanted than
most shrubs. This is often done in late
spring and summer, as for the London
762 RHODODENDRON. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. RHODODENDRON.
flower-shows, where numbers of the finest
kinds are brought in spring and taken
away in summer. In the case of all choice
and rare varieties remove the seed-vessels
after flowering, thus saving the strength
of the plants for future good growth and
flowers.
Hardy Rhododendrons seldom flower
profusely in consecutive years, but fine
displays biennially are usually made.
Established plants can take care of
themselves and in strong loamy soil
artificial waterings are not required.
In very dry summers mulching the roots
of a few single plants that occupy a
rather dry position is often necessary,
but where the beds are on level ground
they succeed without this attention. This
is not so in all cases, as drought in the
early autumn months often kills many of
the large plants on shallow soils. Rhodo-
dendrons are, as a rule, safe from over-
dryness at the root until August ; then, if
the weather should be dry, a good soaking
of water twice a week and a mulch over
the roots of half-rotten manure, 3 or 4 in.
in thickness, will maintain them in health.
Some degree of shade is helpful to Rhodo-
dendrons, all the more so in dry soils and
in the districts with a slight rainfall.
THE EVILS OF GRAFTING.— Apropos of
this subject, Mr. Scrase Dickins, writes :
"We have a large number ot grafted
Rhododendrons, planted over thirty
years ago, from the base of which
every year a thick growth of suckers
springs up ; these require to be cleared
off in the early summer, and again in
the autumn, if the intended variety
is to retain its claim to existence ;
but the labour entailed is considerable,
and many are overlooked or passed by
for want of time. Occasionally one comes
across a great bush of the common
ponticum, with a small scraggy piece in
the centre to show that once it was
meant to be a hybrid variety of special
beauty ; but the worst of the whole
business seems to be that the older the
plant the larger is the base from which
the suckers spring, and consequently the
larger is the number of suckers. With
Ghent Azaleas the trouble is nearly as
bad ; the common yellow form on which
they are grafted, being a strong grower,
soon makes short work in ejecting the
less vigorous intruder. It is very un-
fortunate when, after a certain number
of years, the labour and money spent in
an endeavour to obtain some specially
beautiful effect results in a common-
place arrangement of lilac and yellow.
When the snow has prostrated large
Rhododendrons, those that are on their
own roots will often raise themselves in a
thaw without help ; whereas those that
are grafted will most likely have broken oft'
short at the base. If the union between
the stock and the scion is so imperfect
as to give way under these provocations,
it follows that the flow of sap and con-
sequent development of the plant must
be seriously interfered with. In some
cases this may prove beneficial in
restraining a coarseness of growth and
inducing fertility, but it is the reason
why we do not possess in our gardens
finer examples of graceful and well-
cleveloped natural specimens. In order
to gain new and improved varieties, it is
necessary to raise a large number of
seedlings. If nurserymen were to give
their attention more generally to raising
seedlings and layered plants, it might
with reason be expected that they would
raise a large number of new and improved
varieties. If planters, looking forward
to the future, as planters as a rule must
do, would insist on being supplied by the
nurserymen with own root plants only,
then our successors would have finer ex-
amples to thank us for, and we should be
increasing our store of what is beautiful
among our treasures in garden and wood."
The following is a list of the best hardy
varieties : —
Achievement.
Duchess of Connaught.
Adrian.
Duchess of Sutherland.
Agamemnon.
Duke of Connaught.
Album elegans.
Elfrida.
Album grandiflorum.
Everestianum.
Alexander Adie.
Fair Helen.
Alma.
Fimbriatum.
Amphion.
Fleur de Marie.
Archimedes.
Florence.
Atro-sanguineum.
Francis Dickson.
Auguste van Geert
Frederick Waterer.
Bacchus.
Garibaldi.
Barclayanum.
George Paul.
Baron Schroeder.
Gloire de Bellevue.
Beauty of Surrey.
Govenianum.
Bertram. i Guido.
Blandyanum. Hamlet.
Bluebell.
Hannibal.
Boule de Neige.
Helen Waterer.
Bouquet de Flore.
Hendersoni.
Brayanum.
Hermit.
Broughtoni.
H. H. Hunnewell.
Bylsianum.
H. W. Sargent.
Caractacus.
I ago.
Catawbiense.
Ingrami.
Catawbiense album.
Jack Waterer.
Charles Bagley.
Charles Dickens.
James Bateman
James Macintosh.
Charles Thorold.
James Mason
C. S. Sargent.
Chionoides.
fames Nasmyth
J. Marshall Brooks.
Coerulescens.
John Spencer.
Concessum.
John Walter.
Congestum roseum.
Coriaceum.
John Waterer.
Joseph Whitworth.
Crown Prince.
Kate Waterer.
Cruentum.
Kate Alice Waterer.
Cynthia.
Kettledrum.
Delicatissimum.
Lady Annette de Trafford.
Delicatum.
Lady Armstrong.
Doncaster.
Lady Clementina M it-
Duchess of Bedford.
ford.
RHODODENDRON. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. RHODODENDRON. 763
'resident van den Hecke.
'rince Camille de Rohan.
'rincess ChristianA
'rincess Mary ofVCam-
bridge. *
Lady Clermont.
Lady Dorothy Neville.
Lady Eleanor Cathcart.
Lady Falmouth.
Lady Francis Crossley.
Lady Grey Egerton.
Lady Godiva.
Lady Olive Guinness.
Lady Tankerville.
Lalla Rookh.
Limbatum.
Lord John Russell.
Lord Palmerston.
Lucidum.
Madame Carvalho.
Marchioness of Lans-
downe.
Marie Stuart.
Martin Hope Sutton.
Mason's White Seedling.
Maximum.
Maximum album.
Maximum Wellsianum.
Maxwell T. Masters.
Melton.
Memoir.
Meteor.
Michael Waterer.
Minerva.
Minnie.
Mirandum.
Miss Jekyll.
Miss Owen.
Mont Blanc.
Morion.
Mrs. Arthur Hunnewell.
Mrs. Charles Leaf.
Mrs. Charles Thorold.
Mrs. Fitzgerald.
Mrs. Frank Phillips.
Mrs. Fredk. Hankey.
Mrs. G. H. W. Heneage.
Mrs. Harry Ingersoll.
Mrs. John Glutton.
Mrs. John Kelk.
Mrs. John Penn.
Mrs. J. P. Lade
Mrs. John Walter.
Mrs. John Waterer.
Mrs. Mendel.
Mrs. Milner.
Mrs. R. S. Holford.
Mrs. Russell Sturgis.
Mrs. Shuttleworth.
Mrs. S. Simpson.
Mrs. Thomas Agnew.
Mrs. Thomas Longman
Mrs. Thomas Wain.
Mrs. W. Agnew.
Mrs. William Bovill.
Neige et Cerise.
Nero.
Nigrescens.
Norma.
Notabile.
RHODODENDRONS GROUPED FOR
EFFECT OF COLOUR. — Reds, rose-colours,
and pinks with a few whites, viz. Reds
— James Marshall Brooks, John Waterer,
Atro-sanguineum, Alexander Adie, Baron
Schrceder. Rose and rosy-pinks — Mrs.
Penn, Ingrami, Cynthia, Bianchi, Fair
Rosamund. Whites — Mrs. John Glutton,
Minnie, Pictum, Fair Helen, Madame
Carvalho. Rhododendrons of salmon-red
colour are best kept separate from others ;
of these, good colourings are — Lady
Eleanor Cathcart and Mrs. R. S. Holford.
Purples must be kept away from reds, but
group well with any whites ; some of the
best for colour are — Everestianum, Album
Novelty.
Odoratum.
Old Port.
Onslowianum.
Othello.
Paradox.
Perfection.
Perspicuum.
Pictum.
Picturatum.
President van den Hecke.
Prji
Princess Chi
Pr
bridge.
Punctatum.
Purpureum elegans.
Purpureum grandiflorum.
Purity.
Ralph Sanders.
Raphael.
Rosabel.
Roseum elegans.
Roseum pictum.
R. S. Field.
Sappho.
Scipio.
Sefton.
Seraph.
Sherwoodianum.
Sigismund Rucker.
Silvio.
Sir Charles Napier.
Sir Isaac Newton.
Sir James Clark.
Sir Robert Peel.
Sir Thomas Sebright.
Sir William Armstrong.
Snowflake.
Standard of Flanders.
St. Simon.
St. Blaise.
Stella.
Sultana.
Sunray.
Surprise.
Sydney Herbert.
Sylph.
The Cardinal.
The Moor.
The Queen.
The Warrior.
Titian.
Torlonianum, a hybrid,
between Azalea and
Rhododendron.
Towardii.
Vandyck.
Vauban.
Verschaffeltii.
Vestal.
Victoria.
Vivian Grey.
William Austin.
elegans fastuosum, Cyaneum, Lady Nor-
manton, Reine Hortense, Lucifer.
DWARF KINDS. — There are some dwarf
kinds which may be associated with alpine
plants in the rock-garden — indeed, some
are but a span high. One of the prettiest
of these is R. Chamaecistus, which has tiny
leaves, and in early summer exquisite
purple flowers, of the same size as those of
Kalmia latifolia. It is rarely seen in good
health in gardens, and is best in limestone
fissures, filled with peat, loam, and sand
mixed in about equal proportions. A
native of calcareous rocks in the Tyrol,
and one of the most precious of dwarf
rock-shrubs. The well-known R. ferru-
gineum and R. hirsutum both bear the
name of alpine Rose, and often terminate
the woody vegetation on the great
mountain chains of Europe. They are
easily obtained from nurseries, and are
well suited for the large rock-garden,
where they attain, in deep peat soil, a
height of about 18 in. R. Wilsonianum,
R. myrtifolium, R. amcenum, R. hybrid-
urn, R. dauricum-atrovirens, R. Govenia-
num, R. odoratum, and R. Torlonianum
are dwarf kinds, which may be used in
the rock-garden — the last two being sweet-
scented. They should not be planted near
minute alpine plants.
INDIAN RHODODENDRONS IN SOUTH-
ERN ENGLAND. — The following is an
abstract from The Garden of a paper by
Mr. W. J. Bean, of the Royal gardens at
Kew, of the Indian Rhododendrons in
the London district, and therefore of in-
terest to growers in the home counties,
less favoured than many districts for the
growth of these fine shrubs.
The altitudes at which these grow range
between 4,000 ft. and 14,000 ft., but it is
at heights of 10,000 ft. and upwards that
the genus is most abundantly represented.
Above 12,000 ft. Sir J. Hooker says that
three-fourths of the whole vegetation con-
sists of Rhododendrons. The mean tem-
perature at Darjeeling (in which neigh-
bourhood most of the species are found)
does not widely differ from that of London,
but the extremes of heat and cold are
much greater here than there, and it is
only a few that can be said to thrive out
of doors really well and flower in the
London district, although many can re-
main healthy in foliage when grown in well-
sheltered spots. The greatest successes
with Himalayan Rhododendrons in the
British Isles have been obtained near the
sea in the south and south-western coun-
ties, where the temperature is equable
and moist. The districts in which they
are grown to greatest perfection are near
764 RHODODENDRON. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. RHODODENDRON
Swansea, in Wales, and about Falmouth,
in Cornwall, and also in the south of
England and Ireland generally, the coast
line all round the islands, too, being
favourable. A soil which is naturally
peaty is no doubt the best, but not es-
sential ; they may be grown out-of-doors
in loam either light or moderately stiff so
long as lime is absent, and with plenty of
leaf mould. They should always, if pos-
sible, be planted near trees — near enough
to be screened from the sun for a few
hours a day.
The following is a list of species of
some proved hardy in Britain in the south-
ern counties and in good suitable soils.
R. FALCONERI. — A noble kind thriving in
Cornish gardens, with oblong leaves about 10
ins. long, coated beneath with reddish down,
dark green, slightly downy and curiously
wrinkled above. The flowers are of a curious
shade of creamy white tinged with lilac to-
wards the base. R. eximiuin is a fine variety
of this, differing in its bright pink flowers and
the thicker reddish brown fluff on the upper
surface of the leaves.
R. ARBOREUM. — The best known of the
Himalayan species, and one of the most vari-
able. The various forms may roughly be
divided into two groups, the one with foliage
that is silvery beneath, the other having the
underside of the leaf covered more or less with
a reddish tomentum. The leaves of all are
from 5 ins. to 8 ins. long, the trusses rounded
or sometimes almost conical, with the flowers
closely packed, the colour of the bell-shaped
corolla varying from rich crimson to almost
white. The plants known under the following
names belong to the arboreum group, some
having been given specific rank : Campbelln?,
flowers rosy purple, leaves rusty beneath ;
limbatum, flowers rosy purple, leaves silvery
beneath ; nilagiricum, flowers rosy, leaves
reddish beneath ; Cinnamomeum, flowers al-
most white ; Windsori, flowers and trusses
smaller, rich crimson.
R. BARBATUM is described as being in a wild
state 40 ft. to 60 ft. high ; I have seen it about
12 ft. high in Cornwall. The leaves are 5 ins.
to 7 ins. long with flowers of a rich blood-red
colour borne in a compact truss 4 ins. or more
in diameter.
R. HODGSONI. — A spreading shrub or small
tree, rarely more than 12 ft. high, the stout
leaves upwards of I ft. long, covered beneath
with a grey tomentum, the upper side a bright
shade of green, and flowers are of a pale rose-
purple. It is hardy in both the Welsh and
Cornish gardens.
R. WIGHTI. — A small tree, found at eleva-
tions of 11,000 ft. to 14,000 ft., bearing yellow
flowers "2.\ inches across in large rounded
trusses. The leaves are firm and stout, 6 ins.
to 10 ins. in length, and when young quite
white underneath, becoming grey with age.
R. NIVEUM. — One of the hardiest species,
but far from the most showy, the young leaves
being covered with a white tomentum, the
upper surface afterwards becoming deep green
and glabrous, the purplish lilac flowers close
in a small head.
R. FULGENS.— One of the hardiest and
rarest of Himalayan Rhododendrons, blooming
out of doors early in March, and not always
escaping the damaging spring frosts, but if it
does, it is the most brilliantly coloured shrub
flowering at that time. The flowers are in
compact rounded trusses about 4 ins. across, a
bright blood-red, the leaves coated beneath
with a rusty felt. The true plant has been
grown outside for many years in the Rhodo-
dendron dell at Kew, and it has never been
injured by frost, nor does it ever fail to set
abundance of bloom. Himalaya, at elevations
of 12,000 ft. to 14,000 ft.
R. CAMPANULATUM. — Among the hardiest
of the Himalayan species, flowering in April
and forming a widely spreading bush. The
leaves are coated beneath with a brightly
coloured reddish felt, and the flowers are pale
purple, changing to nearly white.
R. LANATUM. — The young branches, both
surfaces of the leaves, and the petioles are
covered with a dull white or tawny tomen-
tum, the sulphur-yellow flowers are 2 ins.
across.
R. AUCKLAND!. — This tender species attains
the dimensions of a small tree, its stems being
of a grey colour with the bark pealing off. A
hybrid between it and Hookeri calied kewense
(raised at Kew in 1874) has flowers of a pale
flesh colour, not so large as those of Aticklandi,
but more numerous in the truss. There is also
a very pretty hybrid known as Attcklandi
hybridum which is hardy in the London dis-
trict ; its flowers are pure white. Syn. A'.
Griffithiamtm.
R. THOMSONI. — The flowers of this species
of a fine red are borne in loose trusses, hardy
in the London district and flowering in the
early part of April ; the leaves 3 ins. to 4 ins.
long, very dark green above. This is a plant
of bushy habit ; the largest I have seen is
growing at Tremough, near Falmouth— a
magnificent garden for these Rhododendrons.
It was 12 ft. high and 15 ft. through.
R. CAMPYLOCARPUM is closely allied to the
preceding and it is of similar habit, but the
flowers are pale yellow, borne in a loose truss
and scented like honey.
R. HOOKERI. — A native of Bhotan, and on
the Oola Mountain this is said to form entire
thickets accompanied by Pinus excelsa. The
leaves are oblong or oval, 4 ins. long and
glaucous beneath, the flowers of a bright red.
R. CINNABARINUM. — In "The Flora of
British India " this name is made to include
what have previously been known as R. Roylei
and R. blandfordiceflorum. The species is,
indeed, a most variable one, having flowers of
a brick-red, rich crimson, or sometimes
greenish colour. They are all distinguished
by the long narrow corolla, resembling a Lapa-
geria.
R. KEYSI. — A curious species, with flowers
RHODODENDRON. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. RHODODENDRON. 765
more like those of a Correa, brick-red, about
I in. long, the lobes of the tubular corolla
being almost straight.
R. MADDEN i.— A shrub 8 ft. to 10 ft. high
with bright green lanceolate leaves. The
corolla is pure white, bell-shaped, and about
3 ins. across the mouth. It is known also as
R. fenkinsi. R, calophyllum is practically
the same thing, but a distinction is founded on
the shorter calyx lobes and much smaller seed
vessels.
many times larger, obovate, and 5 ms- long-
Both have the margins ciliated. The flowers
are in each variety white, although in the bud
stage quite rosy pink. They are about 3 ins.
wide and as much in depth. R. Gibsoni and
R. Johmtoni are forms of this species, differing
chiefly in the larger leaves.
R. anthopogon, flowers sulphur-yellow ; R.
Sflaticum, flowers dull rose-purple ; and R.
pendulum, flowers white, are small-leaved
dwarf shrubs, chiefly of botanical interest.
Tree Rhododendron at Castlewellan, co. Down
R. CILIATUM. — A bushy plant which thrives
well in sheltered positions near London. Its
leaves are densely covered with hairs when
young, less so as they get older ; the flowers
are borne loosely in small trusses, rosy white
on opening, whiter with age. It has been
used for hybridisation, and amongst others R.
pracox and Rosy Bell have been raised from
it.
R. FORMOSUM. — There are two very distinct
varieties of this in cultivation ; the one has
narrow leaves, in shape and size almost like
those of an Indian Azalea ; the other has them
INDIAN RHODODENDRONS IN IRE-
LAND.— There has been much interest
taken in the Himalayan Rhododendrons,
which, unfortunately, are not hardy enough
for our country generally — certainly not
for inland parts, though, no doubt, from
time to time some of them, and also
hybrids from them, will be found hardy
here and there. Also there are many
kinds very well worth growing in mild and
favoured districts such as the south of
England and Ireland. A correspondent
766 RHODODENDRON. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
RHODOTHAMM'S.
in the south of Ireland, in Fermoy, sends
to T/ie Garden the following account of
the kinds he has found to do well there —
quite hardy without protection — and also
of his failures : —
"As I have taken much pleasure in
cultivating and hybridising Rhododen-
drons for about twenty-five years, espe-
cially with a view to acclimatise those of
Sikkim and Bhotan, I think the results at
which I have arrived may be interesting.
In order to avoid occupying too much
space, I shall first give the names, as
furnished to me, of those varieties which I
have found perfectly hardy trees without
the slightest protection, although some of
those which bloom early (about March)
have their flowers occasionally spoiled by
the spring frosts : —
" Alpinum ; ^Eruginosum ; Anthopogon ; Arboreum
album ; Arboreum roseum, very beautiful ; Arboreum
nepalense ; Barbatum, magnificent ; Calyculatum ;
Camelliaeflorum ; Campanulatum;Campbelli ; Campylo-
carpum ; Ciliatum ; Cinnamomeum ; Cinnabarinum ;
Crispiflorum, not bloomed ; Eximium, fine, like Falcon-
eri ; Falconeri, grand ; Fulgens ; Falconeri superbum,
not bloomed ; Glaucum ; Hodgsoni, grand, has not yet
bloomed ; Hookeri ; Keysi ; Lanatum ; Lancifolium, not
bloomed ; Metternichi ; Massangei, beautiful bloom
this year ; Niveum ; Nobile, a grand plant, never
bloomed ; Ochraceum ; Roylei ; Virgatum ; Wallichi,
I think same as Niveum ; Wighti.
" The following were more or less
injured last spring (those marked * I have
not yet succeeded in acclimatising) : —
" Argentum, much injured, growing well, not bloomed
yet ; Aucklandi, much injured, growing well, bloomed
well in 1878-79-80; Calophyllum, apparently1 killed,
but growing well ; * Dalhousianum, I do not give this
up ; * Edgeworthi, I do not give this up ; Formosum
Gibsoni, much injured, but growing well ; Jenkinsi,
much injured, doing well, never injured in twenty years
previous ; Kendricki, I doubt its name ; Longifolium,
much injured, growing well, has never bloomed ;
Lindleyanum, much injured, growing well ; Maddeni,
much injured, growing well (I see no essential difference
between this and Jenkinsi ; centre of Jenkinsi flower,
rose, of Maddeni, yellow) ; Nilghiricum not bloomed,
much injured ; * Nuttali, many plants killed, I fear
hopeless ; Thomsoni, much injured, but growing ;
Windsori, very much injured, but growing well. The
last two plants appear to me less hardy varieties of
R. arboreum.
" I have not included any European
hybrids in my list, of which, between
Himalayan sorts alone, I know many, and
have a great number of my own rearing
also, and the reason I do not give up
Dalhousianum and Edgeworthi is that I
have seedlings from crosses of them which
promise well to be hardy, one especially,
between Edgeworthi and, I think, Calo-
phyllum, which only lost its bloom-buds
last spring, I am very proud of; its
fragrance is far beyond any I know —
Rollisson's fragrantissimum and Lindley-
anum being, so far, the best. I have
named it the Empress of India in honour
of our Queen.— H. H."
RHODODENDRONS IN SCOTLAND.—
Indian Mountain Rhododendrons may
not only be successful in the southern
parts of England and Ireland, but very
fine flowers have been sent me from Scot-
land, (Stonefield, Tarbert, Argyleshire),
kinds thriving there that do not always
| prove hardy in the south. Mr. D. Robert-
son, who sent the flowers, said the effect
produced by them was very fine, and the
following kinds have flowered in that
place without any kind of protection : —
Falconeri, arboreum, arboreum alburn^
niveum, cinnumomeum, Campbelli, cam-
pylocarpum, Thomsoni, barbatum^fulgcns,
Wallichi) ciliaium, Roylei, Edgei^orl/ii.
glaucum, Gibsoni, candelabrum, setosinn*
an d pum Hum.
SPECIES OF RHODODENDRON. — Ac-
cording to the Kew list the following
species of Rhododendron are in cultiva-
tion. About double the number are in
some books, many of them of uncertain
value, and there are vast regions of China
and adjacent countries which are likely
to yield valuable species : —
R. albiflorum, N. America; oratiun, China; al-
brccliti, Japan ; arborescens, U. States \caiendulact'i(]>i,
do. ; dilatatum, Japan ; jiavum, Caucasus ; indictttii,
China and Japan ; Icdifoliinn. do. ; lincarifolium,
Japan ; nudiflontm, Canada to Florida and Texas ;
occidentals, California; rhodora, N. America; rhoui-
bicum, Japan ; Schlippcnbachii, Mandshuria and
Japan ; serpyllifoliutn, Japan ; sinense, China and
Japan ; vaseyi, Mountains of Carolina ; viscosuin,
N. America ; altaclerense, garden origin ; Aniftopogvn,
Alpine Himalaya, and N. Asia ; arboreum, Temperate
Himalaya ; blandianuni, garden origin ; brachycarpitm ,
Japan ; californici<m, California ; campanulatiim,
Alpine Himalaya ; campylocarpum, Sikkim ; cataiv-
biense, Virginia to Georgia ; cattcasicum, Caucasus ;
ciliatum, Sikkim ; cinnaoarinttttt, do. ; collettinmtm,
Afghanistan ; Cunninghami, garden origin ; dauricum,
Dahuria to Mandshuria and Sachalin ; decorum,
Yunnan ; Delavayi, do. \ferrugineum, Alps of Europe ;
arbutifolium, Hamwondi, IVilsoni, all garden origin ;
Fortimei, Chlna^fu/g-ens, Mountains of India;^>/^//t it»t,
do. ; halense, Austrian Alps ; hirsutiforme, do. ; hir-
sutum, Alps of Europe ; intermedium, Tyrol ; A"<'7ir;/.>v.
garden origin ; Keysii, Bhotan ; lacteutn, Yunnan ;
lepidolum, Temperate and Alpine Himalaya ; Lus-
combei, garden origin ; Manglesii, do. ; ina.vimmii,
N. America ; Metternichii, Japan ; myrtifo Hum,
garden origin ; niveuin, Sikkim ; noblcaniau, garden
origin ; parvijolhtm, Siberia, China, &c. ; ponticinit,
Spain, Portugal, Asia Minor ; proecox* garden origin ;
pulcherrimum, do. ; punctatinii ', N. America ; race-
mosuut, Western China ; roseum odoratiun, garden
origin ; russelliamtm, do. ; Swirno^vi, Caucasus ;
Smithii, garden origin ; Thomsoni, Nipal and Sikkim,
Ungerni, Caucasus ; virgatum. Sikkim ; a^nlcoidcs.
Caitoni, gemmi/eyum, and go^.(.'eria)ium, all of garden
origin.
EHODORA (Canadian Rhodora}.—R.
canadensis is a pretty deciduous bush, 2
; to 4 ft. high, allied to the Rhododendron,
a native of the swamps of Canada, hardy,
and needing a moist light soil, though it
prefers peat. In very early spring it
has clusters of rosy-purple flowers before
the leaves unfold.
RHODOTHAMNUS.— R. chamcecistits
is a beautiful little alpine bush very rare
in gardens and rather difficult to cultivate.
It is less than I ft. in height with ovate
leaves from a quarter of an inch to half
RHODOTYPOS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
RHUS.
767
an inch long, thickly clustered on the
twigs, the margins set with slender hairs.
It flowers towards the end of April and
the beginning of May, and produces its
blossoms in clusters at the ends of the
Rhodotbamnus chamaecistus.
shoots. From two to four flowers are in
the cluster, and each is about \\ inches
in diameter, the free portions of the petals
fully expanded. The colour is a pale
clear pink with a ring of a deeper shade
in the centre. A feature of the flower also
is the long stamens. It is by no means
rare in a wild state, being found in the
Tyrol (often in large patches) as well as
in Carniola. In cultivating this plant, full
exposure of the foliage to sunlight, com-
bined with cool, uniformly moist conditions
at the roots are necessary. It should be
planted in a sunny position in a crevice
or small pocket between the stones, which
keep the roots permanently moist and
protected from the hot sun that the leaves
enjoy. The compost should consist mainly
of good loam, to which a small proportion
of peat may be added, and which should
be free from calcareous matter. Syn.
Rhododendron chanicecistns.
KHODOTYPOS ( White Jew's Mallow}.
— R. Kerrioides is a summer-leafing shrub
from Japan, with a growth and foliage
recalling the familiar old Jew's Mallow
on cottage- walls, but with white flowers.
It is of slender growth, but makes a
vigorous bush when well grown, and is
usually 5 or 6 ft. high, though against a
wall it reaches a height of 10 or 12 ft.
It flowers in May, and keeps in bloom a
considerable time.
RHUS (Sumach}. — Low trees shrubs
or climbers with an acrid juice usually
hardy and remarkable for their elegant
and picturesque growth, and often bril-
liantly coloured leaves in autumn. Such
good qualities as they have are rarely
shown in our gardens where they are
indeed often absent save one or two of
the commoner kinds, and these never
grouped or shown in any right way, but
perhaps half starved in the conventional
muddleof the shrubbery. Severalkindsare
poisonous and should not be planted near
the house or much in the garden, and,
if so planted, should be handled with
great care, as accidents in gardens are
not rare from men handling them not
suspecting danger, and their poisonous
character is well known and feared in
their native countries. The Sumachs are
not difficult as to soil or cultivation,
thriving in ordinary garden soils, and
rather enjoying poor and dry soils, some
of them being suitable, therefore, for
grouping on dry banks where little else
will grow. They may be increased by
root cuttings, layers, and also by seed.
R. AROMATIC A (Fragrant Sumach}. — A
hardy shrub with trifoliate leaves, a native of
rocky woods in Canada and New England,
and through Eastern America, especially along
the mountains. It has pale yellow flowers in
short dense clusters, formed in autumn but
flowering in spring before the leaves appear.
Syn. R. canadensis.
R. COPALUNA (Mountain Sumach}. — A
shrub or small tree with pinnate leaves turning
a fine colour in autumn in its own country, as
Rhus copallina.
they probably would in ours in full sun in warm
soil. New England, Canada, and southward
and westward.
R. COTINOIDES (American Smoke Tree}. — A
small tree with oval leaves, and somewhat like
our European kind to which it is related, but
has larger and thinner leaves, taking also a
fine colour in autumn, of a beautiful scarlet,
suffused with orange and crimson. A native
768 RHUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
RIBES.
of Missouri, Indian territory and eastwards.
It should be planted in dry, warm soil and
sunny positions.
R. COTINUS ( Venetian Sumach}. — A beauti-
ful and distinct shrub, long cultivated though
not always well placed, the simple leaves
taking a fine colour in autumn and the curious
The Venetian Sumach (Rhus cotinus).
inflorescence giving a very pretty effect.
There is a purple variety which is an improve-
ment, and a pendulous variety less important.
The Venetian Sumach looks very well as a
group in a sunny open situation. Southern
and Central Europe, and the East.
R. GLABRA (Scarlet Sumach]. — A distinct
very hardy, bushy kind with smooth rather
small leaves, thriving in any poor dry soil, the
leaves taking a very brilliant colour in autumn.
Var. laciniata is very distinct, the leaflets
longer and of much greater breadth than in
R. Glabra itself, but they are cut up into
narrow pinnate segments, combining the beauty
of the finest Grevillea with that of a Fern-
frond. When unfolding they remind one of a
finely-cut umbelliferous plant in spring ; when
fully grown the midribs are red ; and in
autumn the leaves glow off into a bright colour
after the fashion of American shrubs. The
wild plant is much rarer in cultivation than the
cut-leaved variety.
R. OSBECKII. — A fine kind with pinnate
leaves much finer than the others, striking
foliage, also turning in good seasons and warm
soils a good orange colour in autumn. This is
one of the kinds that might be cut down
annually where plentiful, so as to get the fine ef-
fect of the foliage on the young vigorous stems.
R. RADICANS (Poison Ivy}. — A distinct
woody climber very common in the North
American hedgerows and copses and also up
trees. Its leaves give it somewhat the charac-
ter of a Virginian Creeper and some unprinci-
pled nurserymen sent it out with a new name
as Ampelopsis Ho^gi under which it has been
distributed in many gardens. It is a most
poisonous plant in its own country and also
in ours, accidents taking place from it in
gardens, and the cause of the illness is not
always known. If kept at all in the garden it
should be in rough places where it would not
have to be handled or pruned. Syn. R. Toxi-
codendron.
R. TYPHINA (Stags Horn Sumach}.— In its
own country often a small tree or shrub, in
ours generally a loose shrub common in gardens.
The leaves often take a fine colour in autumn,
and, as the plant is common it may be grown
Rhus typhina.
as a fine-leaved plant by cutting back a few
plants every spring, and confining the growth
to one or two shoots. It is a native of sandy
or rocky soil from Nova Scotia and Canada
southwards.
R. VERNIX (Poison Stimach). — This is a
shrub or, in its own country, a small tree with
pinnate leaves, and growing in swamps in
southern Ontario and the coast district of the
Eastern States. It is a very poisonous plant
and must not, naturally, be brought much into
the garden. The leaves are glossy and smooth,
and turn a fine colour in autumn.
R. VERNICIFERA is the famous Lacquer
Tree of Japan, but we have not yet proved
that it will do in our country.
KIBES (Currant}.— The favourite old
Crimson-flowering Currant (R. sangui-
neum) is typical of the few species that
can be called ornamental shrubs. This
shrub is so common that I need only
allude to the fine varieties of it that
are to be obtained from the best nurseries.
THE ENGLISH P LOWER GARDEN.
RICINUS.
769
Deeper and richer in colour is the variety
atro-rubens (called also splendens), though
the flowers and racemes are smaller. The
crimson-red of its blooms forms a striking
contrast to the variety named albidunl,
whose flowers are almost white, though
slightly suffused with pink. The double
sort (flore-pleno) is an admirable shrub,
with very double flowers, which last a long
time in perfection, and, as they expand
later than the common kind, prolong the
season. The variety glutinosum is dis-
tinguished by clammy foliage and large
pale rosy-pink flowers.
The Yellow - flowering, or Buffalo
Currant (R. aureum), deserves to be more
commonly grown. It is a different shrub
from R. sanguineum, having larger
flowers of a rich yellow, which appear
about the end of April or beginning of
May ; the leaves also are smaller, more
deeply lobed, and of a paler green. The
variety praecox' is so named because it
flowers earlier than R. aureum, and is
most desirable on that account, and the
variety serotinum, because it flowers late.
Serotinum is even finer than the type.
R. Gordonianum, a hybrid between R.
aureum and R. sanguineum, is an old
and tolerably common shrub — inter-
mediate in growth as well as in flowers,
which are an orange-red ; it is distinct and
showy. It is also known as R. Beatoni
and R. Loudoni. Of the numerous other
species there is none so fine as the
California!! Fuchsia Currant (R. speci-
osum), whose flowers so much resemble
miniature Fuchsia-blossoms that in some
places it goes by the name of R. Fuchsi-
oides. Its deep red blooms have protrud-
ing stamens, and hang from the leaf-axils
in clusters of two or three. In growth
and foliage it resembles a Gooseberry.
A densely-flowered bush is extremely
pretty and lasts in perfection a long time.
Though quite hardy enough to be grown
as a bush in the milder parts of England,
it is usually seen against a wall, and there
are few more elegant wall shrubs. Grown
thus it is 6 to 8 ft. in height. Most of the
other varieties have inconspicuous flowers,
but one or two are worth growing for the
sake of their autumn foliage, which dies
away in various shades of crimson. The
Missouri Currant (R. floridum), also called
R. missourense, is one of the best of these.
It is a stock plant in some of the largest
nurseries. The Flowering Currants are
really an important group of shrubs and
deserve the best attention, and instead of
being crammed in the usual shrubbery-
mixture, should be grouped by themselves.
KICHARDIA (Calla).— This name has
been accepted by botanists for the last
three-quarters of a century, although it is
not yet generally used by gardeners.
The genus consists now of various
species. They all have a perennial
tuberous root-stock, not unlike that of
Caladium, from which spring the annual
leaves and scapes, the former with folding
stalks, which form a kind of stem, bearing
sagittate leaves, the latter erect, stout,
and bearing a large spathe. There is a
noteworthy difference between R. asthio-
pica and the others, the former having
a rhizome and never naturally dying
down.
R. aethiopica (Lily of the Nile] was first
introduced into Europe from S. Africa in
1687. It is emphatically a Cape plant,
and is not found within 1,000 miles or so
of the Nile, although it is commonly
known as the Lily of the Nile. In some
parts of this country, for instance Corn-
wall, it has become naturalised in shallow-
water, spreading and flowering with the-
same freedom as in the ditches and.
swamps of the Cape. It varies consider-
ably in the size of its spathes. I have
seen them 10 in. long, and I am told that
larger even than this have been grown by
cultivators who cut off most of the leaf-
blades when the spathes were developing.
The plant is useful in ponds and fountain
basins in the warmer parts of our country.
Syn., Calla.
EICINUS (Castor-oil Plant}.— R. com-
munis is a much-grown plant in warm
I countries, growing out-of-doors in the
warm months in ours, and used for bold
and noble beds near those of the more
brilliant flowers, but it is not well to
I associate it closely with bedding plants,,
| because of its strong growth and the
j shading of its leaves ; it is a good plan
I to make a compact group of it in the
j centre of some wide circular bed and to
j surround this with a band of a dwarfer
plant, say Aralia or Caladium, and to finish
with flowering plants. A bold centre may
be thus obtained, while the effect of the
flowers is enhanced. It requires rich
deep earth to form its finest leaves, and to
raise the plants a brisk hotbed is needed
in February or March, in which to plunge
the pots in which the seeds should be
sown. The pots should be well drained,
and the soil pressed down firmly with a.
little sifted soil placed over the seeds.
When the plants are large enough, pot.
them singly into 4-in. pots in soil com-
posed of sandy loam and leaf-mould or
rotted manure ; keep them in a warm
770 ROBIN I A.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDRX.
moist temperature, and give plenty of
water at the roots ; when the roots have
reached the sides of the pots, place the
plants in 6 or 8-in. pots. About the end
of May gradually inure them to a cool
temperature, and after a few weeks place
them in a sheltered position out-of-doors.
By the end of June they may be planted out
in the beds ; the more sheltered the situa-
tion the better. Dig out holes for them,
placing in the bottom a few forkfuls of
manure, and, if this be taken from a warm
manure-bed, so much the better. Plant
and water them with soft rain water, and
mulch the surface with manure. During
hot weather manure-water will be of use.
The best varieties are sanguineus,
borboniensis, Gibsoni (a very fine dark
variety), giganteus, Belot Desfougeres (a
very tall and branching kind), viridis (of
a uniform lively green), insignis, africanus,
africanus albidus, minor, hybridus, micro-
carpus, macrophyllus, atro-purpureus,
and sanguinolentus, all of which are forms
of R. communis, a native of the East
Indies.
EOBINIA (False Acacia}.— Beautiful
flowering trees for lawn or shrubbery.
The common Acacia or Locust Tree (R.
Pseudoacacia) is of quick growth, hardy,
and thrives almost anywhere. The ordi-
nary form, with its white Pea-shaped
blossom in full beauty about the end of
July, is the most familiar. Of the numer-
ous varieties the following are the best :
Decaisneana, with delicate pink flowers ;
Robinia pseudoacacia.
semperflorens, flowering throughout the
summer, and having white blossoms and
bright green foliage ; and Bessoniana, the
thornless branches of which form a dense
globular head of deep green foliage, which
is retained until very late in autumn, hence
its great value as a town or a street tree ;
mimoscefolia, with finely-divided leaves ;
fastigiata, of upright growth ; crispa, with
curled foliage ; monophylla, with leaves
entire instead of pinnate ; umbraculifera,
with a spreading head ; macrophylla, with
large leaves ; sophoraefolia, with leaves
like the Japanese Sophora ; and inermis,
with a small head of spineless branches.
R. viscosa (Clammy Locust] is smaller
than the ordinary False Acacia, but is
elegant in foliage and beautiful in flower.
The flowers resemble those of Decaisne's
variety of the common Acacia, being of
a pale pink colour, but the clusters are
shorter and denser. It is a beautiful lawn
tree, flowering while the tree is still small :
fully grown it is of picturesque habit, from
30 to 50 ft. high, thriving best in a deep
light soil in a sheltered spot.
R. hispida (Rose Acacia] is one of
the finest of small trees, requiring little
room and not fastidious as to soil. It
is naturally straggling in growth, 5 to
15 ft. high ; its foliage is much larger
Rodgersia podophylla.
than that of the other Robinias ; the
clear rose-pink flowers are also larger.
A well-flowered specimen is a pretty
sight. It flowers in June, but often
RODGERSIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ROMNEYA.
771
continues at intervals till autumn. It
may be known when not in leaf by the
dense rusty hairs covering the young
twigs. Its branches are brittle and apt
to get broken by high winds, especially if
it has been grafted high ; therefore choose
a spot sheltered from high winds. If the
branches become heavy, especially in
flower-time, support them by stakes. It
may be grown as an espalier, like a fruit
tree, and this will protect it from winds,
are produced on tall branching spikes. R.
podophylla is perfectly hardy, enjoying
peaty soil and a shady situation. It is
easily propagated by cutting the stoloni-
ferous root- stock, and twenty plants can
be obtained from a single root-stock in one
year. Japan.
ROMNEYA ( White Bush Poppy).—
Among plants of recent introduction per-
haps none surpass in stately beauty this
fine Californian Poppywort, R Cotdteri
Romneya Coulteri.
or it may be trained against a wall. There
are several so-called varieties, but none is
more beautiful than the type. The
variety macrophylla (large-leaved) is of
stronger growth and has finer foliage and
flowers. N. America.
RODGrERSIA. — R. podophylla is a
handsome-leaved plant of the Saxifrage
family, with bronze-green leaves measuring
i ft. or more across and cleft into five
broad divisions. The inconspicuous flowers
In favourable localities it has flowered
freely on lengths of the current year's
growth, fully 7 ft. high, when with some
twelve or fifteen flowers in bloom at the
same time, the plant has a charming effect.
The flowers are of a peculiarly delicate
texture, the petals somewhat transparent,
and yet enduring in a good state for days ;
their fragrance delicate, something like
that of a Magnolia. It is perennial, sub-
shrubby, and the deeply-cut glaucous
3 D 2
ROMULEA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ROSA.
foliage is retained throughout the winter.
It does not appear to flower on the last
year's growth, though that growth remains
in good condition. The flowers are borne
mainly on the points of the new shoots
and on laterals nearest the points, more
sparingly on the lower laterals. It is
hardy in genial soils, enjoying best a
warm loam. Where it will not grow well
in the open, it would do so in many places
against a wall with a southern aspect. It
does best on warm soils in very different \
parts of the country, so that no one need j
doubt the fitness of this noble plant for
English gardens.
The best winter protection for Romneya
Coulteri is a mulch over the roots of some
light and porous material. Pine needles
form the best covering, and, after these,
rough cocoanut fibre. A straw mat may '
be placed round the branches during hard |
frosts, but should be removed as soon as
the weather becomes less severe. A point
irt starting is to get healthy plants in pots,
planting in spring and not disturbing the
roots much. It may be increased by
cuttings and seed.
ROMULE A. —Bulbous plants of the j
Iris family. They are of dwarf growth, j
and have grassy foliage ; but though their j
blossoms are showy, they are not per- i
fectly hardy, and they require to be grown
either in frames or in very warm sheltered
borders, in light soil. The best known
are R. Bulbocodium, ramiflora, and i
Columns, natives of South Europe, and
R. rosea and R. Macowani from the
Cape of Good Hope. The showy Crocus-
like flowers of these open fullest in sun-
shine.
ROSA (Rose].— The flower of flowers j
has been ill treated in its literature ! It
would be difficult to imagine anything
more confusing than the writings on
the Rose and catalogues of the present
day ! Almost useless groups, like the
Boursault, are dignified as classes, while
more important groups like the noble
Teas often receive no due notice ; the
confusion arising from the misleading
term "hybrid perpetual" has effectually
concealed the fact that the true per- |
petual bloomers are the Tea Roses, so
keeping the noblest of all Roses out of
gardens even in the southern counties.
For many years Roses far superior to the
many so-called "perpetual" in point of
continuity of bloom have been raised, and
yet, as a result of that ill-chosen name, |
one may go into some of the largest
gardens and hardly see a Rose in the
Rose-garden in August. The set idea of
the Rose-garden itself, as laid down in all
the books, i.e. a place apart where one
can only see flowers at a certain season,
was harmful, as it led to the absence
of the Rose from the flower garden.
Instead of seeing the Rose in many
different attitudes in a country place, we
see a wretched mob of standards and
half-standards rising out of the ground,
generally in a miserable formal arrange-
ment called the Rosery. Instead of
forming beautiful Rose-gardens, many
growers have distinguished themselves
by growing Roses on tall Briers and other
stocks, from which they get perhaps one
or two flowers bigger than their neigh-
bours' to send to a Rose-show. The Rose
exhibitor's Rose-garden is even uglier
than the so-called Rosery in the large
country-seat, and thus the beautiful human
and artistic side of the Rose-garden has
been forgotten. As, however, that im-
portant side of the Rose-garden is treated
of in the first part of the book, it oflly
remains here to deal with the kinds and
groups most useful for the garden.
TEA ROSES FOR THE FLOWER GARDEN.
—These are in many ways so superior
to all other Roses, that we might place
them first, yet there is room for a great
extension of their culture in gardens,
both large and small. We find even
standard works on Rose-growing- speaking
of the Teas as tender and needing pro-
tection. Others say that only in a few
instances can they be grown in the open
ground ; and to have them in full beauty,
to ensure a constant succession of flowers,
and to produce them in all their loveliness
and purity of colour, they must be grown
under glass. This is not so. Tea
Roses may be grown in many gardens
where they cannot now be found, and I
would urge all who love Roses to try
them fairly, for none are more worthy.
The variety of lovely tints amongst Tea
Roses, the delicate odour, the profusion
of bloom, the long season over which it
is borne, and their charming habit and
foliage are great merits. Let us for ever
give up the stupid notion of growing our
Roses only in a Rosery, in some out-of-the-
way spot. The grand Tea Roses now
under notice are worthy of the best position
in the garden. There are also many
excellent kinds for clothing walls, fences,
or any other erections about our homes,
and we shall need much space if we want
to grow all that are good. Here I name
all the best Tea Roses, and if we would
make our gardens sweet from June to
November, these are what we should
plant. Every kind is described from ex-
perience of it in a flower garden
ROSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ROSA.
773
the climbing kinds wreathe the wails and
the dwarfs are grouped in beds and
borders solely for effect. None, with me,
have ever been protected, but winter
winds blow furiously over the garden, and
on several occasions more than 20° of
frost have been registered among the
plants. They may be grown with every
prospect of success over quite the southern
half of England and in many other
favoured spots. The dwarfer kinds
prefer a soil more light and open than
that usually chosen for other Roses. The
plants should be either on the Brier Stock
or on their own roots. The vigorous and
perpetual blooming climbing kinds are
the best Roses for walls and fences.
to buy strong plants of Tea Roses on their
own roots, the trials were necessarily made
with good plants grafted on the Dog Rose,
but all my experience tends to show that
with many of the best kinds I should have
been more successful with plants raised
from cuttings struck in the open air in
October. A simple way is that pursued
by cottage gardeners, of putting in cut-
tings in a bed in the open air without
protection except inserting the cuttings
slantwise, in which way they strike more
surely. If Tea Roses were struck in this
way for a year or two, we should get a
stock of healthy plants on their own roots,
which we could soon compare fairly with
the Roses on the various stocks of Manetti,
Rose, Celeste.
Many of the climbing Teas may be
grown away from walls, which for such
hardy vigorous kinds only furnish support,
shelter not being needed. Plant in groups
of from three to twelve plants where they
have room to develop ; a stake here and
there is all the support needed, and they
will make huge bushes and bear flowers
by the hundred.
TEA ROSES FOR ENGLISH GARDENS.
—The following Tea Roses are the best
of the varieties opening well in Britain, and
the result of a trial of almost every obtain-
able kind, many thousand plants and
for many years, all tried in the open air
without protection of any kind at any
season. As it is extremely difficult so far
Dog Rose, or other kinds. Where, how-
ever, we buy Roses worked very low, it is a
simple way to get them on their own roots
by burying the union of the stock and
graft for an inch or two inches below the
surface, scraping or cutting off a little of
the bark of the Rose above the union. In
this way the Roses often root above the
stock, and we soon get the advantage of
the plant on its own roots. The kinds
that are best worth doing in this way are,
we think, the Tea Roses and the allied
monthly Roses, which give such continuous
bloom throughout the summer in the
flower garden. The plan deserves
trying, above all things in soil supposed
not to be good for Rose culture — such as
hot sands and other light soils, in which
774 ROSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ROSA.
people often despair of Roses. I feel
certain now that many of the kinds I have
lost, or that bloomed feebly and died out,
were the result of grafting, or arose from
the stock itself and conflict of the saps of
plants of quite different countries and
natures. To be quite fair to all these
beautiful Roses they should be tried in
both ways, and not for one year only : —
Honourable Edith Giffbrcl, Maman
Cochet Blanche, Mme. Joseph Schwartz,
Niphetos, Rubens, Mme. Carnot, Vicom-
tesse Folkestone, Jean Fernet, Mme.
Chedane Guinoisseau, Mme. Edourd
Helfenbein, Mme. Hoste, Yvonne Gravier,
the same Roses sometimes among the
Noisettes, sometimes among the Teas.
That matters little if we remember the
good ones, and of those I have grown and
found hardy and opening well, these are
the best : Lamarque, Celine Forestier,
Reve d'Or, Bouquet d'Or, L'Idcale, W.
A. Richardson, Mme. Alfred Carriere,
Gloire de Dijon, Mme. Berard,
Duchesse d'Auerstadt.
HYBRID PERPETUAL ROSES. — The
general name " Perpetual " to all the varie-
ties of this class is a misnomer, as many
are not at all perpetual ; but some varieties,
more especially some of our oldest Roses,
Buds of Tea Rose, Anna Olivier.
Docteur Grill, Emilie Dupuy, Mme.
Charles, Marie Van Houtte, Anna Olivier,
ArchiduchesseMarie-Immaculata,Maman
Cochet, Souvenir d'un Ami, G. Nabon-
nand, Grace Darling, Marie d'Orleans,
Marquise de Viviens, Pauline Labonte,
Baronne de Hoffmann, Mme. Lambard,
Mme. Philippe Kunzt, Papa Gontier,
Souvenir de David d'Angers, Princesse
de Sagan.
CLIMBING ROSES OF THE TEA CHARAC-
TER.— These are among the most precious
of all plants : that their origin is some-
what obscure is clear from our finding
keep on blooming until November.
Amongst the old H.P. kinds one may
instance especially La France and Charles
Lefebvre, and amongst newer varieties,
Viscountess Folkestone and Victor Hugo
as true perpetuals ; whereas Mrs. John
. Laing, Margaret Dickson, Gabriel Luizet,
General Jacqueminot and many other
H.Ps. do not usually bloom after the
month of August. To this large class new
varieties are continually being added, from
which growers will select their favourite
shades of colour. It is best not to follow
any stereotyped selection, as frequently
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ROSA.
775
these are Roses chosen from anything" but
an artistic point of view, as to either
colour or form.
It has been a favourite practice in
journals to make strict selections of the
most popular Hybrid Perpetual Roses,
but we do not follow it here, as it is best
not to be narrow in one's selection where
there are so many beautiful and well-
known kinds. It is otherwise with the
Tea Roses, which have been unaccount-
ably neglected as Roses for the open
garden, even by the great Rose-growing
nurserymen, and of these a careful selec-
tion has been given.
HYBRID TEAS.— The race of Hybrid
Teas was obtained from crossing the
beautiful Tea Rose and the Hybrid Per-
petuals ; and so we get a group inter-
mediate in form and in colour, and
often, as in the case of La France
and its varieties, very charming. They
are also in some cases very endur-
ing in bloom, which makes them more
useful than the usual red Roses of our
gardens. The ordinary culture of the
Rose-grarden suits them well, and the
finer kinds should, if possible, be got on
their own roots as well as grafted.
Among the kinds grown are : Annette
Gamon, Antoine Mermet, Augustine
Guinoisseau (especially fine in the autumn),
Camoens, Cannes la Coquette, Comte
Henri Rignon, Countess of Pembroke,
Duchess of Connaught, Duchess of
Westminster, Esmeralda. Gloire Lyon-
naise, one of the best Roses for gar-
dens, vigorous, with creamy-white, bold,
handsome flowers, large and sweet ; the
leaves have a distinct fragrance ; Grace
Darling, Jules Bassonville, Lady Alice,
Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, La France, Ma-
dame Alexandre Bernaix, Madame Andre
Duron, Madame Carle, Madame Etienne
Levet, Madame Moser, Marquise de Salis-
bury, with glowing crimson flowers and
deep green -leaves ; Michael Saunders,
Pearl, Pierre Guillot, The Puritan, Wal-
tham Climber, Viscountess Falmouth,
Viscountess Folkestone.
CLIMBING ROSES. — If we look at
southern Continental gardens, which have
never received a tithe of the labour and
care lavished on English gardens, but
which enjoy the advantage of warmer
climate and more constant sun, we shall
see such arcades, bowers, pillars, and
climbing masses of beautiful Roses on all
sides as will put us out of humour
with our own beautiful individual blooms,
and will cause us to regret the absence
from our gardens of these luxuriant
I masses that neither receive nor indeed
I require or obtain any special care from
one year's end to the other. If it be un-
fortunately the case that Roses which
produce such glorious effects in foreign
gardens are not hardy enough for us,
why not try to raise new varieties that will
endure our cold and changeable season ?
Surely in a family that ranges from
Kamtschatka to India, we may find at
least one species that shall be the parent
I of hardy climbing varieties, as beautiful in
our climate as the Noisette and indica
major are in the south of France and
elsewhere. We have R. sempervirens,
and the several garden varieties, such as
Felicite Perpetuee, that will climb a pillar
or shade an arcade. The Ayrshire Roses,
R. arvensis and varieties of the Boursault
Rose (R. alpina), though very charming,
bloom only in summer. They are all
quite hardy and of vigorous climbing
growth, but they do not satisfy those who
love the Hybrid Perpetual, the Noisette,
or the Banksian Rose. We have also the
continuous blooming R. rugosa, the semi-
double yellow R. Fortunei, and the beauti-
ful R. sinica, the parent of the so-called large
white Banksian Rose Fortunei. Cannot
some hybrids be raised from these and
the semperflorens, alpina, or arvensis
species ? Let us make use of what we
have at hand ; let us plant in the wilder
parts such hardy climbers as are already
mentioned, and make combinations of
such red climbing Roses as can be found
hardy. \Vhen a warm wall needs clothing,
the Banksian Rose or the various hybrids
of the Noisette and Tea Roses may be
used, though they are liable to be cut
down in cold situations and seasons. For
sweetness as well as continuity of bloom
Lamarque's clusters of lemon-white flowers
must stand first. Marechal Niel, though
unrivalled for the splendour of its golden
blooms, is only a shy bloomer in autumn.
Climbing Aimee Vibert,which is thoroughly
hardy, should be in every garden. Its
white clusters are so continuously abun-
dant and its foliage so persistent that it
ranks high as a garden Rose. Reve d'Or
is a delightful climber, in a warm situation,
and may be called a climbing Madame
Falcot, so bright are its half-expanded
buds.
MONTHLY OR CHINA ROSES.— Monthly
or China Roses have bright and varied
colours, free growth, hardy constitution,
and are most constant bloomers. They
are the first to open in the early summer,
and often continue to produce their buds
and blossoms almost until winter has
776 ROSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ROSA.
merged into spring again, a Monthly Rose
bush in a warm nook being scarcely ever
without at least a bud. They are per-
petual and perennial in the fullest sense.
They grow well either in light or heavy
soil, preferring that which is light and
warm, but not dry. Severe pruning is
good for them, though on walls, when the
earliest possible flowers are wished for, a
few shoots may be left their full length.
There are many varieties, all more or
less distinct in colour or habit, from the
berg, Louis Phillippe, Nemesis, Prince
Eugene, Prince Charles, St. Prix de Beuze,
Laurette de Messimy, Eugene Resal,
Confucius, Hermosa, Hebe, and Sanglant.
Lemesle is one of the most handsome,
deep pink with crimson reverse, which
| gradually creeps over and suffuses the
| whole flower ; the leaves of this variety
have also great substance. Ducher and
Rival de Poestum have white flowers.
The latter is beautiful, the flowers abun-
, dant, not full, but of charming purity
Rose, Gloire Lyonnaise.
lovely dwarf kinds, up to the vigorous
Crimson Cramoisie Grimpante, which
will climb to the top of a two-storied
house and bedeck it with rich crimson
flowers during most of the year. The
original single China Rose forms a bush
i \ to 2 ft. high ; its crimson blossoms, like
brilliant butterflies hovering about, are
lovely. Among the best are Alfred
Aubert, Eugene Beauharnais, Cramoisie
Superieur, Irene Watts, Marie Wolkoff,
Nabonnand, Blanche de Chine, Fellem-
and form. Madame Laurette Messimy
is perhaps the most distinct variety which
has yet appeared, being unlike in colour
any previously-known kind, of vigorous
growth, and one of the most constant
bloomers. — T. S.
Moss ROSES. — These are divided into
two sections — those which bloom only
in summer — that is, during May, June,
and July — and the so-called perpetual-
flowering kinds. Among the early kinds,
the old Common Moss Rose may be found,
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ROSA. 777
and beautiful it is. This charming Rose
has been grown in English gardens for
more than a century, and remains one of
the best, although it is not seen nearly so
much as it might be. In a few gardens I
have seen this Rose grown as a standard,
but it is not a success. Dwarfs or bushes
on their own roots are much the best,
sending out long vigorous shoots, if
planted in rich soil, and these should be
pegged down to the ground. Some of the
other kinds may also be similarly grown
with advantage.
In addition to the Common Moss, there
is Little Gem, a charming miniature
Rose, with small double crimson and well-
mossed flowers. Crimson Globe has well-
mossed buds, large, and of a deep crimson
colour. Lanei, too, with large rosy-crim-
son buds, Crested Moss (pale rosy-pink),
Marie de Blois (rosy-lilac), Celina (rich
crimson), Reine Blanche (pure white),
Luxembourg (crimson), Baron de Wasse-
nar (bright red), and White Bath (paper-
white), are all good, and there are
many others. Other Moss Roses of
note are classed separately as perpetual
or autumn-flowering kinds, but there ap-
pears to be no need for this separation.
Blanche Moreau, for example, is one of
the best white Moss Roses, but only
blooms once. Other so-called autumnal
kinds are Madame William Paul, a fine
variety with bright rose-coloured flowers,
and Madame Moreau, rose - coloured,
edged with white. Madame Edouard
Ory, with large rosy-carmine flowers, and
the Perpetual White Moss, which blooms
in clusters, are also worth mentioning.
Other good kinds are Salet, and Soupert
and Netting (bright rose). The last-
named is sweet-scented, but not quite so
free in blooming as other varieties.
Zenobia is of satiny-rose colour. Con-
sidering their charms, it is curious how
seldom Moss Roses are well grown in
private gardens. They are usually seen
at their best in small gardens, where the
owner is kind to his soil. Success with
Moss Roses cannot be had except in good
rich soil. The Moss Rose is a form of the
Provence Rose, to which the same remarks
as to cultivation apply.
SCOTCH ROSES.— Varieties of our hardy
native Rose, they are as callous to frost
and snow, wind and storm, as the pro-
verbial Highlander in his plaid ; and, if
only the ground be well broken and
manured when the plants are first put in,
they are better able to take care of them-
selves than any other Rose of garden
origin. If carefully planted at first, they
will need neither pruning nor protection,
training nor top-dressing, they are not
victims of green-fly or mildew, and they
may be trusted to thrive for a considerable
number of years without special attention.
Scotch Roses are not particular as to
soil ; and, if the soil is poor, a light
mulching of short manure in November
will keep them in good condition. Scotch
Roses are only summer-flowering, but
then their delightfully-fragrant flowers
come so early that they are especially
welcome.
There are, unfortunately, in cultivation
many very dingy-coloured varieties, which
have got these Roses a bad reputation
from a decorative point of view, but
when only delicately-coloured varieties
are grown, nothing can be more charm-
ing than a mass of these dwarf, delight-
fully-fragrant, and very hardy Roses,
the buds of which are in miniature the
perfection of form — a quality which is
maintained in the globular flowers of the
more double varieties ; while in soils and
situations where the cultivation of most
other Roses would be hopeless, flourishing
plants and flowers in abundance may be
had of the Scotch Roses.— T. W. G. ;
POLYANTHA ROSES.— These are often
of a dwarf bushy habit, rarely exceeding a
foot in height. The flowers naturally are
very small, but fragrant. Among the
good varieties are Anne Marie de
Montravel, pure white, very free ; Little
Dot, soft pink ; Mignonette, pale rose,
very pretty ; Perle d'Or, nankeen-yellow ;
Paquerette, white ; Blanche Rebatel ;
Clothilde Soupert ; Georges Pernet .;
Gloire de Polyantha ; Golden Fairy ;
Madame Allegatiere ;• Marie Pare ; Max
Singer ; Souvenir d'E. Chatelaine.
There is, however, some, danger in tak-
ing up seriously new classes of Roses of this
kind, because there are very few that are
not inferior in beauty to the lovely Tea and
other Roses which are now obtainable.
Roses that have not the finest forms, and
are unfit for cutting for the house, are
likely to take a back place.
THE BANKSIAN ROSE (Rosa Banksias),
a native of China, was brought to England
in 1807, and the best-known sorts are
Alba Fortunei, white and yellow, and the
Banksian Roses require a warm wall and
dry border, with two or three years'
growth to bloom in perfection. Merely
cut out a few of the old already-bloomed
shoots, and any late-growing sappy wood
about July. They are very precious for
covering house walls in many parts of
England, but are not so good on wet and
773
ROSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEX.
ROSA.
hilly shady places. Remove any growths
that have been injured by severe frosts
during the winter, but beyond that little
spring pruning is needful.
NOISETTES. — Owing to some of the
most important kinds in this group being
often classed with the Teas, even in
catalogues which class them as Noisettes,
there is much confusion. We therefore
omit Roses such as Bouquet d'Or, which
we group among the Teas. They bloom
long and well in clusters, grow freely, and
are fragrant and useful for climbing or
pillar Roses. The following are good
vars. : — Aimee Vibert, Celine Forestier,
Cloth of Gold, Cornelia Koch, Desprez a
Fleur Jaune, Fellenberg, Grandiflora,
Madame Zoetmans, York and Lancaster
(true).
THE PROVENCE ROSE or Cabbage
Rose. — Of this the origin is not known,
but growing abundantly in Provence, it
has received that name, though the French
themselves always call it Rose a Ccnt-
Feuilles, " The rosarian should devote a
small bed of rich soil, well manured, to
the cultivation of this charming flower,
growing it on its own roots, and pruning
closely. The Double Yellow Provence
Rose, of a rich, glowing, buttercup-yellow
as to complexion, and prettily cupped as
to form, full of petal, but of medium size,
has almost disappeared from our gardens,
and I have onlv seen it at the Stamford
Rose Harrisoni.
Isabella Grey, Jeanne d'Arc, Joseph Ber-
nacchi, La Biche, Lamarque, Duchess of
Mecklenburg, Madame Carnot, Madame
Alfred Carriere, Madame Caroline Kuster,
Madame Massot, Ophirie, Solfaterre,
Triomphe de Rennes, Unique Jaune.
THE DAMASK ROSE (Rosa Damascena)
is a native of Syria, whence it was brought
to Europe about 1270 by Thibault IV.,
Count of Brie, returning from a crusade
in the Holy Land. The Damasks have
pale green leaves, green shoots, with
numerous spines, are of free growth and
hardy ; the flowers are pretty in form, and
very fragrant. They need but little
pruning. Among the kinds, besides the
common one, are La Ville de Bruxelles,
Leda, Madame Hardy, Madame Stoltz,
shows, sent there Irom Burleigh. Al-
though common at one time in this
country, it seems never to have been
happy or acclimatised." — DEAN HOLE.
BOURBON ROSES are among the most
useful of garden Roses. They seem
somewhat capricious, with the exception
of Souvenir de la Malmaison. Among
the best kinds are— Armosa, Gloire de
Rosomanes, Madame Isaac Pereire,
Queen, Souvenir de la Malmaison,
Empress Eugenie, Kronprinzen Victoria,
Madame Baron Veillard, Marquis Bal-
baino, Mrs. Bosanquet, President de la
Rocheterie.
ALBA ROSES.— The Alba Roses are,
from their delicacy of colouring, interest-
ing, and thrive under ordinary cultivation.
Bracted.
Caucasian.
Musk.
Yellow Brier.
Some Wild Roses and their hybrids
Evergreen.
78o
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
The moderate growers should be pruned
closely, not the others. Blanche Belgique,
Belle de Segur, Celestial, Felicite', Madame
Audot, Madame Legras, Maiden's Blush,
Mrs. Paul, and Lorna Doone are among
the best kinds.
EVERGREEN ROSES (R. sempervirens).
— These are Climbing Roses, with large
clusters of from ten to fifty blooms each,
and holding their dark green shining
foliage through a great part of winter ;
they are free growers and quite hardy.
In pruning, the head should be thinned
out, a few of the more pendent shoots
being left their whole length.
GALLICA ROSES. — This is an old
group, that used to be important, but is
no longer so because of the other kinds
that have been raised. The many kinds
may be distinguished by their stiff erect
growth ; and require close pruning whilst
the flowers are fragrant and varied in hue.
The striped varieties of this section (Rosa
Mundi, etc.) are often called York and
Lancaster. The following are the best
known : — Boula de Nanteuil, Blanchefleur,
Cynthie, D'Aguesseau, Duchess of Buc-
cleuch, Kean, CEillet Parfait, Ohl, Perle
des Panachees, Rosa Mundi, Village
Maid.
AYRSHIRE ROSE (Rosa Arvensis vars.).
— These roses, of native origin, are of
rapid growth, often running 15 or 20 ft. in
one season, and are of use in covering
rough buildings, unsightly banks and
trees. They do not require rich soil, and
should be pruned very little, or not
at all. Bennett's Seedling, Queen of
Ayrshire, Queen of Belgians, Ruga,
Dundee Rambler, Splendens, and Vir-
ginia Rambler, are the best-known sorts.
BOURSAULT ROSE (Rosa Alpina).—
This is a distinct species, but its varieties
form a worthless group, which receives
its name from M. Boursault. Most of the
varieties are free from thorns and have
long reddish shoots. Amadis is most
grown. It is one of the groups of roses
not worth keeping up.
ROSE HEDGES. — If the soil be naturally
a good Rose soil, the work will be light.
In that case mark out the position of the
hedge 2 ft. wide, trench up that space
2 ft. deep, adding as the work proceeds a
quantity of well-rotted manure. Where
there is any doubt about the staple being
of the right sort, remove it, and supply its
place with a mixture of three parts loam
and one of manure. There are, however,
many gardens the soil of which, with the
addition of one barrowful of loam to every
yard length of hedge, and about half that
quantity of manure, will grow Roses Well.
i Plants on their own roots are indispens-
able, and if from 2 to 3 ft. high so much
the better, as they will form a hedge the
sooner. The time of planting must
depend on the condition of the plants, but,
I if only small plants in pots are to be had
it should be in April or May. In any case
it should be done when the soil is
moderately dry, and some finely-sifted
mould should be placed round the roots,
i the ground being made moderately firm.
| Deep planting must be avoided. The
i crown should be about 2 in. under the
surface, as the soil will afford it some pro-
tection during severe weather. As soon
as the planting is done, give some support
to the branches ; a neat stake and a strong
! tie preventing them from being blown
about by the wind. Place a layer of short
rotten manure over the roots. This should
i be 3 in. thick, and i ft. wide on each side.
During the first two years little pruning
j will be necessary, but the second spring
! after planting, any strong shoots that
exceed 3 ft. in length should be cut back
to that point. In the ground place a few
neat sticks, to which tie some of the
lower branches to form the base of the
hedge and bring it into shape. After the
second year the growth will gain more
vigour and increase in length. Cut down
I the strongest shoots to 4 ft. the third year
| and from that time allow them to increase
slowly in height so as to give the lower
branches time to fill up the base. Some
supports will be necessary to keep the
growth in shape. The after-management
consists in giving the roots a good dressing
of rotten manure every winter. Rake
away the soil from over the roots, lay the
manure on them, and then replace the
soil.
WILD AND SINGLE ROSES.
There are many beautiful single Roses,
and now that some interest has been
awakened in them, we may expect to see
them more freely planted. There are
vigorous climbers which, allowed to have
their own way and a branched tree to
support them, will climb to a great
height ; others, sturdy and bushy, are
I suitable for planting in bold groups and
| masses, and rare ones will merit special
! care. They are free from the pests that
| infest the double Roses, and above all
things when single Roses are present
in the garden a roseless June will not
happen even in the worst of seasons.
When Dog Rose and Sweet Brier toss
from the hedges in early June our gardens
might and should show some of the Wild
Rose beauty, for the single Roses of many
lands are at our disposal.
Hybrid China.
Japanese.
Some Wild Roses and their hybrids.
Damask.
782
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ROSA.
R. ACICULARIS (The Needle Rose] is a
beautiful Wild Rose, which when leafless
might well be mistaken for the Japan Rose, it
is so armed with the sharpest needle-pointed !
spines, and it has the same stout, vigorous
bushy habit of growth as rugosa. In flower I
and fruit it is quite different, and is a bright
flowered kind, but early and long blooming ;
and it is always one of the first to open. Its
leaves are smaller than those of rugosa ; the
flower large, rich red, with a sweet scent. It
also has a showy fruit, which differs from that
of the Japan Rose, for, instead of being roundish
and smooth, it is long and Pear-shaped, of a
bright red colour, with its apex covered with
spiny bristles. It is a native of Siberia, as
hardy as any kind known, but as yet un-
common in gardens.
R. ALPINA (Alpine Rose] is really more
worthy of a place in the garden than the
varieties of which it is the parent — the Bour-
saults. It grows to a great size, with long,
thornless shoots ; does not make such a colour
display as most kinds, but t is welcome for its
earliness, and a bowl of its rosy-red flowers is
pretty in the house in May.
R. BRACTEATA ( The Macartney Rose} is a
little tender, but it is so beautiful that it repays
a little extra care, and is pretty for a low wall,
which in a sunny aspect is needed to bring it
out in its full beauty. The plant is almost
evergreen ; leaves dark green and shining ; the
flowers large, milk-white, sweetly scented, of a
pretty cupped form. China.
R. BRUNONIS ( White Indian Rose}, a very
handsome Rose and almost worth growing for
the sake of its foliage alone. It is perhaps a
little tender, but vigorous ; any injury that
happens from winter frosts is quickly effaced.
July is its month of blooming, the flowers in
clusters, pure white, with a yellow centre.
Alone it is capable of covering a house, and it
must have plenty of room. Better still to let
it ramble over trees or shrubs, as it does at Kew
near the Cactus house. A single Rose named
Pissardi also belongs to the Musk Rose type,
and has fragrant Dog Rose-like flowers.
Under this same name, however, comes one
from Germany with large rose-coloured blooms.
R. CAROLINA (Carolina Rose} is a very pretty
Wild Rose, somewhat resembling R. lucida, but
distinct, as it blooms during August, when
most kinds are over, and it keeps flowering
through September. It is a tall, upright
f rower, established bushes being 6 ft. high,
ts wood is smooth, with few spines ; the
leaflets are long and narrow, and the flowers
come in clusters of a dozen or more among
plenty of foliage, the buds when opening being
rich crimson and the expanded flowers bright
rosy-red sweet-scented. The leaves when
handled have a distinct and pleasant fragrance.
R. INDICA (Indian Rose}. — This species
appeals to all who love Roses, as a parent of the
best races. In it we see those excellent
qualities, and continuous bloom, that have
been kept through numerous generations, and
contribute so much to the charm of the Tea
and Monthly Roses of the present day. Of
this species there are two or three forms in
cultivation. At Cheshunt, Mr. Paul grows a
lovely form, with flowers of a flesh-pink colour ;
another variety has a large crimson-red flower.
Like the Tea Roses, this species is ever
growing and blooming from early summer till
late autumn.
R. LUCIDA (Glossy Rose}. — One of the best
Wild Roses has leaves of a shining green colour,
and just when our native and other early single
Roses are passing away this comes into bloom
in July and goes on for several weeks. Its
flowers are large, opening flat, clear rosy-pink,
sweet-scented, in clusters of from five to
eight, but succeed one another, so that there is
not usually more than one flower open at a time
in a cluster. The heps are about as large as a
Hazel-nut, deep red, and make a bright effect
with the fading leaves, which assume autumn
tints. The heps hang all the winter, the leaf-
less wood becomes red, and through the dullest
time of the year large groups of this Rose are
pretty to see. A few plants soon spread into a
thick mass as it runs freely underground, and
it is so easily increased by its suckers, that it
offers every facility for free planting.
R. LUTEA. — This very distinct Rose is better
known through the forms derived from it than
in its wild form, pretty as that is, and it would
be charming to grow on warm banks. There
are two garden varieties, commonly called
Austrian Briers, one with yellow flowers, the
other orange red, both beautiful for a sunny
spot.
R. MACRANTHA is one of the early bloomers
and a showy kind. The flowers are large and
beautiful, chiefly white, but flesh-tinted round
the edges and in the centre with a tuft of fine
yellow stamens. In the open ground it makes
a thick spreading bush, like R. arvensis of our
hedges. Europe.
ROSA MOSCHATA NivEA. — The old Musk
Rose is supposed to have been introduced
nearly 300 years ago, but the kind that bears
the above name is of garden origin. It has a
vigorous climbing habit, is hardy, not fastidious
as to soil, with shoots like Willow wands, and
sending up flowers in great clusters of thirty or
more, and it is not uncommon to see from nine
to twelve fully open at one time. The flowers
individually are large, opening wide and flat,
white, with a suffusion of pink towards the
edges of the petals and a cushion of yellow
anthers in the centre, which keep their colour
whilst the flower lasts. The leaves have seven
leaflets, are of a gray-green colour, and when
young scented. The wood is chiefly smooth,
but small spines are numerous towards the tips
of the shoots. For cutting it is delightful, as
the clusters have long stems, and in the house
every bud opens in due course. The buds are
of a lovely pink colour before they open.
R. NUTKANA, according to the Garden and
Forest, is one of the most showy species of
Western America, having the largest flowers
and fruits. Its habit is described as stout, the
leaves ample and broad, the flowers large,
white, and the fruits bright scarlet, \ in. in
diameter.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
783
PAUL'S CARMINE is a garden variety, and a
welcome addition to single Roses because of its
bright carmine-red flowers. Its vigorous growth
makes it useful for walls, fences, and on pillars
it does well.
PAUL'S SINGLE WHITE is a vigorous Rose
of garden origin, and as we happen to have it
growing beside moschata nivea think it not
nearly so good. It is rampant, hardy, and has
large' deep green leaves, the flowers in large
clusters, scented, the buds of a tender pink
colour, but the flowers do not open out like
those of the Musk Rose, and the anthers turn
black. It is nevertheless a useful single Rose
if placed apart from the others, and it has one
merit which they lack in flowering in succession.
The vigorous shoots which grow up at the time
Asia, and, although often planted, is scarcely
ever made enough of in country places. It is
most useful for forming fences with Quick or
even by itself on good banks, as it is so
spiny that cattle, which do so much harm
to almost every other kind of hedge plant, do
not touch this, so that it swings careless in the
field where they are. The plant ought to be
grown by the thousand, and anybody with a
few bushes of it can save the seed for this pur-
pose. It is a delightful plant from the time its
buds burst in early spring until the birds have
eaten the brilliant berries in winter.
R. RUBRIFOLIA (Red-leaved Rose] should
have a place for its lovely tinted leaves and
shoots : it has a rambling or climbing habit,
but also grows into a large self-supporting bush.
The Austrian Copper Brie
of the first blooming usually produce a great
cluster of flowers at the top when they have
completed their growth.
R. POLYANTHA (Bramble Rose). — A rampant
climber, which will quickly climb a tree, cover
a building, or, away from any support, spread
into an enormous bush. It has long, spineless
shoots clothed with glossy green leaves,
blooming early in June ; a mass of white flowers
crowded in a pyramidal truss, with a powerful
scent. The variety grandiflora is an improve-
ment, but as yet it does not seem to have been
much planted. It has all the vigour of the
type, and flowers much larger. They cluster
in an immense truss, are pure white and sweetly
scented.
R. RUBIGINOSA (Sweetbrier}. — Perhaps as
pretty as any Wild Rose in flower, fruit, and
delightful fragrance. It is a native Rose, but
also distributed through much of Europe and
The flowers are red and small, the fruits
purplish-red with soft flesh. Its chief charm,
however, is in the colour of shoots and leaves.
The young, strong shoots are purple-red
overlaid with a pale gray bloom, whilst the
leaves are of a peculiar glaucous colour brightly
tinged with red. North America.
R. RUGOSA (Ratnanas Rose). — A strong
grower in any soil, it is one of the best, making
a handsome bush when isolated, but large
gardens should have great groups of it, and in
leaf, flower, and fruit it is beautiful ; it is a
long and persistent bloomer, and reaches the
zenith of its beauty when the secondary flowers
come with the glowing orange and red fruits
that have succeeded the first flowers. Then a
second crop of ripe fruit appears late in autumn,
wrhen the leaves turn yellow, showing the Rose
in another pretty aspect. It makes a good
hedge, and where pretty dividing lines are
784 ROSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
RUBUS.
wanted, it is one of the best for the purpose.
There are purple, pink, and white forms, this
last being lovely, and quite the best single
white Rose of the non-climbers. They are
free enough to plant for covert. Rosa Rege-
liana and R. kamtschatica are forms of this
species. Japan.
R. SPINOSISSIMA (Burnet Rose]. — A pretty
native Wild Rose, which will grow and flourish
where many Roses fail in the lightest and
Sweetbrier. Kosa spiriosissima.
hottest of soils. It is the parent of the Scotch
Roses, some of which are so very pretty in like
soils ; the creamy white flowers of the wild
plant are pretty and fragrant.
R. WICHURIANA. — A distinct and charming
Rose, perfectly prostrate in habit, every branch
lying flat on the ground, a rapid grower making
shoots 12 ft. long in a season, the leaves
lustrous green, and flowers standing a little
above the mass of creeping stems, pure white,
i£ to 2 in. across. For rapidly covering sunny
banks nothing could be more charming than
this beautiful Japanese Rose, also for the bolder
kind of rock-garden drooping over the larger
rocks. It is hardy so far as recent winters
entitle one to judge, and easily propagated by
cuttings or division.
R. sinica is a large, single, white-flowered,
climbing species from China or Japan. R.
gigantea, the giant of single white Roses, lately
introduced from India, is of doubtful hardiness,
otherwise it would be a great addition. R.
Beggeriana, a North American kind, of lowly
growth, has white starry flowers. R. Woodsi,
a garden form of R. blanda, has rosy-pink
flowers, and continues blooming till stopped by
sharp frost. R. pisocarpa, from California,
makes a straggling bush, with flowers of medium
size and bright red, are well worthy of a
place in the rock-garden. R. berberifolia
Hardyi has flowers like those of a Cistus, rich
yellow in colour, with a crimson blotch at the
base of each petal, but wants heat and bright
sun. Hebe's Lip is a garden form, but a pretty
single Rose with a stout bushy habit of growth,
and large, creamy white blossoms that have a
distinct Picotee edge of red around the petals.
The above is a selection mostly of the
best Wild Roses known to us for the garden
or shrubberies and fences near the garden.
There are many Wild Roses inhabiting
northern and temperate countries, and
many that have never been in cultivation
that are very beautiful and deserving
of it. It is to be hoped now that the
increased cultivation of these beautiful
things will lead to further knowledge of
them.
WILD SPECIES OF THE ROSE IN
CULTIVATION. — According to the Kew
list the following w^ild species are in cul-
tivation there, and the number deserves
to be added to, as no doubt there are
many wild kinds in the three continents
of the northern world which have never
been introduced.
R. acicnlaris, Siberia; agrestis, Europe; alba.
Europe, &c. ; alpina, Europe ; aneinontefJora, China ;
(trkansana, U. States ; Banksice, China ; beggcricuui,
Asia ; blanda, N. America ; bracteata, China ; byzan-
tina, Eastern Europe ; California*, Western N.
America ; canina, North Temperate Zone ; Carolina.
N. America ; centifolia, Orient ; cinnamoinea, North
Temperate Zone ; dainascena, Eastern Europe, Orient ;
Engclinannii, Western N. America \fedtschenkoana,
Central Asia; Fendlerii, New Mexico ; ferrug inca.
Mountains of Europe ; foliolosa, N. America ; forti<-
neana, China ; gallica, S. Europe ',&igantea, Burmah ;
Hardii, garden origin ; henrisphcerica, Persia and Asia
Minor; hibernica, England and Ireland; hispida,
garden origin ; humilis, N. America ; hybrida, Europe ;
incarnata, France ; indica, China ; involucrata, India ;
involuta, Europe ; Itevigata, China ; laxa, Siberia :
leschenaultiana, India ; lucida, N. America ; httca.
Orient ; macrophylla, India ; micrantha, Europe ;
microphylla, China ; inollis, Europe ; moscliata, S.
Europe to India ; multiflora, China and Japan ; nitida,
N. America ; noisettiana, garden origin ; mitkana,
N. America ; phanicea, Orient ; pisocarpa, Western
N. America ; potnifera, Europe ; repens, Europe ;
rubella, Europe ; rubiginosa, Europe ; rugosa, Japan ;
sempen'irens, S. Europe ; sericea, India ; setigera, N.
America ; simplicifolia, Orient ; spinosissima, Europe
! and Siberia ; stylosa, S. England ; toinentosa, Europe ;
I ivatsoniana, ]a.pan;iuel>fa'a.na, Himalaya \wichuriana,
' China and Japan ; xanthina, Persia, Afghanistan, &c.
ROSMAEINUS (Rosemary}.— A well-
known shrub, R. officinalis, is not hardy
enough everywhere, but in the embellish-
ment of dry, warm, rocky banks it is
useful ; all like its fragrance, and the
flowers are pretty when the plant is grown
on dry soils. Where it perishes in winter
in the open ground it may be grown
against a wall. Cuttings and seed.
RUBUS (Bramble^). — Trailing and
often prickly shrubs, some of the best from
America ; the finest of these being the
Rocky Mountain Bramble (R. deliciosus),
quite unlike an ordinary Bramble,
being without spines or prickles. It
i makes a rounded spreading bush about
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
RUBUS.
785
4 ft. high, and, in June, bears snow-white
flowers about the size of Dog Roses, and
like them in form. It is hardy in most
gardens where the soil is light, and in cold
districts may be grown against a wall,
Rubus deliciosus.
which it quickly clothes with a beautiful
growth, and flowers more abundantly than
as a bush. Always select for it the sun-
niest and warmest place in the garden.
E. odoratus is 3 to 8 ft. high, with large -
lobed leaves, and from June till August
large clusters of rich purple flowers. It
may be used in the rougher parts of the
rock-garden, or in the wild garden, and is
very hardy. Like the garden Raspberry,
it sends up strong annual shoots, which
in rich soils reach 6 ft. There is no finer
shrub for planting under the shade of
large trees and in rough places.
R. nutkanus. — This is found from
North California to Nootka Sound, and
is rather taller in growth than R. odoratus,
Rubus nutkanus (the Nootka Sound Raspberry)..
the flowers pure white. They are partial
to a moist soil, as near the margins of
a pond or stream. They are among the
best shrubs for the wild garden, where
in a short time they spread into large
masses if in good soil and partial shade.
The Salmon Berry (R. spectabilis), from
North-west America, has flowers of a
bright red and very early. It is best in
the rougher parts of the rock-garden or
for the wild garden.
R. biflorus, or R. leucodermis ( White-
washed Bramble), from the Himalayas,
has tall wand-like stems often 10 ft. or
more in height, whitened with a mealy
substance on the bark. Its white flowers
are not showy, and are succeeded by
edible-acid, Raspberry-like fruits. R.
australis, from New Zealand, is without
true leaves, and prickly. In warm situa-
tions on walls it grows several feet high.
The beautiful R. rossefolius (Rose-leaved
Bramble), from the Himalayan region, is
scarcely hardy enough for open-air except
Rubus laciniatus.
in favoured spots or against sunny walls.
Its double variety (coronarius) has loose
clusters of large white flowers, which are
very double ; it is often grown as a green-
house shrub. Among the best native
Brambles are the beautiful double varie-
ties of R. fruticosus, which flower late
in summer. There are the double pink
and the double white kinds, both known
under various names ; but the names
of double pink and double white are
sufficient. As they are forms of distinct
species or varieties, they differ in habit,
the double pink being much the stronger
and more free flowering. When well
placed the double pink makes a wide-
spreading mass like the common Bramble,
and gives from the middle of August till
autumn an abundance of bloom, every
flower being a rosette of delicate pink
petals. The double white is a form of
R. tomentosus, and its flowers are larger
than those of the double pink, but less
3 E
RUDBECKIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
RUDBECKIA.
double. The double white and the double
pink should be planted near each other,
and will clothe banks or associate with
bold rocks. Another fine Bramble is the
Cut-leaved, or Parsley-leaved Bramble,
which has a profusion of white blooms,
succeeded by large delicious fruits. Some
of the so-called American Blackberries,
Rubus caesius (Dewberry).
such as the Lawton and Kittaninny, do
not succeed in our country.
A few of the small kinds, such as R.
arcticus (which grows a few inches high
and bears numerous rosy-pink blossoms),
the Cloud-berry, R. Chamasmorus (also
dwarf and with white blossoms), the Dew-
berry (R. Caesius), and R. saxatilis, are
pretty in partially-shaded spots in the
rock-garden in moist peaty soil.
RUDBECKIA (Conefower). — North
American Composites, with showy yellow
flower-heads, usually with a dark centre
cone, making striking plants /or the hardy
border, flowering in late summer and
autumn.
R. MAXIMA is a handsome plant 6 or 7 ft.
high, having flowers densely set with broad
golden rays produced in August and September.
The large glaucous oval and entire leaf at once
distinguishes it from others of the genus. A
native of the warmer States of America, it
thrives best in warm gardens and in hot sum-
mers, and from time to time it should be renewed
from imported seeds.
R. PINNATA grows 4 ft. or 5 ft. high, flower-
ing from July until hard frosts overpower it.
It is not a long-lived plant, getting too hard
and woody at the base to continue to break
well, so it is better to keep a few seedlings on
hand. Seed is abundantly produced and easily
raised. Plants flower in the second year, and
continue about five years more.
R. CALIFORNICA is the largest in size of
flower and cone, the flower being often about
6 ins. across, and the cone 2 ins. high ; leaves,
flower-stalks, and root are equally robust. The
flowers come early in July ; they have few and
horizontal rays, and are solitary on the stalks,
their size making up for their small number,
and the whole plant having a majestic appear-
ance. It is better for frequent division, ex-
hausting the soil if left to itself for several
years.
R. LACINIATA is the tallest of the cone
flowers, 7 to 10 ft. high. The leaves, as the
name implies, are unevenly divided into narrow
ribbons, or cut into larger lobes, different
individuals varying much in leafage. The
flower is large, the rays curved downwards so
as nearly to touch the stalk, and the cone is
greenish. Plants live many years without
spreading much, but are easily divided, and
self-sown seedlings come up round if the seed
escapes the green linnets and chaffinches, which
delight to eat it.
R. NITIDA. — The general habit of this is
that of R. laciniata, Ijut the leaves are less
incised than in any of that species ; the flowers,
though smaller in outline, are more regular and
plentiful, and have broader and more golden
rays. They begin to open when R. laciniata
is over, and continue into November. It is a
very handsome kind, vigorous and hardy, and
grows 6 ft. or more high in good soil.
R. SUBTOMENTOSA.— In this the flowers
show hardly any raised cone ; the disc is very
black, and the golden rays, about an inch long,
continue horizontal, so that it would hardly be
taken for a cone-flower. It grows 4ft. high,
flowering late and very freely. Division.
Young plants succeed best ; when old they are
apt, like R. pinnata, to get so hard at the base
that large limbs suddenly lose their vital union
with the root and wither before flowering.
R. PURPUREA. — In this distinct cone-flower
the ray florets are of a reddish or rose-purple
hue, and the flowers are fully 4 ins. across.
When fully established the plants reach 3 to 4
ft. high, and are effective on account of their
free-flowering and erect habit. The plant only
rarely produces seeds, and these are generally
slow to vegetate, so much so, that it is best
rather to rely on careful division of the root to
ensure maintaining a stock. Other kinds
closely allied to this species are R. pallida,
R. an^tsti folia, R. purpurea intermedia, a
fine form with branching habit, and R. p.
serotina.
R. SPECIOSA is given the unauthorised name
of R. Newmanni, though I never could dis-
cover why. It is so well known that I need
say little more than advise those who wish it
to succeed in hot and dry summers to dress the
surface with rich compost and to water it well,
or it withers prematurely.
R. HIRTA is said by Asa Gray to be "annual
or biennial," and it certainly requires frequent
renewal from seed. Two-year-old plants begin
to flower early in June, and continue gay
through summer. It is well to select the
largest and most golden flowers for seed.
This species always attracts notice in my gar-
den from the bright colour of the rays and the
good contrast of the black cone.
RUMEX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SAGINA.
787
Excepting R. maxima, I have, in a long j
gardening experience, found no difficulty in
maintaining a stock of all these cone-flowers. !
R. pinnata, R. laciniata, R. hirta ripen plenty
of seed every year. I never found ripe seed !
on any of the others, but they are all easily i
divided ; the whole tribe likes a rich moist I
soil and a warm aspect. C. WoLLEY-DOD.
RUMEX (Dock}.— The only one worth j
growing is our great native Water Dock I
(R. Hydrolapathum), sufficiently striking !
for a place amongst ornamental subjects !
by the water-side. Its leaves, sometimes j
2 ft. or more in length, form erect and :
imposing tufts ; while its flowering stem, i
frequently 6 ft. in height, has a dense,
pyramidal panicle of an olive-fawn or
reddish colour. In autumn the leaves
change to a lurid red, a colour they retain
for some time. A root or two deposited
in the mud near the bank of a pond or
a slow stream will require no further j
attention.
RUSCUS (Butchers Brooui}.— These !
are distributed throughout Europe, North j
Africa, and temperate Asia. All the I
hardy kinds may be planted under the
drip and shade of trees where few other
evergreens could exist. Propagate by ;
division of the roots. The R. aculeatus !
(Common Butcher's Broom) is a native of j
our copses and woods, with curious I
prickly leaves, or rather substitutes for |
leaves, and small greenish flowers which
appear in April, and succeeded by bright j
red berries about the size of Peas. This i
dense, much-branched Evergreen rarely !
grows more than 2 ft. high, and its thick, !
white, twining roots strike deep into the
ground. The Alexandrian Laurel (R.
racemosus) is an elegant shrub with glossy
dark green leaves. Its stems are valuable
for cutting from either in winter or at any
other season. It is one of the best j
plants for partial shade, and should have !
deep loamy soil, but thrives on chalk. S. j
Europe. R. Hypophyllum, a very dwarf j
kind, and R. Hypoglossum are not im- |
portant.
RUTA (Rue].— The common Rue (R.
graveolens) is not ornamental, but R. !
albiflora is a graceful autumn-flowering j
plant about 2 ft. high, with leaves re-
sembling those of the common Rue, but i
more glaucous and finely divided. The
small white blossoms, borne profusely in I
large terminal drooping panicles, last until
the frosts. In some localities it is hardy,
but, unless planted against a wall, should
generally have slight protection in severe j
weather. It is also knowrn as Bcenning- '
hausenia albiflora. Nepaul. Another
pretty plant is the Padua Rue (R. patavina),
4 to 6 in. high, with small golden-yellow
flowers of the same odour as the common
Rue, and the plant is about as hardy as
R. albiflora.
SABBATIA (American Centaury].—
Pretty N. American plants of the Gentian
family. The species introduced are— S.
chloroides, with large pink flowers ; S.
campestris, with light rose flowers ; and S.
angularis, with purplish-red flowers. S.
chloroides, being found in bogs, requires a
very moist spot ; S. campestris, an open
and drier place ; S. angularis, a sheltered
situation and partial shade, in imitation of
that afforded by the vegetation amongst
which it grows wild. The soil should con-
sist of equal parts of good fibry loam and
finely-sifted leaf-mould, with enough sand
to make it open. Seed, wrhich should be
sown in summer. The seedlings should
be potted off before they become in the
least drawn, or they will make weak
plants, and they should be wintered in a
cold airy frame. In spring repeatedly
stopping the shoots will induce them to
form bushy plants before flowering. All
are biennial and should be raised annually.
SACCHARUM.— S. agyptiacum is a
vigorous perennial Grass, forming tufts of
reed-like downy stems, 6 to 10 ft. high, and
clothed with graceful foliage. It is suited
for the margins of pieces of water and for
pleasure-grounds, and requires a warm
position. In our climate it does not
flower, but is a good plant from its
leaves and habit. Division in spring, and
the offsets should be started in a frame
or pit : in May or June they may be
planted out. N. Africa. S. Maddeni is
a quick-growing hardy perennial, about 5
ft. high, w^ith graceful leaves, and is well
worthy of growing with other large Grasses.
SAGINA (Pearhvorf.-The only species
worthy of culture is the Lawn Pearlwort
(S. glabra), a plant very generally known
in consequence of being much talked of
a few years since as a substitute for lawn
Grass, though it has not answered the
expectations formed of it. It is none
the less a pretty little alpine plant,
forming on level soils carpets almost as
smooth as velvet, and these in early
summer are starred with pretty little
white flowers. It is multiplied by pulling
the tufts into small pieces and then
replanting them a few inches apart, when
they soon meet and form a carpet. Al-
though S. glabra does not generally form
a permanent or satisfactory turf, yet by
selecting a rather deep sandy soil a
turf may be made, but it must be kept
perfectly clean and well rolled, and this
is rarely worth attempting. When the
3 E 2
788
SAG1TTARIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SALIX.
plant begins to perish in flakes, it should
be taken up and replanted. Corsica.
Syn., Spergula pilifera.
SAGITt ARIA (Arrowhead ).— Water
plants of the Water Plantain family,
the best known being our native Arrow-
head, with its arrow-shaped leaves and
tall spikes of white blossoms. Its double
variety is handsome, and its blossoms last
longer. There are one or two handsome
double kinds, the origin of which is not
clear, but they are worth growing in
ponds ; best in water i ft. deep, if their
tubers are planted in mud.
SALISBURIA (Maiden-hair Tree}.—
S. adiantifolia is a beautiful tree in all
stages and at all seasons, perhaps most
attractive during the autumn, just before
the leaves drop, since the foliage assumes
then a bright yellow hue. Although it dif-
fers much from the Conifers, it belongs to
that order, and is one of the few deciduous
members of it. Probably its scarcity is
accounted for by its not being readily pro-
pagated, and by its making slow progress
during its earlier stages, since, on this
account, it is not popular in nurseries. A
rather deep, fairly moist soil of a loamy
nature seems to meet its requirements, but
it is not very particular as to soil, for
a fine specimen grows on the shallow
gravelly subsoil of Kew. Its fruits are
said to be eaten in China and Japan, but
they are rarely produced here. There
are two or three varieties of the species,
tnd, when raised from seed, as it always
should be, there are individual differences.
Syn.^ Ginkgo biloba.
SALIX ( Willow). — Large and medium
sized trees, shrubs, and even alpine trailers
of northern and temperate countries,
mostly hardy and of singular beauty and
Old Pollarded Willow in Suffolk, after Strutt.
interest for our gardens and home grounds,
in which they are much neglected. Not-
withstanding the number of trees in the
country, I doubt if there is a more pictur-
esque one than the Babylonian Willow,
which is not common in many districts
about London, although it is by the river
and in the eastern counties. There are
many, however, who plant this who do
not care for handsome Willows of erect
habit, but, as we think, with more beauty
of colour, such as the scarlet-barked or
cardinal Willow, and even the old yellow
Willow. Of late years a number of other
Weeping Willows have been propagated
in Germany and elsewhere, so that we
are no longer confined to the old Weeping
Willow, which, occasionally, was apt to
be cut down in hard winters. When the
gardener plants a Willow, it is generally
some curious one with a mop head, like
the " American " Weeping Willow. Coun-
try gentlemen should therefore take the
Tree Willows under their own care, and
plant them in bold groups and colonies
here and there, by water or in wet or
marshy places. A marshy place planted
with underwood formed of the yellow or
red Willow would be charmingly pictur-
esque in winter — indeed at all times, and
there is no difficulty in getting any of
these Willows by the hundred or thousand.
In places which are much haunted by the
rabbit, young Willows of these kinds go
very rapidly, and, planted by streams in
meadows where there are cattle, they are
nibbled down, so that in certain districts
a little care may be wanted to protect
them. None of the Willows here men-
tioned should ever be grafted. I have
skeleton Willows alongside some ponds,
the sad remains of grafted Willows which
were interesting and little-known kinds,
all grafted on the common Sallow (Salix
capred). The grafted portion gradually
died ; the stump on which they are grafted
remained sound, and from it have come
the vigorous shoots of many Withies.
Inasmuch as the whole country and the
woods near have many of the same tree,
which seeds everywhere near, this unsought
plantation of a common tree by garden
ponds, is far from a gain. " As easy to
strike as a Willow," is a proverb among
gardeners, and there is no good reason
for grafting these plants. The graceful
Willow, called in our gardens the American
Willow, is invariably grafted on the Sallow,
and if not watched and the suckers re-
moved, will quickly perish ; but if a shoot
of this plant be hanging into water it
quickly roots, showing how easily the trees
could be increased if nurserymen would
take the trouble to do it in the right way.
The objection to the grafting is, first of
all, the frequent death of the tree ;
secondly, falsified and weak growth, and,
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SALIX.
789
where it does not die, endless trouble ;
thirdly, we lose some of the true uses of
the tree, the habit not lending" itself
always to grafting on the standard
form. Why should we not be able to
use the Weeping Willows as rock or
bank plants, not on standards, in which
form the growth is often less graceful than
on our own root trees ? Though we think
the finest Willows for effect in the land-
scape are the tree Willows, in all garden
ground the Weeping Willows are likely
to be the most planted, and we should
guard against an excessive use of them
in home landscape owing to this same
weeping habit. One large isolated Weep-
ing Willow, or a group of such trees on
the margin of water, gives a much better
effect than a number dotted about. Fur-
ther, the Weeping Willow ungrafted when
isolated has an advantage over many
other weeping trees in its beauty of habit,
all is grace and softness ; like a fountain
of water, the branches rise lightly into
the air to fall again gracefully. On the
other hand, in most other weeping trees
artificially made by grafting on standards
there is none of this lightness of aspect
and of form. Willows are admirably
suited for giving us an abundance of
shade where this is desired, and they are
among the hardy trees that thrive in and
near towns. Only the Willows most effec-
tive in the home landscape and in the
home woods are named here. Some small
and alpine Willows are interesting for
the rock-garden, but they are more suited
for botanical collections. The dwarf
creeping kinds grown in gardens are —
S. herbacece, S. lanata, S. reticulata, and S.
serpyllifolia, all natives of the northern
parts of Europe and America, They
grow well among stones in ordinary
garden soil. Sometimes certain of these
dwarf forms are grafted generally on the
sallow, on which their lives are very short,
and it is impossible for us to judge of
the value of such kinds as 5. repens var.
argentea and pendula and S. ccesia var.
Zabelipendula, when stuck on the ends of
sticks of a wholly different nature.
S. ALBA ( White Willow}. — A graceful and
stately tree of the marsh lands and river valleys
throughout Europe and Asia, common in
Britain, and often beautiful. It has several
varieties, particularly a silvery one, and a red
one (britzensis). Sometimes 80 ft. or more
high, with a trunk diameter of 6 to 7 ft.
S. BABYLONICA ( Weeping Willow}. — A
beautiful weeping tree, and the best known of
the Willows of this character, though not the
hardiest that we now know, and sometimes
liable to be cut off in cold districts. There is
a crisp-leaved variety. It is called Babylonian
because it was thought to be the tree under
which the Jews sat down to weep on the banks
of the Euphrates River, but it is now known
that the tree which grows on the banks of the
Euphrates and resembles a Willow is a Poplar,
having narrow Willow-like leaves. Japan and
The Weeping Willow.
China. S. Saloinoni is a variety of this, and
seems to be a free-growing and most graceful
willow, but, with us, not old enough to show
its true form. It is a very rapid growing tree,
as, indeed, most willows are in river bank soils.
S. BLANDA (Hybrid Weeping Willow}. —
This is a vigorous and fine Weeping Willow,
though not yet long enough in our country to
show its true habit. It is thought to be a
hybrid between the Babylon and Crack Wil-
lows having regard to its characteristics.
The leaves, long even at the base of the
branches, are 3 ins. to 5 ins. long by less than
I in. across.
S. CAPREA ( Withy, Sallow, Goat Willow}.
— The commonest Willow, often a round
headed low tree, in our woodlands, and the
one which bears the pretty catkins early in
spring, and gathered at Easter, called Palm
branches. It is used in nurseries throughout
Europe as a stock to secure the greatest
growth of various Willows, and usually with a
fatal result to the life of each kind grafted on
it. The Kilmarnock Willow is a weeping
variety of this Willow. It is usually grafted,
but in this case grafted on its own wild parent,
so that the contest between stock and scion,
that takes place among grafted Willows, does
not occur to the same extent, though even in
this case it would be best to increase the plant
from cuttings or layers, at least for those who
so desire it.
S. ELEGANTISSIMA. — A rapid growing and
handsome weeping tree. Willows have a
curious way of crossing and intercrossing,
hybridising themselves in all sorts of ways,
and it s difficult to account for the origin of
this ; but from a garden point of view this is:
not of so much consequence. It is tall with'
790 SALIX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SALPIGLOSSIS.
long and pendent branches, a yellowish-green,
often stained with russet, with a more spread-
ing habit and a larger crown than S. baby-
lonica.
S. FRAGILIS (Crack Willow; Withy}. — A
fine and often picturesque tree of our river
valleys, and a native of Northern Europe and
Western Asia, including in it a variety of
forms, among the best being the Basford Wil-
low, and the broad-leaved form, latifolia. S.
Riisselliana.) the Bedford Willow, is considered
a hybrid between this and the White Willow.
There is also an orange, twigged form of the
Crack Willow (S. decipiens}.
S. PENTANDRA (Bay leaved Willow}. — A
glossy leaved distinct looking Willow, some-
times almost a tree ; a native of Britain, mostly
towards the north or west, and the latest
flowering \Villow.
S. PURPUREA (Purple or Bitter Osier}. — A
British Willow of some grace of habit, though
not quite a tree, and most interesting from
being the origin of the Willow called American
by mistake. It is really a variety of this
species, and a very beautiful weeping bush,
which, however, is often lost by being grafted
on the common withy, which soon kills the
tree. This Willow and its .varieties and
hybrids are much grown in osier beds for
basket making, though not so much as the
osier. The pendulous form of the Purple
Weeping Willow, commonly called the
American Weeping Willow is not very high,
but has pretty grey slender leaves, with
long flexible twigs. It is usually grafted on
and grown as a single, umbrella headed tree,
although it is much prettier grouped or massed
beside the water, and it is only then that one
gets an expression of its extreme grace. This
willow is grafted on the common sallow — a
usually coarse growing willow of which the
shoots spring from below the graft. If let
alone for a year or two they would soon make
an end of the Purple Willow ; but by con-
tinually removing them one may keep the
tree alive. S, purpurea scharfenbergensis is
allied to the above, but more elegant, and the
branches tinged with a bright russet-brown.
It is much to be recommended as a garden tree.
S. ROSMARINIFOLIA (Graybush Willow} is
a graceful bushy Willow of a nice gray colour,
especially for groups near water or in moist
ground ; hardy and of easy culture. Europe.
S. VIMINALIS (Osier}. — A distinct and
native Willow, frequent in wet places in woods
and osier beds, rarely planted in gardens, the
leaves and branches are very fine in form. It
is the Willow most used for basket making.
S. VITELLINA (Golden Willow} is some-
times classed with the White Willow by
botanists, but from a planter's point of view it
is a distinct tree, never so large as the White
Willow, but effective in the colour of its yellow
branches and twigs in the winter sun. While
old trees of this often become good in form
and occasionally pendulous, there is of recent
years a distinctly pendulous variety, S. pen-
dula, which is very graceful and precious
indeed, and quite hardy, which should never
be grafted. Some of the red twigged willows,
such as that called the Cardinal Willow,
Salix vitellina.
belong to S. Vitellina. The twigs are used
to a great extent for packing in nurseries,
and tying fruit trees in gardens.
SALPIGLOSSIS.— Jx sinuata is a beau-
tiful plant of the Solarium family, and one
of the finest of half-hardy annuals ; it is
slender, and has an erect stem, i to 2 ft.
high, bearing large funnel-shaped blos-
soms that have dark veins on a ground
which varies from white to crimson,
yellow, orange, or purple, and intermedi-
ate shades. As the colour of the blos-
soms is so variable, the plant is known
Salpiglossis sinuatn.
as S. variabilis, and its varieties have
Latin names according to their tints. It
is difficult to make a selection, but a
packet of mixed seeds will produce a
pretty variety of colours, and will yield a
fine display, lasting from late summer till
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SALVIA.
791
autumn. S. sinuata thrives in light, rich,
sandy loam, and should be treated as a
half-hardy annual. Chili.
SALVIA (Sage}.— The Sages are found
in almost all sub-tropical and temperate
countries, the showiest kinds in the
mountains of Tropical America and
Mexico, and hardy kinds in countries
bordering on the Mediterranean Sea.
Few of the Mexican species are really
hardy, but many of them are among the
best autumn and winter ornaments of the
conservatory and the greenhouse, while,
during summer, others are pretty in beds
and borders. Few require special treat-
ment, the herbaceous perennials being
rapidly propagated by division or seed, and
the half-shrubby species by cuttings of the
young soft shoots in heat. The hardy
perennial species require only a little care
in the selection of a suitable situation and
soil, but they are few in comparison with
the half-hardy kinds. One of the hand-
somest of the hardy sorts is S. pratensis,
a native species sporting into several
varieties, which differ from each other
in colour, and are called alba, rubra,
bicolor, and S. sylvestris is even hand-
somer, and has long showy spikes of
deep purple flowers. The well-known S.
Sclarea and its variety bracteata are
good plants for a mixed border, and so
is S. Forskohlei, a species similar to them
in habit and in colour. The finest of all
is S. hians, which is, however, rarely
seen. Some of the forms of the common
garden Sage (S. officinalis), especially
the variegated-leaved kind, are pretty ;
and so are the blue - flowered North
American S. Pitcheri, and its white
variety. The pretty purple red-topped
Clary (S. Horminum) is a South European
annual of easy culture. The tufts of
coloured bracts which terminate its stems
make it useful for cutting as well as for
border decoration. The silvery Clary
(S. argentea) is also an excellent border
plant. It has silvery leaves, 6 to 12 in.
long, which are handsome when well
grown. S. candelabrum, a native of the
south of Spain, is a half-shrubby species
like the kitchen Sage, and has similar
foliage, with ample panicles of rich violet
and white flowers, borne on long stalks
clear of the leaves. S. taraxacifolia is
equally handsome.
Of the half-hardy species, S. patens is
the most brilliant, being equalled by few
flowers in cultivation. Although not hardy, j
except in some districts on light warm soils, j
it is easily preserved through the winter,
and readily increased from cuttings. S.
cacaliasfolia is a beautiful plant similar to S.
patens, but of the same hardiness as those
mentioned below. S. porphyranthera is
a dwarf close-growing species with rich
crimson flowers. It rarely fails in the
open border. S. farinacea is a beautiful
kind bearing light lavender blossoms
with a white lip, and having a flower-
spike covered with white powder. S.
interrupta, a very fine species from
Morocco, has large white and light
blue flowers. S. Grahami, a very old
Mexican kind, has a distinct habit and
bears bright carmine blossoms. S.
angustifolia and S. azurea are blue kinds,
Salvia patens.
worthy of open-air culture, as are also
several of the sorts usually grown in
greenhouses, such as S. Heeri, S. fulgens,
S. gesneraefolia, S. elegans, S. tricolor, S.
rutilans, S. splendens, and their varieties;
for, though some of them do not flower
till autumn, their use for indoor decoration
is improved by their being planted out
during summer.
In summer some tender kinds have
a fine effect in the open border, and are
all easily propagated by cuttings. In
August and September they should be
raised in a close cold frame, and in spring
they should be treated like Heliotropes
or Ageratums. When large plants are
required, the old ones can either be
potted, or put close together in deep
boxes • and, if potted, they should be cut
792 SAMBUCUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SANTOLINA.
down to within 6 in. of the soil. Both
old plants and potted cuttings are easily
wintered in any dry place where frost is
excluded. The tender Sages thrive in
any good garden soil.
SAMBUCUS (Elder).— The common
Elder (S. nigra) is not generally admired,
but its cut-leaved, golden, and variegated
varieties are often planted. A large Elder
with branches sweep-
ing the turf is no mean
object on a lawn at
midsummer, when
covered with its flower-
clusters, or when in
berry. The golden
Elder (foliis aureis) is
becoming very com-
mon— too common, in
fact, — for, like all con-
spicuous objects, it re-
quires to be employed
with caution, or a
spotty effect will be
produced. The same
remark applies, but in
a less degree, to the
variegated golden-
leaved and silver-
leaved Elders. The Parsley-leaved or
cut-leaved Elder (laciniata) is a most
elegant shrub, and should be preferred to
the common Elder, as it is ornamental
even in a small state. It should be
allowed to form itself into a small tree or j
a round symmetrical bush. A pretty '
shrub is the Scarlet-berried Elder (S. '
racemosa), which resembles the common j
Elder in habit, save that instead of j
bearing black berries it has clusters of j
brilliant scarlet fruits. Unfortunately, it |
is capricious in English shrubberies, and I
is seldom seen in perfection of berry. Its j
natural home is in alpine valleys, where
in August and September it rivals the
Mountain Ash in splendour. In hill j
districts it may be grown and fruited, but
it must have a cool moist spot. Its cut-
leaved variety (serratifolia) is an elegant ,
shrub, with pinnate leaves deeply cut. S.
Ebulus is a herbaceous Elder, having
spreading foliage, cut into elegant leaflets,
that may be planted in coverts, dry
banks, and rough shrubberies ; scarcely
suitable for border culture. It is hardy, |
and may be readily increased by di-
vision.
SAMOLUS. — S. littoralis is a pretty
trailing plant, with long slender stems, j
small evergreen foliage, and numerous
pink blossoms in summer. It is suitable
for the bog-garden or for moist spots in
the rock-garden, as it delights in plenty
of moisture, and a peaty soil suits it
best. New Zealand.
SANGUINARIA (Bloodroof). — S.
canadensis is a pretty and distinct hardy
plant, its thick creeping root-stocks send-
ing up glaucous leaves about 6 in. high,
the flowers, borne singly on stems as high
as the leaves, are I in. across, white, with
a tassel of yellow stamens in spring, in
Sanguinaria canadensis.
good-sized tufts, having a pretty effect.
Sometimes the flowers are pinkish. It
grows well in any border, but under
the branches of deciduous trees on lawns
it spreads about, and, without attention,
becomes a charming wildling, in moist
soil. It is strongest and best in moist
peaty bottoms in woods or otherwise. It
may be increased by division in autumn,
but its fleshy stems must not be kept long
out of the ground. Poppy family. Nova
Scotia, Canada and westwards and south-
wards on the mountains.
SANTOLINA (Lavender Cotton). -
Dwarf half-shrubby plants, of neat habit
and pretty hoary foliage. One of the most
distinct and useful of them is S. incana,
a small gray shrub, with close habit and
narrow leaves covered with dense white
down. The pale greenish-yellow flowers
are small, not showy, but the plant is
useful from its form and silvery hue, for
groups and edgings, growing readily in
ordinary soil on the level border, or on
slopes of the rock-garden. It is con-
sidered a variety of the better-known
S. Chamaecyparissus (Lavender Cotton),
which is pretty for banks and rock-gar-
dens, forming silvery bushes 2 ft. high,
but it is not suited for association with
very dwarf alpine plants. Other species
of Santolina suited for rock-gardens are
S. pectinata and S. viridis, which form
bushes something like the Lavender
SANVITALIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SAXIFRAGA.
793
Cotton. S. alpina is of more alpine
habit, forming dense tufts close to the
ground, from these arising slender stems
bearing yellow button-like flowers. It
grows in any soil, and may be used in the
less important parts of the rock-garden.
Division. Cuttings of the shrubby species
strike readily in spring or autumn.
SANVITALIA.—^. procttmbens is a
hardy annual from Mexico, with trailing
branches and bright yellow flowers. In the
single-flowered kind the blossoms have a
dark purple centre, but in the double (S.
procumbens fl.-pl.), which is by far the
showier, they are a bright yellow. S.
procumbens flowers from July till late in
September, and owing to its dwarf com-
pact growth, it is useful for masses in
beds or for the front rows of borders, or
in suspended baskets, as the slender
branches droop gracefully over. It may
be sown in any ordinary garden soil — in
autumn for spring flowering, or in March
and April for summer flowering.
SAPONARIA (Soapwort).— Perennial
herbs and alpine plants or annuals of the
pink family.
S. caespitosa is a neat little alpine
perennial, good in the higher regions of
the Central and Eastern Pyrenees, flower-
ing in August, but in the lowlands its
beautiful rose-coloured blossoms appear
towards the end of June. It forms
rosettes of linear leaves, thick, glabrous ;
the flowers, forming a thick cluster, are
supported by short stout stems. This
graceful little plant is valuable for the
rock-garden. A sandy soil suits it best,
and it endures our winters.
S. calabrica is a pretty prostrate hardy
annual, 6 to 9 in. high, its slender stems
covered with small pink blossoms all the
summer. There is a white variety. It is
much used for beds and edgings. Seeds
may be sown in the open border in April,
or earlier in heat if bloom is required early
in the season, in rich sandy loam.
S. ocymoides is a beautiful trailing
rock-plant, with prostrate stems, its rosy
flowers completely covering its leaves and
branches in early summer. It is most
valuable for clothing arid parts of the
rock-garden, where a drooping plant is
desired, as the shoots fall over the face of
the rocks, and become masses of rosy
bloom. It is also excellent for old walls,
and the seed should be sown in mossy
chinks where a little soil has gathered.
It thrives in ordinary soil, and is often a
good dwarf border plant. Seeds and
cuttings. Southern and Central Europe.
S. officinalis (S0apw0rt).—'This is a
handsome native plant about 2 ft. high,
with large blossoms, usually rose-pink,
the double variety being best. It is a
rambling plant, and soon spreads rapidly;
therefore it should not be planted in
select borders, but is pretty for rough
j places in the pleasure-ground and wild
j garden, as it grows in any soil. Division.
Sarana. See FRITILLARIA.
SARRACENIA (Huntsman's Horn).—
This singular plant, S. purpurea, belongs
to a family of Pitcher-plants, natives of
North America, it being the hardiest, and
handsome when well grown. Its curious
leaves, hollowed like a horn, are blood-
red in colour, and form a compact tuft i
ft. or more in height and the same in
breadth ; the flowers, singular in shape,
are not very showy. It is a good plant
for the bog-garden or for damp spots in
the rock-garden, in an open and fully-ex-
posed position with the choicer bog-
plants, in fibrous peat well mixed with
Sphagnum Moss, which is common in
marshy places. A layer of living Moss
should be placed round the plant to keep
it moist. The plant is hardy under these
conditions, but precautions should be
taken to prevent birds from disturbing
the soil and exposing the roots. Some of
the hybrids between it and others may be
hardy. S. flava, the hardiest species next
to S. purpurea, is rarely satisfactory in
the open air.
SASSAFRAS (Ague Tree).—S. offici-
nale is a distinct and remarkable tree,
sometimes growing over 100 ft. high,
with a trunk 6ft. or more in diameter, and
a rough aromatic bark in sandy soils in
New England, Canada, and westwards
and southwards. The leaves are three-
lobed, and vary much in shape. In our
country this plant should have soils similar
to those in which it grows in its own, as
our cool summers are less likely to ripen
the wood. Syn., Laurus sassafras.
SAXIFRAGA (Rockfoit).—Tti& genus
includes, perhaps, more true alpine flowers
than any other. In the Arctic circle, in
the highest alpine regions, on the arid
mountains of Southern and Eastern
Europe and Northern Africa, and
throughout the length and breadth of
Europe and of Northern Asia, they are
found in many interesting varieties of
form and colour. One might expect
them to be as difficult of cultivation as
most alpine plants, but they are the
easiest to grow of all. They were com-
mon in collections of alpine flowers
where few other families were repre-
sented. Of late years many pretty species
have been introduced, and the variety
of the family is now so great that a very
794 SAXIFRAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SAXIFRAC-A.
interesting garden might be made of
Saxifrages alone. For the purposes of
cultivation some rough division is con-
venient, as Saxifrages are very different |
in aspect and uses. The most ordinary
form is the Mossy or hypnoides section, |
of which there are many kinds in cultiva-
tion. Their delicate Moss-like spreading
tufts of foliage, so freshly green, especi-
ally in autumn and winter, when most
plants decay, and their countless white
flowers in spring, make them very pre-
cious. They are especially suited for the
tasteful practice of carpeting the bare
ground beneath taller plants. They are
also admirable for the fresh green hue
with which they clothe rocks and banks
in winter. Next to these we may place
the very extensive silvery group. These
have their grayish leathery leaves mar-
gined with dots of white, so as to give to
the whole a silvery character. This
group is represented by such kinds as S.
Aizoon and the great pyramidal-flowering
S. Cotyledon of the Alps. Considering
the freedom with which they grow in all
cool climates, even on level ground, and
their beauty of flower and foliage, they
are perhaps the most precious group of
alpine flowers we possess. Anybody with
a cottage garden can grow them. The
London Pride section is another of great
beauty, the plants thriving under ordinary
conditions in lowland gardens, and soon
naturalising themselves in lowland wroods
and copses. But the most brilliant, so
far as flower is concerned, are found in
the purple Saxifrage (S. oppositifolia)
group and its near allies. Here we have
tufts of splendid colour in spring with
dwarfness and perfect hardiness. The
large leathery-leaved group, of which the
Siberian S. crassifolia is best known, is
also of much importance ; the plants
thriving in ordinary soil and on the level
ground. There are various minor groups.
Such of the smaller and rarer alpine
species as require any particular attention
should be planted in moist sandy loam
mingled with grit and broken stone, and
made very firm. Very dwarf and rather
slow-growing kinds, like S. cassar and S.
aretioides, should be surrounded by half-
buried pieces of stone, to prevent their
being trampled on or overrun. Stone
will also help to preserve the ground in a
moist healthy condition in the dry season,
when the plants are most likely to suffer.
Very dry winds in spring sometimes have
a bad effect when such precautions are
not taken. Established tufts are apt to
throw out stem-roots into their own
cushions, so to say. These cushions are
frequently moist during the autumn and
winter months. When the tufts are
suddenly dried, the plants suffer if the
ground-roots be dried too.
The following are among the most im-
portant cultivated kinds, though the list
excludes many species that are difficult
to grow or to procure, and which are
found only in very full collections.
S. aizoides. — A native plant, very
abundant in Scotland, the north of Eng-
land, and some parts of Ireland, and
generally found in wet places and by the
sides of mountain rills or streams. At
the end of summer or in autumn it has
an abundance of flowers, \ in. across,
bright yellow, dotted with red towards
the base. It forms dense masses of
dwarf bright green leaves, and has leafy
branched flower-stems, which distinguish
it from other yellow Saxifrages. Although
a mountain plant, it is easy to grow in
lowland gardens in moist ground. Wher-
ever a rill or streamlet is introduced into
the rock-garden or its neighbourhood, S.
aizoides may be planted to form wide-
spreading masses, as it does on its native
mountains. Easily propagated by division
or by seed. Syn., S. autumnalis.
S. Aizoon is a good rock, border, and
edging plant. Plants established for two
or three years form gray-silvery tufts,
which do not flower so freely as the wild
plants, but this need not be regretted, as
it is the silvery mass, and not the flowers,
that is sought. This Rockfoil is often
grown in pots, but it flourishes as freely
as any native plant, and is best perhaps
when exposed to the full sun. There
are several named varieties. S. pectinata,
S. Hosti, S. intacta, S. rosularis minor, S.
australis, S. cartilaginea, and others are
only slight variations from the type.
Division in spring.
S. Andrews!.— Among the green-
leaved Saxifrages there is no better kind
than this. Its flowers are freely pro-
duced, prettily spotted, and larger than
those of S. umbrosa. The plant is finer
in the rock-garden than London Pride,
grows as freely on any border soil, and
merely requires to be replanted occasion-
ally, when it spreads into very large tufts,
or to have a dressing of fine light compost
sprinkled over it annually. The variety
Guthrieana is distinct from the Pyrenees.
S. aretioides. — A real gem of the en-
crusted section, forming cushions of
silvery rosettes about \ in. high, and
almost as small and dense as those of
Androsace helvetica. It has rich golden-
yellow flowers, in April, on stems a little
more than i in. high, which remind one
SAXIFRAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SAXIFRAGA. 795
of the flowers of Aretia Yitalliana. S.
aretioicles requires a moist and well-
drained soil, and being so tiny, must be
protected from coarser neighbours. Seed j
and careful division.
S. Burseriana. — None of the Rockfoils j
surpass S. Burseriana in vernal beauty, i
It is almost Moss-like in habit, forms
broad patches, and spreads rapidly over j
the earthy interstices of warm moist sand-
stone, if planted where it will not suffer '
from stagnant moisture. The blossoms
are borne singly on slender red stalks,
which rise 2 or 3 in. above the general
surface of the plant, and are pure white,
the margins of the overlapping petals
elegantly frilled or crisped. They appear
freely in January and February. Before
they are expanded, their crimson-brown
unopened buds have a cheerful effect as
they emerge from the compact silvery
tufts of foliage, while interspersed among
full-blown flowers they enhance the
pearly whiteness of the petals. S. Bur-
seriana soon forms good-sized tufts in the
open border or in the rock-garden, but
prefers a dry sunny situation and calcare-
ous soil. All lovers of hardy spring
flowers should possess it. There are two
or three distinct forms which differ from
each other chiefly in habit, one being
much more tufted than the others. There
is also a form with larger flowers than
those of the type, but not more desirable ;
it is called grandiflora. Large panfuls of
this early Rockfoil are pretty in the
greenhouse. Austrian Alps.
S. csesia resembles an Androsace in
the neatness of its tufts. On the Alps it
covers the rocks and stones like a silvery
Moss ; and on level ground, where it has
some depth of soil, develops into beautiful
little cushions 2 to 6 in. across. It has
pretty white flowers in summer on smooth
thread-like stems, i to 3 in. high. Though
a native of the high Alps and Pyrenees, it
thrives in our gardens in very firm sandy
soil, if fully exposed and well watered in
summer. It may also be grown in pots
or pans in cold frames near the glass; but,
being very minute, should always be kept
distinct from coarse neighbours, as even
the smallest weeds will injure or obscure it.
Seeds or careful division. Of similar
character are S. calyciflora, S. luteo-viridis,
S. Kotschyi, S. valdensis, S. squarrosa,
and S. diapensoides, all dwarf, and, for
the most part, difficult to grow, though
their beauty amply repays the trouble
bestowed on them. They should be
grown in the same way as S. cassia.
S. csespitosa.— A dwarf kind form-
ing dense carpet-like masses of foliage.
arranged in neat tufts, studded in summer
with white blossoms. It succeeds in
almost any situation in any garden soil ;
is useful for margins to herbaceous borders,
and makes a beautiful covering for moist
banks. It is one of the most variable of
all Saxifrages, and of its numerous varie-
ties the most distinct are palmata and
grcenlandica.
S. ceratophylla (Stags-Horn Rockfoil}.
— An ornamental species of the mossy
section, with dark, finely-divided leaves
and numerous pure white flowers in loose
panicles in early summer. It quickly
forms strong tufts in any good garden
soil ; and is adapted for any kind of rock-
garden, whether grown in level tufts on
the flat portions, or in sheets overhanging
the brows of rocks. Spain. Seed or divi-
sion. Similar to this species are S. pani-
culata, ladanifera, Wilkommiana, geranio-
ides, irrigua, ajugaefolia, and aquatica.
S. ciliata. — One of the broad-leaved or
Megasea section with large broad leaves,
covered with soft hair, and carried on creep-
ing stems. The flower-stems are 6 to 9 in.
high, and bear numerous large flesh-
coloured flowers in spring. A native of
North India, S. ciliata is suitable for open-
air culture in the south of England only,
but is so handsome and distinct that it
should be tried wherever it can be grown.
A sheltered nook in the rock-garden, par-
tially shaded, suits it best.
S. cordifolia. — This Siberian plant
differs in aspect from the ordinary dwarf
Rockfoils, having ample heart-shaped
leaves on long and thick stalks. Its clear
rose-coloured flowers are arranged in
dense masses, and in early spring half
conceale'd among the great leaves, as if
hiding from the cutting breath of March.
S. cordifolia and its varieties flower in
any soil and position ; but to encourage
early-flowering, place them in warm
sunny positions, where their fine flowers
may be induced to open well. These
Saxifrages are perhaps more fitted for
association with the larger spring flowers
and herbaceous plants than dwarf al-
pines ; and may be naturalised on bare
sunny banks, in wild sunny parts of the
pleasure-ground, or by wood walks. They
may also be used with effect near cas-
cades, or on rough rock- or root-work, or
on the rocky margins of streams or artifi-
cial water ; in fact, they are the fine-
foliaged plants of the rocks. There are
several handsome varieties of S. cordi-
folia, the finest of all the group being one
called purpurea.
S. Cotyledon (Pyramidal Saxifrage}. —
This beautiful kind embellishes with
796
SAXIFRAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEX.
SAXIFRAGA.
its great silvery rosettes and elegant
pyramids of white flowers many parts of
the great mountain ranges of Europe,
from the Pyrenees to Lapland. It is the
largest of the cultivated Saxifrages, and
also the finest, except S. longifolia, the
linear leaves of which it does not possess.
There is considerable difference in the
size of the rosettes, which when grown in
the parent plant of the offsets as they
appear. Many market growers have
large stocks of this Rockfoil in pots. It
is superb thus grown, but will succeed
well in the rock-garden or ordinary
border.
S. crassifolia. — A well-known Siberian
species of the Megasea section, with large
broad leaves. The flowers rise from the
Saxifraga pyramidalis (the great alpine Rockfoil).
tufts are generally much smaller than in
isolated specimens. The flower - stem
varies from 6 to 30 in. high, and about
London, in common soil, often reaches 20
in. In cultivation the plant usually attains
a greater size than on its native rocks. A
variety more pyramidal and more robust
is known in gardens under the erroneous
name of S. nepalensis, and sometimes
by the more appropriate one of S. pyra-
midalis. To get good specimens, denude
terminal shoots in showy pendent masses
and are pale rose with a suspicion of lilac.
The plant fulfils the same purposes as S.
cordifolia. The chief varieties are ovata,
which carries its deep rose-coloured
flowers well above the foliage ; rubra,
similar to the last, but with flowers of a
deeper tinge of rose ; orbicularis, produc-
ing an abundance of light rosy flowers,
well above the foliage, and sometimes
considered a species, but in reality only a
SAXIFRAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SAXIFRAGA.
797
smaller form of ovata, with rather broader
leaves and a more branching habit ; and
media, a distinct variety, with large dark,
shining green leaves and clusters of
bright rosy-pink flowers on strong stems.
There is also a variety called aureo-
marginata, with variegated foliage.
S. Cymbalaria.— Little tufts of this
Rockfoil form, in early spring masses of
bright yellow flowers set in light green,
glossy, ivy-like leaves, the whole not
above 3 in. high. Instead of fading, it
preserves its little rounded pyramids of
golden flowers until autumn, when it is
about 12 in. high. It is an annual or
biennial, sows itself abundantly, and is
suitable for moist spots on or near the rock-
garden or on level ground, and in large
pleasure-grounds ; is readily naturalised
on the margins of a rocky stream and
elsewhere.
S. flagellaris is distinct and free in
growth. Like its ally, S. Hirculus, it has
large bright yellow blossoms. Each
rosette throws off thread-like stolons,
which root at the tips, and in moist,
peaty, and gritty soil quickly form new
rosettes. One of the most arctic of
plants.
S. Fortune! has large panicles of white
blossoms which rise in profusion from
rosettes of dark green rounded leaves.
It is a desirable plant, for it flowers in
autumn and is not particular as to treat-
ment.
S. granulata (Meadow Saxifrage].—
A lowland plant, with several small scaly
bulbs in a crown at the root, and numer-
ous white flowers three-quarters of an
inch across. It is common in meadows
-and banks in England, its double form
being very handsome ; also useful as a
border plant in the spring-garden or in
the rougher parts of the rock-garden.
S. hypnoides (Mossy Saxifrage] is a
very variable plant as regards stems,
leaves, and flowers, but usually forms
mossy tufts of the freshest green, and no
plant is more useful for forming carpets
of glistening verdure in winter. For this
reason it is suited for the low rocky bor-
ders frequent in town and villa gardens.
It thrives in the rock-garden or on level
ground, either in half-shady positions or
when fully exposed to the sun. When so
•exposed it forms the fullest tufts, flower-
ing profusely in early summer. It is also
suitable for dwarf verdant carpets in the
flower garden or the rock-garden with a
view to placing plants above it. Nothing
can be easier to grow or to increase by
division. Under this species may be
grouped S. hirta, S. affinis, S. incurvifolia,
S. platypetala, S. decipiens, and several
others, all showing differences which
i some think sufficient to mark them as
species. They are as free as S. hyp-
! noides, and appear to suffer only from
drought or drying winds. If when first
planted a few rather large stones are
I buried in the earth round each, the plants
! will soon lap over them and preserve
the moisture in the tufts. S. densa and
S. \Yhitlavi are the best free-growing
species, and, being compact and always
green, are suitable for a margin.
S. juniperina (Jtmiper Saxifrage] is
\ one of the most desirable, with spine-
pointed leaves densely set in cushioned
masses. The yellow flowers appear in
summer, and are arranged in spikes on a
I leafy stem. S. juniperina thrives in moist,
sandy, firm soil in the rock-garden, and
in every collection of alpine plants ; should
be grown in pots. Caucasus. Seed and
careful division.
S. lantoscana.— One of the finest of
the incrusted-leaved section. Though
similar to the pyramidal variety of S.
Cotyledon, it is smaller, its leaves narrower
and more crowded in the rosette, whilst
i its flower-spike, which is not erect but
! slightly drooping, is more densely fur-
nished with flowers. It is easily grown
in a fully-exposed position in a well-
formed rock-garden, in a well-drained
gritty soil. It remains long in flower,
and is one of the best of rock-garden
plants.
S.ligulata (Nepaul Rockfoit).—'t^& has
1 broadly obovate leaves, bearing flowers
| in small cymose panicles. The flowers
i are white, with a rosy tint towards the
| margin of the petals ; and the anthers
I before expansion are deep crimson. Its
i tendency to early spring growth makes it
I liable to injury. from frosts, which, occur-
| ring in three or four consecutive seasons,
I will ultimately prove fatal. It should
therefore be given a sheltered situation
j and a little shade also. The varieties
rubra and speciosa, particularly the latter,
I are in every way finer than the type. S.
ligulata may be associated with others of
the Megasea section.
S. longifolia.— This Pyrenean plant
has single rosettes often 6, 7, and 8 in.
in diameter. Its grayish leathery leaves
are beautifully dotted with white on the
margins, and in early summer it pushes
up fox-brushlike columns of white flowers,
from i to 2 ft. long, the stems covered
with short, stiff, gland-tipped hairs. It is
perfectly hardy, and may be grown in
various ways. On some perpendicular
chink in the face of a rock-garden, where
798
SAXIFRAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SAXIFRAGA.
it can root deeply, it is very striking when
the long outer leaves of the rosette spread
away from the densely-packed centre. It
may also be grown on the face of an old
wall by first carefully packing a very small
plant of it into a chink with a little soil.
The stiff leaves will, when they roll out,
adhere firmlv to the wall in the form of a
sunny pit or frame, giving it plenty oi
water in spring, summer, and autumn. S.
longifolia is propagated by seeds, which
ripen from the bottom of the stem upwards,
so that the lower seed-vessels should be
cut ofT first, leaving the unripe capsules to
mature. Visit the plant every day or two
to collect the seeds as they ripen. S.
large silver star. S. longifolia will thrive
on a raised bed or border if surrounded
by a few stones to prevent evaporation
and injury, also in a greenhouse or frame,
and perhaps the best way to develop a
weak young nursery plant into a sturdy
rosette is to put it -in a 6-in. pot well
drained and filled with a mixture of sandy
loam and stable manure. Place it in a
Saxifraga longifolia.
lingulata chiefly differs from this kind in
having smaller flowers and shorter stems.
It is a charming rock-plant, and will suc-
ceed in the same position as S. longifolia.
S. crustata is considered a very small
variety of S. longifolia, and should be
associated with dwarfer plants.
S. Maweana is a handsome species of
the caespitosa section, and larger than any
SAXIFRAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SAXIFRAGA.
799
other in foliage and flowers. The latter,
about the size of a shilling, form dense
white masses in early summer. After
flowering, this species forms buds on the
stems, which remain dormant till the fol-
lowing spring. Though rare, it is of easy
culture. Similar, but finer, is S. Wallacei,
which is far more robust, earlier, and freer
as regards flowering, but which does not
develop buds during summer. It is a
most desirable plant for the border or the
rock-garden, and easily propagated. Pot-
fuls of this are pretty as the flowers are
large, and so free as to form a mass of
white.
S. muscoides (Mossy Saxifrage}.— A
beautiful little plant, forming a dense
bright green carpet like S. hypnoides and
S. caespitosa. There are several forms of
it, but the best is atro-purpurea, which
produces a dense mass of deep red-purple
blossoms on stalks a few inches high. The
varieties pygmasa and crocea are pretty,
also the allied kinds S. exarata, S. pede-
montana, S. Rhei, S. aromatica, and a few
others ; they grow in almost any soil.
S. oppositifolia.— It is impossible to
speak too highly of the beauties of this
bright little mountain-plant, in colour and
in habit so distinct from the familiar
members of its family. The moment the
snow melts, its tiny herbage glows into
solid sheets of purplish-rose colour. Of
the several varieties that known as splen-
dens has flowers of far greater brilliancy,
though slightly smaller than those of the
type ; in bud especially the colour is
almost carmine and exquisitely beautiful.
In density of bloom it approaches the
typical form, but rarely equals it. This
variety was obtained many years ago on
the mountains of Scotland. S. o. major
has flowers twice the size of the type,
clear rose, inclining to cherry, and has
less of a purple tinge. In S. o. pyrenaica
the shoots are twice as robust as those of
any of the preceding kinds, and the flowers
larger. Its finest form is S. o. p. maxima,
which has lovely light rose blossoms as
large as a shilling. S. o. alba has white
flowers, in pleasing contrast to the other
varieties. S. Rudolphiana has a more
spreading habit of growth, and its rosy-
purple flowers are sometimes borne singly,
and sometimes (though rarely) in pairs.
It is allied to S. biflora, the beautiful
dwarf species of loose habit, the flowers of I
which, on clusters of two to four, vary |
from a bright rose to a deep blood-red, the
petals narrow and wide apart. S. Kochi
is similar in habit to this, and its rosy-
purple flowers are in twos and fours at the
extremities of the shoots. The foliage of
S. retusa is very short, firm, dense, and
compact, the small flowers being borne in
clusters at the extremity of erect stalks ;
and their narrow petals are usually a pale
rose colour, sometimes brighter. It blooms
rather later than the varieties of S. opposi-
tifolia. S. Wulfeniana is closely allied to
S. Kochi. S. oppositifolia and its varieties
succeed in deep, open, rich, loamy soil,
and are finest in a fissure or on a ledge of
the rock-garden, where the roots can
ramble backwards or down to any depth.
For the soil, a rich light loam mixed with
fragments of limestone or grit, small frag-
ments of any rock, and a little river sand
Group of Silvery Rockfoils.
will do. S. oppositifolia must have sun-
shine ; for though it will grow in the shade,
it will not flower freely. The same treat-
ment, with the addition of a little peat or
vegetable mould, suits S. retusa and S.
Wulfeniana. The Tyrolese species (S.
biflora, S. Rudolphiana, and S. Kochi) are
less easy to please. They grow wild on
the moraines of glaciers, where light
vegetable soil, sand, and debris of every
kind blend with massive rocks, coating
the surface, and filling the interstices
where water drips or oozes around, and
frequently flows in volume within 2 or 3 ft.
so as to soak the bases of the rocks on
which their rosy carpet is spread. They
will grow in pots, but rarely with the
same freedom as the varieties of S. op-
positifolia.
S. peltata. — The shield-like leaves of
8oo
SAXIFRAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
S. peltata make it unique among Saxi-
frages ; and on this account some have
referred the plant to a section under the
name Peltiphyllum. From a thick and
fleshy creeping root-stock rise stout erect
leaf-stalks, at the ends of which grow
the target-like leaves, i ft. or more in
diameter. The white or pale pink flowers
appear in spring, a little before the leaves,
on stalks i to 2 ft. high, and in loose
clusters, 3 to 6 in. in diameter. It
is found in the neighbourhood and in
the beds of quick-running streamlets
throughout the Sierra Nevada of Cali-
small rocky or elevated borders. Any
good, free, moist, loamy soil suits it, and
in London it thrives on borders, but
should always be exposed to the full sun,
associated with the choicest spring flowers
and alpine plants. Austria. Seeds or
careful division. S. coriophylla is similar
but not so valuable.
S. sancta. — A beautiful species, forming
a dense carpet-like mass of deep green
foliage, studded in early spring with
numerous bright yellow blossoms on stems
an inch or so high. It seems to grow
freely in any position in the rock-garden.
Saxifraga Wallace!.
fornia, and is best in a deep moist border '
of peaty soil. Division or seeds.
S. purpurascens is the finest of the
Megasea section. The stem is 10 to 12 in.
high, and the flowers are produced in pen-
dent masses of red and purple. Succeeds
best in a moist peaty soil in a rather sheltered
spot. High elevations about Sikkim.
S. Rocheliana (Rachel's Saxifrage}. —
A compact and dwarf kind, forming dense
silvery rosettes of tongue-shaped leaves,
with white margins and distinct dots. In
spring appear large white flowers on sturdy
little stems. There is no more exquisite
plant for the rock-garden, pans, and for
S. sarmentosa (Mother of Thousands].
— A well-known plant, with roundish
leaves and numbers of creeping, slender
runners, producing young plants Straw-
berry fashion. It grows freely in the dry
air of a sitting-room, and may often be
seen gracefully suspended in cottage-
windows, but is most at home running
wild on banks or rocks in the cool green-
house or conservatory. In mild parts of
England it lives in the open air, and
may be used in graceful association with
Ferns and other creeping plants. China.
Flowers in summer. Closely allied is
the delicate S. cuscutasformis with its
SAXIFRAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDE fr. SAXIFRAGA. 801
thread-like runners similar to the stems of
a Dodder, and distinguished from S. sar-
mentosa by smaller leaves and more
uniform petals. It may be used in much
the same way as S. sarmentosa, but being
more delicate and fragile, requires more
care. It is a beautiful plant for growing
in Moss in a cool fernery, for it is perfectly
at home, and the delicate markings of its
Saxifraga sarmentosa.
leaves show up against the green of
its surroundings. The plants grown in
gardens, as S. japonica and S. tricolor,
are varieties of S. sarmentosa.
S. Stracheyi is a strong plant with
leaves nearly as broad as long. Its
flowers, produced on broad branching
panicles, are of a light pink with a shade
of lilac. It is hardier than its closest
ally S. ciliata, blooms in March, and
should be sheltered against bleak winds.
It is suited for borders and rock-gardens.
S. tenella.— A handsome plant, form-
ing tufts of delicate fine-leaved branches,
4 or 5 in. high, which root as they grow.
The flowers, which appear in summer, are
numerous, whitish-yellow, and arranged
in a loose panicle. Similar in growth are
S. aspera, S. bryoides, S. sedoides, S.
Seguieri, S. Stelleriana, and S.tricuspidata,
all suitable for clothing the bare parts of
the rock-garden and slopes, but require
moist soil and cool positions. Division in
spring or the end of summer.
S. umbrosa (London Pride].— This al-
most universally - cultivated plant is
abundant on the mountains round Kil-
larney, though it has long been grown in
our gardens. In old gardens it is much
used for edging, and, being a pretty
evergreen, should be freely used in the
rough parts of rock-gardens, the fringes
o'f cascades, etc. It is naturalised in
several parts of England, and grows freely
in dwarf herbage, or in rocky parts of
woods. There are several varieties, for
example, S. punctata, S. serratifolia, and
Oglivieana, which is a most distinct form of
this species, with pinkish blossoms in dense
dwarf panicles not over 6 in. high. S. rotun-
difolia and similar kinds are related to S.
! umbrosa, but are unimportant. This plant
I and its forms will thrive in the cold shade of
j high walls where few other things will live.
There are other good kinds, but less
important than the foregoing, such as S.
mutata, S. florulenta, very difficult to
grow, the London-Pride-like S. Geum, the
native S. Hirculus, and the small gray
tufted S. aspera.
GIANT ROCKFOIL HYBRIDS. — The
Giant Saxifrages of our gardens, known as
Megaseas, are so variously beautiful at all
seasons that the wonder is they are not
even more popular than they now are
in all good gardens. From all the other
Saxifrages they are known by their mas-
sive size and breadth of leaf, while, as a
general rule, they are of evergreen habit,
and so are effective at all times. Most of
them are beautiful when in blossom during
the earlier months of spring. Now and
then, it is true, their flowers become
nipped in the bud by spring frosts ; but
even if this occasionally happens, general
results are enough to justify their culture.
Besides, it is so easy to pot up the plants
in autumn and give them the shelter of a
cold frame or an awning of mats, since
plants so treated bloom freely and form
handsome plants for cool greenhouse or
conservatory decoration.
One of the best for pot and tub culture
is M. crassifolia, which has large clusters
of its peach or almond-tinted blossoms on
tall stalks, its fragrance on a warm day
being like that of Hawthorn. Another fine
variety is cordifolia purpurea, which bears
its pendulous bell-shaped flowers on vivid
red scapes 18 in. or 2 ft. in height, the
blossoms being darker in colour than
those of crassifolia.
Other very fine species are purpur-
ascens, Stracheyi, cordifolia, and ciliatar
the last with large hairy leaves, but it
is the most tender of the whole group,
and its leaves succumb to the first sharp
frosts. Its flowers are whitish with a rosy-
red centre, and effective in warm sheltered
3 F
8O2 SAX1FRAGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SCABIOSA.
localities under cold frame culture in pots
or tubs, as above recommended.
The following species and varieties are
given in books : Megasea cordifolia, c.
purpurea, crassifolia, ligulata, 1. ciliata
purpurascens, Stracheyi, S. alba, S. Milesi,
hybrida splendens.
Numerous hybrids have been reared in
this section of Saxifrage from time to time.
One of the first which became popular in
rish Rockfoil.
London nurseries about ten years ago is
the seedling from cordifolia, now known
as cordifolia purpurea, a noble plant, and
luxuriant as seen at its best. Milesi is
dwarf growing, and nearly if not quite
deciduous, its presumed parentage being
ciliata crossed with pollen of Stracheyi.
As seen in its early bud stage of blossom-
ing it is a distinct and beautiful plant,
and is lovely grown in pots in a cold
house or sunny frame. Its scapes are so
short that its rose and white flowers are
apt to be splashed and spoiled by rains
unless protected.
A very varied and robust series of hybrid
Megaseas is that reared some years ago by
Mr. T. Smith, of Newry. They are the
result of crosses between cordifolia x pur-
purascens, and possess in some degree
the good qualities of both parents. The
plants are all robust, although varying
much in colour of flower and in stature.
Hybrida splendens is one of the finest in
the group, but the following named kinds
are also very remarkable in habit and in
colour : —
M. CORDIFOLIA X PURPURASCENS VAR.
BRILLIANT. — Leaves large, richly tinted
in autumn and winter ; flowers purple ;
calyces and pedicels crimson ; fine.
M. CORDIFOLIA X PURPURASCENS VAR.
CAMPANA. — Very neat dwarf crowded
foliage ; scape i^ ft. with bell-shaped head
of rosy-lilac flowers.
M. CORDIFOLIA X PURPURASCENS VAR.
CORRUGATA. — Dwarf habit; large rough
leaves ; flowers pink.
M. CORDIFOLIA X PURPURASCENS VAK.
DISTINCTION. — Dwarf crowded habit, with
enormous head of pale pink flowers.
M. CORDIFOLIA X PURPURASCENS VAR.
NANA. — A miniature of hybrida splendens.
M. CORDIFOLIA X PURPURASCENS VAR.
PROGRESS. — A free growing plant, with
tall scapes of rosy purple ; bell-shaped
blossoms, which are \\ in. across ; extra
fine.
M. CORDIFOLIA X PURPURASCENS VAR.
STUDY. — Compact habit, with short stout
scape of rose-coloured flowers.
One charm of these great Rockfoils is
their rich autumnal and winter colouring.
M. Stracheyi and M. purpurascens are
especially good in this way, and many of
Mr. Smith's hybrids are effective when
planted in exposed positions ; with other
fine-leaved plants they show to advantage,
some having leaves suffused with crimson,
red, and soft yellow, while others are of the
most vivid colour — crimson and brown.
We have here a group of fine-leaved and
flowering plants worthy of every attention,
for we do not believe that the hybrids
now known, fine as they are, will remain
long the best now that it is seen that the
species and varieties seed so freely and
give such good results when crossed.
The result promises to be a group of
plants free from all cultural difficulties —
plants that a cottager may grow in his
garden, or a townsman in his window
boxes, and handsome enough to be worthy
of care and attention in the garden of a
queen.— F. W. B.
SCABIOSA (Scabious). — Annual, bien-
SCABIOSA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. SCHISTOSTEGA. 803
nial, and perennial plants, forming by far
the largest proportion of the Teasel family
cultivated in our gardens. The old
English name of Pincushion Flower, from
the resemblance of the flower-heads to
that useful article, is perhaps a little more
appropriate than it is elegant, although it
serves its purpose very well, and, indeed,
we have been told these plants are known
by no other name in the country. Although
comprising a large number of species,
very few are found outside the botanic
garden, and were all the known kinds
hunted up, the sorts really worthy of the
gardener's attention would certainly not
amount to a dozen.
S. atro-purpurea (Sweet Scabious], the
most common Scabious, which when
grown in distinct varieties, as it is now
sold by our florists, adds much to the
beauty of our mixed flower borders, as
well as being largely used for greenhouse
and conservatory decoration. The normal
colour is said to be deep crimson, but
under cultivation all shades of crimson,
purplish-yellow, and white, may be seen.
Many varieties have double flowers and
are preferred by some growers, but I
think the single varieties are best, and
they are also extremely useful for cutting.
Under the name Saudade the flower-
heads of the Sweet Scabious (S. atro-
purpurea) are used for funeral wreaths by
the Portuguese and other nations ; indeed,
the white varieties have attained such
purity that they might well be employed
in our own country, as they may be had
at almost any season of the year by being-
sown and grown under glass. Those
desirous of having gay groups for the
flower borders can order mixed packets
from their seedsmen, and the seeds should
be sown in the reserve ground along with
other annuals in May, or even later, to
bloom the following year. If sown earlier,
however, the Scabious will bloom the
same year, for though considered a biennial
by many growers we have always looked
upon it as a hardy annual. By sowing
the seed in the open towards the end of
March and thinning out as required, the
plants will bloom well towards the latter
end of summer. To get earlier bloom, those
sown the previous autumn may be trans-
planted in early spring to their flowering
quarters ; the succession will then be con-
tinued from early summer until late au-
tumn. South-western Europe.
S. maritima (Sea Scabious}.— k species
similar to the above, equally beautiful, a
hardy annual, and yielding abundance of
purple-crimson flowers, which are invalu-
able for cutting.
S. caucasica (Caucasian Scabious} is
the handsomest and most useful. It
flowers from early summer to late autumn,
a true perennial on warm soils, but often
perishes on cool soils. It forms dense
tufts, which yield large quantities of blue
flower-heads, each usually from 3 to 4 in.
in diameter, on long foot-stalks, and are
useful for cutting, as they last a long time
in a warm room. There is a white variety.
Caucasus. Division and seed.
S. graminifolia (Grass-leaved S.}— A
graceful Scabious from i^ to 2 ft. high,
with pale blue flowers and silvery white
leaves ; it is very useful for the rock-garden.
Southern Europe. June to October.
Division and seed.
S. pterocephala (Wing-headed S.},
is a very dwarf-tufted hardy perennial,
rarely exceeding 4 in. or 6 in. in height
even when in flower ; flower-heads pale
purple in summer. We find it very useful
and less troublesome than most of the
other species. Greece. Division. Syns.,
S. Parnassi and Pterocephalus Parnassi.
S. Webbiana is another useful species
for the rock-garden or border, forming
neat little masses of hoary leaves, which
are attractive, especially when the plant
is grown in poor soil. Its creamy yellow
flowers, borne on long stalks, are pretty
from July to August. Division.
Other kinds are succisa, arvensis, Portae,
suaveolens, Columbaria, gramuntia, but
the above will be found a fair selection for
most gardens. In addition to the annual
species given above, S. stellata will no
doubt find a place in many gardens. It
grows about 2 ft.in height, the large florets
spreading open like a star, of a pale purple
colour,perhaps more curious than beautiful.
A near ally of the above is S. palaestina, a
little taller, flowers larger, but paler ;
both are hardy annuals, but not to be
compared with the Sweet Scabious and its
varieties. — D. K.
SCHISTOSTEGA (Iridescent Moss}.—
This Moss (S. pennata} is so small that it
would hardly be noticed by the naked eye
but for the iridescent gleams of beautiful
colour which it displays in suitable posi-
tions. Some of the stones and sods on
which it grows look as if sown with a
mixture of gold and the material that
forms the wings of green humming-birds.
It was supposed to require a particular
kind of rock ; but its wonderful corusca-
tions have lately been seen to spread over
sods of turf and masses of peat, as well as
over chips of rock brought from its native
place. Messrs. Backhouse have it in per-
fection in the open air, in a quiet deep
gorge of rocks, where it obtains suffi-
3 F 2
804 SCHIZANTHUS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SCILLA.
cient moisture without being washed by
rains.
SCHIZANTHUS (Fringe -flower]. —
Pretty annuals of elegant growth, which
bear in summer many showy and curiously-
shaped blossoms. There are in cultiva-
tion a few species, and these have yielded
numerous varieties. The hardy kinds are
S. pinnatus, i^ to 3 ft. high, and its rosy-
purple and yellow blossoms are 'copiously
spotted. Its chief varieties are — papilio-
naceus (purple spotted), Priesti (white),
atro-purpureus (deep purple with dark
eye), and Tom Thumb (a dwarf compact
variety). S. porrigens is similar to S.
pinnatus, but has larger flowers. The
half-hardy kinds are S. retusus (deep
rose and orange flowers with crimson
tips), Grahami (lilac and orange), and
Hookeri (pale rose and yellow). These
are also beautiful, and worthy of being
grown well. If treated as half-hardy
annuals, the seed should be sown in heat
in spring, but if treated as biennials, the
seed should be sown in August, the plants
preserved in the greenhouse till May, and
then planted out. Both kinds prefer a
good, rich, sandy loam. Chili.
SCHIZOCODON.— S. soldanelloides was
introduced by Captain Torrens, who in
1891 found the plants growing beside
sulphur springs in the mountains of
Japan, and, after carrying them hundreds
of miles, succeeded at last in bringing
home three or four living plants. The
flowers of the Schizocodon are like those
of a large Soldanella, prettily fringed, deep
rose in the centre, passing into blush or
almost white towards the edges. It evi-
dently requires much the same treatment
as Shortia. Captain Torrens says : —
" The plant I found in an overhanging
bank surrounded by Moss and moisture.
Since I brought it home I have kept it in
a pot with peat and sand. It is a hardy
plant, and I have had it out two winters
in a cold frame, and it seems to have stood
the climate well."
SCHIZOPETALON.— 5. Walkeri is a
curious Cruciferous half-hardy annual from
Chili, about i ft. high, with slender stems,
and numerous white almond-scented ele-
gantly fringed blossoms. If sown in April
or May, in light, warm, rich soil in the open
border, it flowers in July and August, and
may also be sown in pots, but the ball of
earth must not be broken as the plant
does not well bear transplanting.
SCHIZOPHRAGMA (Climbing Hy-
drangea).— S. hydrangeoides is a Japanese
climbing shrub allied to the Hydrangea,
with tall slender stems that send out roots
which will fix it to a wall. Its wood is of a
soft character, resembling that of the
slower-growing Ivies, and it annually gives
off fresh sets of roots along its branches, by
means of which it clings to rocks, stone,
stucco, bricks, and even wooden palings.
Its leaves are less in size than those of the
common Hydrangea, of a lovely shade of
green, which contrasts prettily with the
reddish tinted young wood. It is deci-
duous, of free growth, and flowers freely
in sunny positions. I know one case
where it has been planted at a sunny
corner of the house near French windows,
up the sides of which there is lattice- work,
and so charmed were the owners with the
tender foliage, feathering the coign of
the window, that they made more lattice-
work in front of the window so that the
creeper could extend and form a natural
sunshade before the glass. In a few
years a plant had grown 1 1 ft. high, and
as much in width.
SCHIZOSTYLIS (Caffre Lily\ — S.
coccinea is a handsome bulbous plant from
Caffraria, with the habit of a Gladiolus,
from 2 to 3 ft. high. The flowers appear
late in the autumn on a one-sided spike
opening from below upward, of a bright
crimson colour, resembling in form those
of Tritonia aurea, and should be well
grown wherever cut flowers are desired
in winter. It is hardy, and in a mild
autumn will flower out-of-doors, but
should have some protection. A good
row planted close to a wall or fence, with
some temporary protection against severe
frosts, will give many spikes for cutting.
S. coccinea loves moisture both in the air
and in the soil. " When residing close to
the sea in Dorset," says West Dorset, " I
could grow this winter Flag splendidly
in a shallow trench in good rich soil. In
summer it was deluged with water when
the weather was dry, and in autumn a
splendid crop of strong spikes of bloom
resulted. In North Hants, with a hotr
dry, light soil, I never could grow it well,
although I always kept it watered at the
roots during summer."
SCIADOPITYS (Umbrella Pine).— PL
beautiful and distinct cone-bearing ever-
green tree, very slow-growing in our
country, but a hardy tree deserving the
best care and positions with the choicest
conifers. When the trees are well es-
tablished the growth is greater. It thrives
best in moist soils and where the rainfall
is copious, as in Cornwall. Japan, Island
of Nippon.
SCILLA. — Beautiful spring flowers and
bulbs, mostly natives of the colder parts
of Europe or the Alps, and some pre-
cious for our gardens. These all flower
SCILLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SCILLA.
805
in spring, and are of the simplest cul-
ture.
In early autumn, when the plants are
at rest, they should be planted a few
inches deep in any good garden soil, not
too heavy. When established, they need
not be disturbed for years, except, perhaps,
for a slight yearly top-dressing of manure.
Some kinds, especially the many-coloured
varieties of the Spanish Scilla, are suited
for planting by the sides of woodland
walks, or on the margins of shrubberies,
and in the wild garden. Offsets may
be taken from established clumps during
summer.
Raising Scillas from seed is interesting,
though slow. In some seasons the seeds
are produced plentifully, and many varie-
ties of merit, both as regards size and
S. bifolia.- Not so well known as S.
sibirica, but quite as welcome, in the very
dawn of spring, and indeed often in winter,
this bears rich masses of dark blue flowers,
and forms handsome tufts. The flowers
are four to six on a spike ; and the plant
varies from 6 to 10 in. high, according to
the soil and warmth and shelter of the
position. It thrives in almost any position
in ordinary garden soil, the lighter the
better, but must be left undisturbed to
seed and increase as it likes. Although it
blooms earlier than S. sibirica, it does not
so well withstand the cold rains and
storms of winter and spring, and there-
fore some tufts of it should be placed in
warm sunny spots of the rock-garden or
of the sheltered border. Southern and
Central Europe. Of all Scillas, S. bifolia
Scilla hispanica.
colour, have been obtained in this way,
but there is room for improvement. We
retain the name Scilla as far prettier than
the English one of " Squill."
The following are best kinds : —
S. amoena (Star Hyacinth}. — This
flowers in early spring, opening about
three weeks after S. sibirica. It is less
ornamental than any other kind, for its
flowers have none of the grace of S. cam-
panulata and the varieties of S. nutans,
nor the dwarfness and brilliancy of S.
sibirica. The leaves, usually about half
an inch across, are about i ft. high, and
easily injured by cold or wind, so that a
sheltered position is best suited for the
plant. It is not exactly suited for the
choice rock-garden, though worth growing
on sunny banks in semi-wild spots. Tyrol.
Seeds or separation of the bulbs.
has produced the greatest number of
varieties. Most of the forms known in
gardens are better than the type. S.
prascox is a stronger grower, the flowers
larger, more abundant, and earlier. In
purpureo-ccerulea the ovary and base of
the segments are rosy-purple, gradually
merging into blue, which becomes intense
towards the tips, harmonising with the
black and gold-banded anthers. It is a
free flowerer, and the blooms individually
are nearly as large as a shilling. In the
Taurian variety, S. b. taurica, the flowers
are much larger than in S. bifolia, and,
with the exception of the white base,
greatly resemble those of some of the
forms of Chionodoxa Luciliae. They vary
from ten to twenty on each scape, and
the leaves are larger and broader than
those of S. bifolia. The white form of
806 SCILLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SCILLA.
S. b. taurica is very scarce. S. b. alba, a
pretty ivory-white form, has flowers not
larger than those of the type.
S. hispanica (Spanish Sa'Ha\—One of
the finest of early summer bulbs, and,
though a more southern species than most
of the others, coming from Portugal and
Spain, is the most robust of the family.
It is easily known by its strong pyramidal
raceme of pendent, short-stalked, large,
bell-shaped flowers, usually of a clear light
blue. A variety major is larger in all its
parts, and is a noble flower ; whjle the
white variety (alba) and the rose-coloured
Scilla nutans (Bluebell).
variety (rosea) are also welcome, the white
kind being much grown for market. S.
hispanica is never better seen than peep-
ing here and there from the fringes of
shrubberies and beds of Evergreens. The
shelter it receives in such positions pro-
tects its large leaves from strong winds,
but it is sturdy enough for any position.
It deserves to be naturalised by wood-
walks and in the grassy parts of the
pleasure-ground. S. Europe. Syn., S.
campanulata.
S. italica (Italian S.}— This kind, with
its pale blue flowers, intensely blue
stamens, and delicious odour, is the most
brilliant of the Scillas. It grows from 5
to 10 in. high, the flowers small and
spreading in short conical racemes, which
open in May. S. italica is hardy in
almost any soil, but thrives best in warm
and sandy places sheltered from east
winds. Division should be done only
once every three or four years, and the
bulbs then planted in fresh positions.
Italy and S. Europe.
S. nutans ( Wood Hyacinth or Bluebell}.
— Though the Bluebell abounds in every
wood and copse, its beautiful varieties are
not too well known. Amongst the best
are — the white variety, alba ; the rose-
coloured variety, rosea ; the pale blue
variety, coerulea ; and a pleasing " French-
white" variety. The variety bracteata
has long bracts, and cernua is a Portu-
guese form with reddish flowers. S.
patula is closely allied to the Bluebell, its
flowers being of a pleasing violet-blue,
but are not sweet or arranged on one side
like those of the Bluebell. They are larger
and more open, and have narrow bracts.
All these kinds should be planted here
and there in tufts among common Blue-
bells, along the margins of shrubberies,
near the rock-garden, or for borders or
woods.
S. sibirica (Siberian S.) — A minute gem
among the flowers of earliest spring, and
no rock-garden, or garden of any kind, is
complete without the striking and peculiar
shade of porcelain - blue which dis-
tinguishes this plant from all other Scillas.
S. sibirica has many other names, but,
unlike S. bifolia, it has sported into few
varieties, S. amcenula being the chief,
which, though not really distinct, is desir-
able, as it flowers a fortnight earlier than
the type. Varieties with larger flowers,
and with one on a stem instead of
two or five, are preserved in herbariums
and sometimes cultivated, but the differ-
ence between these and the type is trifling,
arising often from the conditions in which
the plants are placed. S. sibirica is hardy,
and thrives best in a good sandy soil.
Bulbs that have been used for forcing
should never be thrown away ; for they
thrive well if allowed to fully develop their
leaves and go to rest in a pit or frame,
afterwards being planted out in open spots
in warm soil, where in a year or two their
usual vigour will be restored. They may
then be lifted again and forced as before.
It is unnecessary to disturb the tufts,
except every two or three years for
division, when they grow vigorously. S.
sibirica flowers a little later than S. bifolia,
but withstands the storms better, remain-
SCIRPUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. SCOLOPEKDKIUM. 807
ing also much longer in bloom. In places
where it does not thrive freely, whether
from the coldness of the soil or from other
causes, give it a sheltered position to
prevent injury to its leaves. The Siberian
Squill may be used as an edging to beds
of spring flowers or choice alpine shrubs.
OTHER CULTIVATED KINDS. — Amongst
Scillas not generally found in gardens, but
hardy in dry situations, may be named S.
peruviana, a large species, with beautiful
broad leaves, Yucca-like and very dis-
tinct ; it stands well in sheltered nooks,
or even in the open border in southern
districts. The numerous fine blue flowers
are in a superb umbel-like pyramid, which
lengthens during the flowering period.
There are varieties, one named alba, and
there are reddish varieties, such as
elegans, also whitish and yellowish forms.
Tufts of the Peruvian Scilla should be
taken up every three or four years, when
it is at rest. Divide the bulbs and re-
plant immediately. The variety Clusi also
succeeds. S. maritima is properly a
greenhouse species, but in the places indi-
cated for S. peruviana it may be grown
outside without hurt, though it rarely
flowers. S. lilio-hyacintha is hardy, whilst
S. hyacinthoides, S. pratensis (amethys-
tina), S. obtusifolia (an Algerian species),
autumnalis, Aristidis, patula, and its vari-
ous forms, including' cernua and others,
differ little from one another.
SCIRPUS (Bulrush}. — Sedge- like
plants fringing lakes and ponds. There
are numerous native species that might be
readily transplanted, and the best are S.
triqueter, S. atrovirens, and S. lacustris.
This is 3 to 8 ft. high, and effective on
the margins of lakes or streams with other
tall plants.
SCOLOPENDRIUM (Harts-tongue).
— >$". vulgare is one of the best known of
hardy evergreen British Ferns, and broken
into numberless interesting forms and
varieties, some being very beautiful. It
prefers shade, and though sometimes met
with on dry stone and brick walls, its
favourite place is by the side of a stream
in a shady ravine. Fine specimens have
been seen between the joints of brickwork
at the tops of old wells, the fronds develop-
ing fine proportions. A suitable soil con-
sists of equal portions of fibrous peat and
loam, good sharp sand being added, to-
gether with broken oyster-shells or lime-
stone. Scolopendriums should be associ-
ated with Lastreas, Polystichums, and
Lady Ferns, or be placed in groups on
the rock-garden with some flowering plant
that will thrive in the same spot. During
hot dusty weather in summer a daily
afternoon syringing will much refresh and
invigorate the plants. All the Hart's-
tongues thrive in pots, and are useful for
rooms and tables.
No fewer than 400 varieties of the
Hart's-tongue were described thirty years
ago, and since then this number has been
much increased. Most of these, however,
are deformities — vegetable cripples, so to
speak. A few of the characteristic forms
of each group might be used where
collections of hardy Ferns are being
formed, being evergreen and diversified in
form. Of the following selection, com-
mencing with simple forms and ending with
much-divided ones, S. latifolium is a fine
bold variety, having wavy spreading fronds,
8 to 10 in. long, and 2 to 3 in. broad. S.
reniforme has oblong, roundish, or kidney-
shaped fronds. S. cornutum is interest-
ing, the point of the frond being prolonged
into a horn-like appendage. S. margina-
tum is very distinct, with fronds crenated
at the margin. Some of the best forms of
S. pinnatifidum are attractive, and S.
crispum is an old favourite, its fronds
retaining the habit of the type, but the
margin is frilled. A form of it called
grandidens has the margin deeply incised.
Stansfieldi has curled incisions, and
Wrigleyi is a luxuriant form with erect
fronds upwards of 3 ft. in length. S.
laceratum has broad flat fronds, deeply
cut into lobes of variable length and
breadth, whilst S. sagittato-cristatum has
fronds with wavy margins and crested
lobes. S. acrocladon has a narrow frond
slightly widened at the base, and divided
at the upper end into several wedge-shaped
divisions, the upper margins deeply in-
cised. The fronds of S. patulum are cut
down near to the base into two or three
divisions, each having a narrow wing and
a broad terminal crest. S. digitatum has
pleasing fronds I ft. or more in length,
with the divisions terminated by a forked
and twisted crest. S. Kelwayi is a hand-
some form, the fronds terminating in a
large crest 6 to 10 in. broad. S. ramosa-
marginatum resembles it in form of frond,
but has a broad- winged stalk. Its crest
is nearly flat and not unlike the tasselled
frond-extremity of the maximum form of
Pteris serrulata cristata. The base of the
frond of S. corymbiferum is like the type,
but the upper half has innumerable con-
torted and twisted incisions and looks like
the leaf-ends of some of the ragged
Kales. S. Coolingi is very similar to S.
corymbiferum, but the divisions form an
intricate mass of slender segments, curled
and twisted in various ways so as to form
a globular head. This kind of division
808 SCUTELLARIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SEDUM.
represents the extreme form of variation.
— J. M. S.
SCUTELLARIA (Skullcap}.— Hardy
perennials, several in cultivation, but few
are good garden plants. These few are
handsome flowers for the border, and on
account of their dwarf neat growth may
be given a place in a large rock-garden
in an open sunny situation in any soil.
S. macrantha, a native of Siberia, is the
finest of all the species. It is an excellent
alpine perennial, forming a hard woody
root-stock, is 9 in. high, and produces an j
abundance of rich, velvety, dark blue
flowers, much finer in colour than those
of S. japonica. S. japonica is, however,
a handsome plant. The alpine Skullcap
(S. alpina) is a spreading plant with all
the vigour of the coarsest weeds of its
Natural Order, but neat in habit and
ornamental in flower. The stems are
prostrate, but so abundant that they rise
in a full round tuft, i ft. or more high in
the centre. The leaves are ovate, roundish
or heart-shaped at the base, and have
very notched and very short stalks, while
the flowers are borne in terminal heads,
short at first, but afterwards elongating.
These flowers are purplish, or have the
lower lip white or yellow. The variety
bicolor, with the upper lip purplish and
the lower white, is very pretty. S. lupulina
is a very ornamental kind with yellow
flowers. Pyrenees, Swiss and Tyrolese
Alps, and many other parts of Europe
and Asia. Division. Flowering free in
summer. These kinds are admirably
suited for borders, the margins of shrub-
beries, and the rougher parts of the rock-
garden. S. japonica, S. orientalis, S.
scordiifolia, S. altaica, S. galericulata, S.
peregrina, and the British S. minor, an
interesting little plant for the artificial bog,
are among the best of the other cultivated
kinds, but it is doubtful if they are worth
a place in any but a very large collection.
Division or seed.
SCYPHANTHUS (Cuf-flower).— S.
elegans is a beautiful slender climber, 5 to
8 ft. high, with forked stems, and valuable
for trailing over a trellis or against a wall.
Its leaves are deeply cut and enhance its
graceful appearance. The flowers come
singly in the forks of the branches. They
are cup-like in shape, and are of a bright
golden-yellow, with fine red spots inside.
They appear profusely from August till
October. S. elegans is easily cultivated
in rich light soil, and should be treated
as a half-hardy annual. Chili.
SEDUM (Stonecrop\— Rock and alpine
plants which thrive in our gardens in
nearly every soil. They may be grown in
the ordinary border, in the rock-garden,
on walls, and on ruins, and, indeed, in
any place where the roots can obtain
a foothold. Like the Saxifrages, they
represent a great diversity of habit, some,
like S. acre, being humble and creeping ;
while others, like S. spectabile, are
stately plants for the border. A great
many are in cultivation, and we mention
the most desirable of the hardy kinds,
which are nearly all easily-cultivated
perennials.
S. acre (Wall Pepper).— This little
plant, with its small, thick, bright green
leaves and its brilliant yellow flowers,
grows abundantly on walls, thatch, rocks,
and sandy places. The variegated variety
(aureum) has shoots with tips of a yellow
hue in early spring, and the tufts or flakes
look quite showy. The silvery tones of
the variety elegans are not so effective ;
nor is the plant so vigorous as the variety
aureum. This is beautiful in the winter
garden ; its golden tips peep out in
November, and only vanish with the heat
of May. S. sexangulare is similar to
S. acre.
S. Aizoon is I ft. or more in height,
with erect stems terminated by dense
clusters of yellow flowers. It is an old
garden plant for the border or large rock-
garden, and requires open positions and
a light soil. Siberia and Japan. S.
Maximowiczi and S. Selskyanum are
similar.
S. Ewersi. — A neat little hardy plant,
rarely more than 3 in. high, with broad
glaucous silvery leaves and corymbs of
purplish flowers. N. India and Asia.
S. glaucum. — A minute species of a
grayish tone, forming dense spreading
tufts of short stems, densely clothed with
thick leaves and inconspicuous flowers.
Other Sedums are nearly allied to it ;
for instance, S. dasyphyllum, S. glanduli-
ferum, S. farinosum, and S. brevifolium ;
but though hardy on walls and rocks, they
have not the vigour of many Stonecrops.
S. Lydium. — A pretty little plant from
Asia Minor, scarcely an inch high, similar
to S. glaucum, except that the tiny crowded
leaves are greenish and tipped with red.
For edgings, or slopes bordering footpaths
it is not excelled, and likes plenty of
moisture. It roots on the surface with
great rapidity, and may, therefore, be
speedily propagated. Very small pieces
put in the soil in spring soon form a mass
of rich verdure, scarcely an inch in height,
and as level as a turf.
S. maximum, like S. Telephium, is
variable, there being no fewer than a
dozen named varieties. Of these by far
SEDUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SEDUM.
809
the most important for the garden is
haematodes, or atro-purpureum as it is
commonly called, from the vivid purple
of the stems and large fleshy leaves.
It grows from i to 2 ft. high, and though
the flowers are not showy, it is bold,
stately, and admirably suited for massing.
It should be planted in the poorest, stony,
gravelly soil, and smoke will not injure
it. On white calcareous rocks it is at
home.
S. pulchellum (Ptirple American Stone-
crop^. — A pretty species, with purplish
flowers, arranged in several spreading and
recurved branchlets, bird's-foot fashion,
with numerous spreading stems. It is
a curious crested variety, sometimes
known as monstrosum or fasciatum. S.
album, another native kind, has brownish-
green leaves and white or pinkish flowers.
Like the Stonecrop it occurs on old roofs
and rocky places in many parts of Europe.
All these kinds are worth naturalising on
walls or old ruins, in places where they
do not occur naturally, also on the margins
of the pathways and the less important
surfaces of the rock-garden.
S. semper vivoides (Scarlet Stone-
crop). — This beautiful Stonecrop has ros-
ettes of leaves like those of the common
Houseleek, (Sempervivum tectorum).
The brilliant scarlet flowers form a dense
The Japanese Stonecrop (Sedum spectabile).
abundant in North America, and in France
is a good deal used for edging. It is also
appropriate for the rock-garden or the
front margin of a mixed border, growing
in any soil, and flowering in summer.
S. rupestre (Rock Stonecrop]. — A
densely-tufted native plant, with rather
loose corymbs of yellow flowers, and
numerous spreading shoots generally
rooting at the base, but quite erect at the
top. It is frequently used as an edging
or border plant. There are several similar
kinds, such as the glaucous-leaved S.
pruinatum, commonly known as S.
elegans ; S. Fosterianum, with light green
leaves ; and S. reflexum, of which there
are several varieties, including cristatum,
head similar to the well-known Rochea
falcata. It is strictly biennial, as it
flowers from seed freely in the second year,
then dies, and is not hardy, but during
summer grows freely on a dry bank. In
winter it stands frost if the weather is
dry, but frost and wet combined are fatal
to it. Seeds germinate freely, and should
be sown in January in gentle heat, plung-
ing the pot in water before sowing, so that
the soil may not get dry. As soon as
large enough pot off singly. If well watered
while growing, they ought, by the end of
the summer, to be as large as a crown-
piece. During autumn and winter the
plants must only be just kept moist enough
to prevent their leaves from shrivelling.
8lO SEDUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SELAGINEI.LA.
Erroneously called Umbilicus Semper-
vivum, this being quite a distinct plant.
Asia Minor and the Caucasus.
S. Sieboldi. — A well-known kind
frequently grown in pots. Its roundish
leaves are glaucous, and in late autumn
often assume a lovely rosy-coral hue.
They are in whorls of three on numerous
stems, which in autumn bear soft rosy
flowers which look pretty in pots, small
baskets, or vases. The plant is hardy,
and merits a place in the rock-garden,
especially where its branches may fall
without touching the earth and its graceful
habit may be well seen ; but, except in
favoured places, it does not make strong
growth. There is a variegated variety,
autumn, makes a bright display, and is
suited for edgings, the margins of mixed
borders, and for the rock-garden. Other
species are S. oppositifolium, S. trifidum, S.
dentatum, and S. ibericum, the last-named
kind having white flowers. Caucasus.
S. Telephium. — This is the most
variable Stonecrop. N o fewer than twenty
forms have received names either as sub-
species or as varieties, but our native form
is as showy as any. It is i to 2 ft. high,
the stout erect stems furnished with fleshy
leaves, and in late summer and autumn
bearing dense broad clusters of bright
rosy-purple, but sometimes white, flowers.
S. Telephium is distributed about the
country, usually in hedgerows and thickets.
Sedum kamtschaticum.
more tender than the ordinary form.
Japan. Division.
S. spectabile.— This is distinct and
beautiful, erect, and with broad glaucous
leaves. Its rosy-purple flowers appear in
dense broad corymbs about the middle of
August, and remain in perfection for two
months or more. The glaucous foliage,
even before the flowers come, is a pleasant
relief to any high-coloured plant that may
be near it. It withstands extreme cold,
heat, or wet, and unlike most plants will
grow and flower to perfection in shaded
places, thriving in any soil. Japan.
S. stoloniferum (Purple Stonecrop}.—
The best of the Sedums with large flat
leaves is the Purple Stonecrop. It flowers
late in summer, and often through the
Like all other kinds about the same size,
it is useful for dry borders and the rough
parts of the rock-garden, but when well
grown will flower the more vigorously.
Cut blooms last a long time ; hence are
often called Everlasting Livelongs.
The Sedums mentioned are the most
distinct. The pretty S. cceruleum is an
annual ; and S. carneum variegatum is
not hardy enough for our winters. The
Orange Stonecrop (S. kamtschaticum)
has dark orange-yellow flowers in summer,
and is hardy in almost any soil, but is
best in warm rich loam. There are in cul-
tivation many kinds of the easiest culture.
SELAGINELLA.— A few hardy kinds
of this large family of Lycopods are valu-
able for carpeting the fernery, or clothing
SEMPERVIYUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. SEMPERVIVUM. 811
shady spots in the rock-garden. These
kinds are S. denticulata, S. helvetica, and
S. rupestris, small trailing plants of a deli-
cate green, mossy growth. S. Kraussiana,
generally known in plant-houses as S.
denticulata, is also hardy in many places,
and in Ireland grows and thrives better
than any of the kinds mentioned. All
these plants require a well-drained peaty
soil and shaded and sheltered position.
SEMPERVIVUM (Houseleek}.— Suc-
culent Rock and Alpine plants, of which
the common Houseleek (S. tectorum),
often seen growing in patches on old
roofs and walls, is the most familiar.
There is a strong family likeness through-
out, and they form rosette-like tufts of
fleshy leaves, which chiefly differ in the
colour of the foliage, some deep red, others
pale green. The flowers of most of them
are of a reddish tinge, and several are
yellow. All the hardy kinds will grow
well in dry sandy parts of the rock-garden
where few other alpines thrive ; or on old
walls, ruins, and the like, merely requiring
to be placed in chinks with a little soil.
Most of them thrive on any border, if the
soil be not too stiff and damp, but they
prefer a dry elevated position, and full
exposure to the sun. Nearly all are easily
increased by offsets, which, as a rule, are
abundantly produced. Of late years some
of the larger kinds, such as S. calcareum,
have been used for beds. Europe and W.
Asia.
S. arachnoideum (Cobweb Houseleek}.
— One of the most singular of alpine
plants, with tiny rosettes of fleshy leaves
covered at the top with a thick white down,
which intertwines itself all over the leaves
like a spider's web. It is rarely seen in
our gardens except in a frame, but thrives
in moist sandy loam and exposed spots in
sunny arid parts of the rock-garden. Its
sheets of whitish rosettes look as if a
thousand spiders had been at work upon
them, and in summer send up pretty rose-
coloured flowers. About London it some-
times suffers from sparrows plundering
the "down." Division. Similar to this
species are S. tortuosum (or Webbianum
of gardens), S. Fauconneti, S. heterotri-
chum, and S. Laggeri, which have the
rosettes of leaves united by a web of
white threads.
S. arenarium (Sand Houseleek}.—
Grown in dense patches, this plant has a
lovely effect. It is much smaller than its
ally S. globiferum, and, unlike the latter
species, the leaves of the rosettes are not
incurved. The flowers are small, yellow,
pretty, and the leaves usually rich crimson.
S. Heufelli, a similar species, has in
autumn almost chocolate-crimson foliage,
the flowers being yellow. Other species
of similar character are S. hirtum, S.
Neilreichi, and S. soboliferum, which is
often confused with S. globiferum.
S. calcareum (Glaucous Houseleek}. —
No finer Houseleek has ever been intro-
duced than this, sometimes called S.
californicum. It is as easily grown and
as hardy as the common Houseleek (S.
tectorum), and thrives in any soil.
Planted singly, its rosettes are sometimes
nearly 5 in. across, the leaves glaucous,
and tipped at the points with chocolate.
It is deservedly popular for edgings in the
flower garden and also admirable for the
rock-garden. Other cultivated kinds are
S. glaucum, S. Camollei, S. Lamottei, S.
Verloti, and S. juratense, and these are
all desirable for a full collection.
S. fimbriatum (Fringed Hottseleek}. —
One of the most profusely blooming kinds,
! the dark rose-coloured flowers appearing
I in summer on stems 6 to 10 in. high.
The leaves, which are in small -rosettes,
are smooth on both sides, strongly fringed,
j and terminate in a long point, being
marked at the end with a large purple
j spot. S. Funcki, S. Powelli, S. barbatu-
i lum, S. atlanticum, and S. piliferum are
| similar.
S. globiferum (Hen-and-chicken House-
| leek}. — This grows in firm dense tufts,
j its little round offsets being so abundantly
j thrown off that they are pushed clear
above the tufts, and lie on the surface in
I small brownish-green balls. The small
j leaves of the young rosettes all turn in-
i ward and appear of a purplish colour, but
' in the full-grown rosettes are light green,
the tips of the under side being of a
decided chocolate-brown for nearly one-
third of their length ; the flowers are
small and yellow. This kind is well-
suited for forming wide tufts in the rock-
garden, and on banks below the eye. It
grows freely in any soil, and is also known
as S. soboliferum, but this is the name of
another kind similar to S. arenarium.
S. montanum (Mountain Houseleek}. —
A dark green kind, smaller than the
common Houseleek, the leaves forming
neat rosettes, from which spring dull rosy
flowers in summer. It is suitable for
edgings or for the rock-garden, grows in
any soil, and is easily propagated. Alps.
S. assimile and S. flagelliforme are
similar.
S. tectorum (Common Houseleek}.—
Though a native of rocky places in the
great mountain ranges of Europe and
Asia, the common Houseleek, having been
cultivated from time immemorial on house-
SENECIO.
THE ENGLISH FLO WE R GARDEN.
SENECIO.
tops and on old walls, is well known to
everybody. It may be used in flower-
gardening, but it would be better to select
some of the rarer species for edgings and
other purposes. It varies somewhat, and
a glaucous form called rusticum is one of
the most distinct. Other similar varieties
are Royeni, Rcegnerianum, Sequieri,
calcaratum, and Greenei. Greenei re-
sembles the common Houseleek, but is
smaller.
S. triste is distinct from other House-
leeks, as its rosettes of leaves are of a
deep dull red, which makes it a hand-
some plant. It is about the size of S.
tectorum, and in light warm soil is quite
as vigorous and rapid a grower. Its
singular colour makes it a valuable con-
trast to other plants, but at present it is
not much known.
Besides these kinds there are several
tender species which are now largely
used for summer gardening. The most
popular of these are — S. tabulaeforme, a
singularly handsome kind, with broad
rosettes of leaves that lie flat on the soil ;
S. Bolli, with leaves that form a dense
cup-like tuft from 3 to 6 in. across ; and
S. arboreum, a tall, straggling plant,
with stout branches terminated by a
rosette of foliage. Propagated by
quantity in heat in spring or autumn
from offsets.
SENECIO (Groundsel}.— Most of these
Composites are troublesome weeds, but
a few are worthy of cultivation. The
following are among the most desirable : —
S. argenteus (Silvery Groundsel}. — A
minute but sturdy silvery-leaved plant,
resembling on a small scale the popular
Centaurea Ragusina. It is only 2 in. high
when fully developed, and its leaves are
from \ to \\ in. long. It will stand any
weather, and live in sandy soil in any
well-drained border. It is valuable for
the rock-garden, and makes a beautiful
dwarf edging. Similar to this, but in-
ferior, are S. incanus, S. uniflorus, and S.
carniolicus, which are good rock-garden
plants. Division.
S. artemisisefolius is a neat little
perennial, with broad clusters of showy
clear yellow flowers, on stems i to \\ ft.
high. The deep green leaves are finely
divided, and give the plant an elegant
feathery appearance. S. abrotanifolius
has similar foliage, but its orange-yellow
flowers are larger and are fewer in number.
Both kinds are hardy European plants
and thrive in ordinary soil either in the
rock-garden or in the border.
S. Doronicum is one of the showiest
and most useful of Groundsels. It is I ft.
to 3 ft. high, and in summer produces
stout stalks of numerous large bright
yellow flowers. It is perfectly hardy and
is of easy culture in any soil. Seed or
division. Central Europe.
S. elegans (Purple Jacobcea). — This
beautiful half-hardy annual has for genera-
tions been a favourite garden plant. It
has a dwarf strain (nana), about i ft. in
height, and there are varieties with single
and double flowers, the latter being the
showiest and most desirable. The
colours of these varieties vary from white
to deep crimson. S. elegans grows best
in rich sandy loam. It flowers from July
to October, according to the time of sow-
ing, and looks best in good-sized masses.
Cape of Good Hope.
S. japonicus. — This is one of the
finest of the large kinds. It is about
5 ft. high, and its leaves are nearly i ft.
across, and are divided into about nine
divisions. The flower-stems are slightly
branched, the flower - heads are about
3 in. across, and the outer narrow florets
are a rich orange colour. S. japonicus
is a hardy moisture-loving plant, and
should have plenty of water in summer.
It should be grown in a rich and moder-
ately stiff loamy soil, by a lake or a pond,
so that its roots may have plenty of
moisture. Japan. Syn., Erythrochaete
palmatifida.
S. pulcher. — One of the handsomest of
perennials, 2 to 3 ft. high, and bearing in
autumn rosy-purple flowers 2 to 3 in.
across, on tall stems. S. pulcher is hardy,
but its beauty is somewhat impaired by
the late season of its flowering. It succeeds
best in a deep moist loam. It rarely
ripens seed in this country, but it may be
freely propagated in spring by cuttings of
the roots, i in. long, and sown like seeds
in a pan of light sandy earth, placed in a
cool frame or put on a shelf in the green-
house. Buenos Ayres.
S. saracenicus.— In moist situations in
some parts of the west of England S.
saracenicus grows wild, and attains a
height of 4 to 5 ft. It is a showy plant,
suitable for the margins of ponds or
streams in semi-wild places, where it
spreads rapidly, and if associated with
the Willow Herb (Epilobium angusti-
folium) produces a beautiful contrast, as
the habit of the growth and the colour of the
flowers of each are distinct and effective.
Coarse species similar to this are S. Dorio
and S. macrophyllus. These are suitable
for the wild garden, but not for border
culture.
S. spathulsefolius is a rare hardy
species, and an interesting and pretty
SEQUOIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SIBTHORPIA.
plant. The pleasing orange-yellow flowers
are about the size of a shilling, and are
borne in terminal clusters 6 to 12 in. high,
A similar species is the Piedmont Ground-
sel (S. Balbisianus), from elevated districts
in Northern Italy, particularly Piedmont.
It is 3 to 9 in. high, and has hoary root-
leaves. The golden-yellow flowers, when
contrasted with the foliage, have a re-
markably bright appearance. S. spathulas-
folius and the Piedmont Groundsel flourish
in light rubbly soil and an exposed dry
situation in a well-drained rock-garden.
SEQUOIA. — Enormous cone-bearing
evergreen trees of the Pacific coast of
North America, just hardy enough to be
the object of numerous experiments in our
country, far from successful either from an
artistic or most other points of view. In
some of the books it is said that these great
trees are readily propagated by cuttings
inserted under glass in autumn, but we
would beg everybody never to plant any
tree of the kind except from seed.
S. GIGANTEA (Big Tree]. — A colossal tree
in its own country, inhabiting mostly, in scat-
tered groups or groves, the Californian Moun-
tains for a distance of over 250 miles in length,
existing trees being over 300 ft. high. No
tree ever introduced has excited so much
interest or been the subject of so much costly
experiment in this country. It succeeds well
in various districts, and even as far north as
Scotland, but after it grows up the growth is
very apt to be seared by harsh east winds.
The tree is not good in form, while in very
few cases it will ever attain the dignity of size
that it does in its native country, one of the
finest climates in the world. Even where
the tree does well, the effect is never good in
the home landscape. The variegated and
golden forms are rubbish. Syn. , Wellington!*
gigantea.
S. SEMPERVIRENS (Red Wood], — A noble
evergreen tree thriving somewhat better in
our country than the Big Tree, but planted as
it usually is by itself, it is often torn about by
sleet storms in our climate, which is so very
different to that of its native country. Still it
grows rapidly in good free soils, and is worth
trying grown in a wood or grove so that the
trees may shelter each other. Sheltering
groves or woods of it would give good timber
in quick time, as it is a very rapid grower.
The variegated forms are not worth planting.
Coast range of Northern America. Syn.,
Taxodium sempervirens.
SERAPIAS.— Terrestrial Orchids from
S. Europe, worthy of a collection of hardy
Orchids, as the flowers are always singular
and in some kinds beautiful. The most
desirable are S. cordigera, with large
showy flowers, chiefly of a blood-red
colour ; S. lingua, with peculiar brownish-
purple flowers ; and S. longipetala, with
large rosy-red flowers. These are all 9
to 12 in. high, and their flowers are
densely arranged on broad erect stems.
The plants succeed best in a soil composed
of two parts of peat, one of loam, and one
of sand and leaf-mould. The position
should be partially shaded, and well
I sheltered from cold winds.
SESELI ( Gu7n Seseli}. — S.gumimferum
I is a handsome plant, i^ to 3 ft. high, with
elegantly-divided leaves of a peculiarly
pleasing glaucous or almost silvery tone.
Though a biennial, it is so distinct that
some may like to grow it. The best
position for it is on dry and sunny banks,,
or in raised beds or borders.
SHEFFIELDIA.— S. repens is a hardy
little New Zealand creeper, with small
leaves, small slender stems, and tiny white
flowers which appear in summer. It is
interesting for the rock-garden, and grows
in any good well-drained soil. Primula
Order.
SHOETIA. — S. galacifolia is an in-
teresting and beautiful plant. It was first
discovered over a hundred years ago by
Michaux in the mountains of North
Carolina, and rediscovered in 1877. It
was found growing with Galax aphylla,
and forms runners like this plant, being
propagated by this means. The plant is
of tufted habit, the flowers reminding one
of those of a Soldanella, but large, with
cut edges to the segments, like a frill, so
to say, and pure white, passing to rose as
they get older. There is much beauty,
too, in the leaves, which are of rather oval
shape, deep green, tinged with brownish-
crimson, changing in winter to quite a
crimson, when it forms a bright bit of
colour in the rock-garden or border. A
correspondent writing in The Garden
says : " The cultural directions given in
catalogues to keep the plant in a shady
situation and grow it in Sphagnum and
peat, deprive us of its chief charm — />.,
the handsome-coloured leaves during the
winter and spring months. Instead of
choosing a shady spot I selected a fully
exposed one, and here two plants have
been for over a year, one in peat and the
other in sandy loam. Both are vigorous."
It succeeds well in various soils as de-
scribed, and is hardy. It is also a delight-
ful plant in a pot, as the flowers on their
crimson stems are pretty, and one gets also
the prettily tinted leaves. N. America.
SIBTHORPIA (Moneywort}.— S. euro-
peed is a little native creeper with slender
stems and small round leaves. In summer
it forms a dense carpet on moist soil, and
should always be grown in the bog-
garden. The variegated form is prettier
8i4
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SILENE.
but more delicate than the type, and
rarely succeeds in the open, but thrives
in a cool house or frame. Shady banks
Sibthorpia eurupaua variegata (Moneywort).
and ditches suit it. The flowers are
inconspicuous.
SIDA. — S. dioica and S. Napaea are
stout vigorous plants, suitable chiefly for
the wild garden and shrubbery borders.
SILENE (Catchfly\—k. large family con-
taining few showy plants ; but among the
perennials there are species of great
beauty. Southern and Central Europe is
the home of the Silene, though a few
species extend westward to America, a
few eastward to Siberia, and a sprinkling
of them will be found on the southern
shores of the Mediterranean and in Asia
Minor. The following dwarf kinds are
suitable chiefly for the rock-garden : —
S. acaulis (Cushion Pink]. — A dwarf
alpine herb tufted into light green masses
like a wide-spreading Moss, but quite
firm. In summer it becomes a mass of
pink, rose, or crimson flowers barely peep-
ing above the leaves. Many places on the
mountains of Scotland, Northern Ireland,
North Wales, and of the Lake District of
England are sheeted over with its firm flat
tufts of verdure, often several feet in dia-
meter. In cultivation it is as beautiful as
when wild, and grows freely in almost any
soil in the rock-garden, not shaded, or in
pots and pans. There are several varieties :
alba ; exscapa, with flower stems even less
developed than in the type ; and mus-
coides, dwarfer still ; but none of them
are far removed from the typical form or
are of greater importance for the garden.
S. alpestris (Alpine Catc/ifly).~K very
dwarf and compact alpine plant, hardy,
and beautiful when in bloom. It succeeds
in any soil and is 4 to 6 in. high. Its
white flowers appear in May. It should
be used abundantly in every rock-garden.
Some forms are quite sticky with viscid
matter, while others are free from it. S.
quadridentata and quadrifida are similar.
All the alpine Silenes are propagated
either by division in spring or by seed.
S. Elisabethse. — A remarkably beautiful
alpine plant, the flowers looking more
like those of some handsome but diminu-
tive Clarkia than of the Silenes commonly
grown. They are very large, bright rose
with the claws or bases of the petals white.
One to seven flowers are borne on stems 3
to 4 in. high. It is considered difficult to
cultivate, but if strong plants are secured,
is as easy to manage as the Cushion Pink.
It is rare in a wild state, but occurs in the
Tyrol and Italy, amidst shattered frag-
ments of rock, and sometimes in flaky
rocks without any soil. It thrives freely in
a warm nook in the rock-garden, in a
mixture of about one-third good loam,
one-third peat, and one-third broken
stones, and should be planted where its
roots can penetrate 1 8 to 24 in. back, into
congenial soil. Flowers rather late in
summer. Seeds.
S. maritima. — The handsome double
variety (S. maritima fl.-pl.) of this British
plant is noteworthy, not only for its flowers,
but for its dense spreading sea-green carpet
of leaves, pleasing on the margins of raised
borders, the front edge of the mixed
border, or hanging over the faces of stones
in the rougher parts of the rock-garden.
The flowers appear in June, and those of
the double variety rarely rise more than a
couple of inches above the leaves, which
form a tuft about 2 in. deep. There is a
pretty rose-coloured variety, less rambling
than the type.
S. pendula. — There are several varieties
of this fine biennial, notably compacta,
compacta alba, Bonnetti, ruberrima, and
variegata, all improvements on the original.
The compacta varieties are mostly used for
spring-bedding, and form compact rounded
tufts about 4 in. high. The other forms are
6 to 12 in.high. To obtain the finest plants
SILENE.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. SISYRINCHIUM. 815
for spring-flowering, seed should be sown in
the reserve garden in autumn, and after-
wards transplanted to permanent beds.
Flowers appear from May to August,
according to the season of sowing. Italy
and Sicily.
S. pennsylvanica. — The wild pink of
the Americans is a dwarf and handsome
plant, forming dense patches, and from
April to June has clusters of six or eight
purplish-rose flowers, about I in. across,
on stems from 4 to 7 in. high. It succeeds
best in rather light sandy soil, but is not
fastidious, and is a native of sandy, gravelly
places in many parts of N. America. It
will occasionally flower the first year from
seeds, but it does not generally do so till
the second season, and may also be readily
increased by cuttings.
S. Pumilio. — A beautiful species, re-
sembling our own Cushion Pink in dwarf
firm tufts of shining green leaves. The
leaves of S. Pumilio, however, are a
little more succulent and obtuse. The
rose-coloured flowers are also much
larger, handsomer, and taller, though
scarcely more than i in. above the flat
mass of leaves, so that the whole plant
seldom attains a height of more than 3 in.
It thrives in rock-gardens as well as the
Cushion Pink, and should be planted in
deep sandy loam on a well-drained and
thoroughly-exposed spot, sufficiently moist
in summer, facing the south. Place a
few stones round the neck of the young
plant to keep it firm and prevent evapor-
ation. Once it begins to spread, it will
take care of itself. There is a white
variety which is not cultivated. Tyrol.
S. Schafta. — A much-branched plant
from the Caucasus forming very neat tufts,
4 to 6 in. high, covered with large purplish-
rose flowers. It is hardy. As it flowers
late (from July to September, or later), it
should not be used where spring or early
summer bloom is chiefly sought, but in
summer is more suitable than most alpines
for edgings to permanent beds, or for the
front margin of the mixed border. It
grows, however, in the rock-garden in
almost any position. Seed or division of
established tufts.
S. virginica (Fire />/«/&).— A brilliant
perennial, with flowers of the brightest
scarlet, 2 in. across, and sometimes more.
The somewhat slender stalks lie flat on
the soil and the flowers are borne a few
inches above it. The Fire Pink succeeds
in a well-drained rock-garden ; but re-
quires careful attention, particularly in
winter, as at that season excessive moist-
ure is hurtful. It is a native of open
woods in America, from New York south-
I wards, flowering from June to August.
The best plants are obtained from seed,
I as it does not bear division well. S.
rupestris, a sparkling - looking white
species, little more than 3 in. high when
! in bloom, reminding one of a dwarf S.
' alpestris, is better worthy of a place ; and
so is S. Hookeri, a dwarf and rare Cali-
fornian species.
SILPHIUM (Rosin Plant}. — Stout
NorthAmerican Sunflower-like perennials,
of stately habit, and among those which
suggested the idea of the " wild garden "
to me. There they are at home among
the most vigorous growers, as they thrive
and flower freely on the worst clay soils.
S. laciniatum is a vigorous perennial with
a stout stem, often 8 ft. in height, and
fine yellow-coloured flowers, on droop-
ing heads, which have the peculiarity
of facing the east. S. perfoliatum (Cup
Plant) is 4 to 8 ft. in height, and has
broad yellow leaves 6 to 15 in. long and
flower-heads about 2 in. across. S. tere-
binthinaceum (Prairie Dock) has stems
4 to 10 ft. high, panicled at the summit,
and bearing many small heads of light
yellow flowers. A variety (pinnatifidum)
has leaves deeply cut or pinnatifid. S.
terebinthinaceum has a strong turpentine
odour. Other species are S. trifoliatum,
S. integrifolium, and S. ternatum. If
planted in numbers in bold masses, these
plants produce a stately effect in the wild
garden, especially in autumn.
SILYBUM (Milk Thistle).— S. mari-
anuui is a robust and vigorous native
biennial, 5 ft. or more in height, well worth
associating with other large fine-foliaged
plants. Its large leaves are variously cut
and undulated, and tipped and margined
with scattered spines ; they are bright
glistening green, and variegated with
broad white veins. The Milk Thistle is
easily raised from seed, and thrives in
almost any well-drained soil. The foliage
is more vigorous if the flower-stems are
pinched off as soon as they appear. A
few plants raised in the garden and
planted out in rough and somewhat bare
places or banks, will soon establish them-
selves. S.eburneum is much like the above,
but with spines like ivory. Syn., Carduus.
SISYRINCHIUM (Satin-flower\—\r\-
\ daceous plants from North-West America,
| only one species of which is worth grow-
ing, namely S. grandiflorum, a beautiful
perennial that flowers in early spring,
and with narrow, Grass-like leaves ; the
flowers, borne on slender stems 6 to 12
in. high, are bell-shaped and drooping,
rich purple in the type and transparent
white in the variety album. No garden
8l6 SKIMMIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SMILACINA.
should be without them. They are charm-
ing for the rock-garden or borders, but
like best a light peaty soil or sandy loam.
Division.
SKIMMIA.— Beautiful dwarf evergreen
shrubs from Japan, distinct, compact, and
charming for peat beds or large rock-
gardens.
The only ones worth cultivating are S.
japonica and S. Fortunei. There lias been
much confusion between these two species,
the plant universally known in gardens as
S. japonica not being Japanese at all, but
a native of China, its proper name being
Skimmia Fortunei. The true S. japon-
ica is a Japanese plant, introduced by
Fortune. Unlike S. Fortunei, it is
berried species, plant specimens of the
two sexes near to each other. Of S.
Fortunei (the S. japonica of gardens) S.
rubella is a seedling form. S. japonica
argentea is a seedling or sport, only
differing from the type in having the
leaves bordered with white. S. Fortunei
is much dwarfer than S. japonica, and does
well as a pot-plant for window decoration.
SMILACINA (Wild Spikenard).—
Graceful but not showy hardy perennials,
somewhat resembling Solomon's Seal.
They are easily managed plants, and the
North American species will be found
useful for mixed herbaceous borders,
having rich green foliage and white
feathery flower-heads in May and June.
Skimmia fragrans.
dioecious. Both sexes have received
specific names. S. fragrans, for instance,
is simply the male of the true S. japonica.
The first plant of S. japonica which
flowered in this country was named S.
oblata, but has been proved to be identical
with the one named S. japonica by
Thunberg. That name has been trans-
ferred to it, and the one called S. japonica
in gardens is now called S. Fortunei.
The Skimmias thrive as well in strong
clay as in poor sandy soil and peat. S.
japonica is one of the very best town
Evergreens we possess. Other forms of
S. japonica are S. Foremani, S. Rogersi,
S. oblata ovata, S. o. Veitchi, and S.
fragrantissima. To produce beautiful
S. oleracea is a native of temperate
Sikkim, and has been in cultivation for
many years at Kew. It is somewhat
difficult to manage where the plants are
disturbed periodically, and is a slow
grower, slow to increase, and a shy
seeder. It is the most striking of the few
species of this genus in cultivation, and
in the south at any rate it will be found
hardy, succeeding best in a rich peaty soil
with a northern exposure. It is called
Chokli-bi by the natives of Sikkim, where
the young flower-heads, -sheathed in their
tender green covering, form an excellent
vegetable.
S. racemosa and S. stellata are natives
of North America, both white-flowered
SMI LAX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SMILAX.
8l7
and hardy. They may be cultivated with
ease in the mixed flower border, where in
May and June they are very attractive. —
D. D.
SMILAX^raw Briar}. — Distinct and
handsome climbing shrubs, nearly all
evergreen. They are most suitable for
walls, but several may be grown over
large tree roots or may be trained over
tree trunks, requiring in this case the
most sheltered position that can be found.
In some cases it is not the low winter
temperature that kills, but rather the in-
sufficiency of summer warmth that pre-
vents development. All the kinds respond
to good dry soil, and if the soil is not
good it should be made so. If suitable
cuttings can be got they will usually strike,
but there is sometimes difficulty in root-
ing them. The plants may sometimes
be divided, or pieces may be taken off,
which readily make plants, and this is
usually the surest method of propagation
for hardy kinds. The following are the
more hardy kinds of Smilax cultivated in
this country : —
S. ASPERA. — A well-marked species, with
angular and usually prickly stems, reaching a
height of about 5 ft., or even 10 ft. In colour
the leaves are dark
green, with flecks of
white on the upper
surface, and the flowers
whitish and fragrant.
It is a native of South
Europe and the Can-
aries, and has many
varieties.
S. A. VAR. BUCHAN-
AN i AN A. — With this
variety I am acquainted
only by a specimen at
Kew. It has a long
leaf, with numerous
marginal setae. I do not find the name in
books, but the plant is distinct and is probably
a native of India.
S. A. VAR. MACULATA. — This is marked by
a dense growth of slender stems, reaching a
height of about 3 ft. and bearing leaves of
small size, so dark as to be almost coppery in
colour.
S. A. VAR. MAURITANICA has angular stems
which reach a considerable height. The stems
and branches have few prickles, and they are
rare on the leaves. It is a handsome plant,
native of the Mediterranean and the Canaries.
S. BONA-NOX (Bristly Green Briar}. — The
root-stocks have large tubers ; the stems are
slightly angled, the branches often four-angled,
the leaves green and shining on both sides, and
their margins are fringed with needle-like
prickles. N. America.
S. CANTAB. — For many years this has been
cultivated in the Cambridge Botanic Garden.
It is evergreen, the strong shoots reaching a
Smilax aspera.
height of about 12 ft. or more, the stems
round, armed with strong, straight green
prickles ; the branches slender, and usually
without prickles. The male flowers are fra-
grant, in umbels of about eight to twelve.
This plant is, perhaps, nearest to S. rotundi-
folia among the hardier kinds, but the leaves
differ distinctly in shape.
S. GLAUCA. — The height of this plant is
about 3 ft. It has stems, branches and twigs
angled, armed with rather stout numerous or
A Smilax in fruit.
scattered prickles, or may sometimes be with-
out any. The leaves are partially persistent,
glaucous beneath and sometimes above. N.
America.
S. HERBACEA. — I am not sure that this is
worth cultivation outside of a botanic garden,
but it is easily grown as an ordinary herbaceous
plant and is sure to be interesting. The tubers
are numerous, short and thick, the stems
unarmed, usually branched, and bearing ovate
leaves with numerous tendrils. Its herbaceous
habit distinguishes it from all others in cultiva-
tion. N. America and Japan.
S. HISPIDA. — This is quite a distinct plant
on account of the stems, which are usually
thickly hispid with slender straight prickles.
The leaves are thin and green on both surfaces,
the margins usually toothed. N. America.
S. LAURIFOLIA. — A high climbing species,
the stems round, armed with strong straight
prickles, the branches angled, mostly unarmed.
It is evergreen, and the plant is easily recog-
nised by its leathery, bright green, three-
nerved leaves, elliptic in shape. A fine speci-
men of this I have seen in Canon Ellacombe's
garden at Bitton. N. America.
S. PSEUDO-CHINA. — The lower part of the
stem is armed with straight, needle-like
prickles, the upper part and the branches
mostly unarmed. The leaves become leathery
when old. They are ovate, often narrowed
about the middle or lobed at the base, seven
or nine-nerved and green on both sides, some-
times toothed on the margin. N. America and
the West Indies.
S. ROTUNDIFOLIA (Green Briar]. — A high
climbing species with large, thin and nearly
3 G
8i8
SOLANUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SOLDANELLA.
round leaves. The stems, branches and young
shoots often four-angled, the prickles are stout,
scattered, and sometimes a little curved. This
is a handsome strong-growing species, and I
have had fine specimens from Mr. Burbidge,
of the Trinity College Botanic Gardens,
Dublin. N. America. Syns. S. caduca and
S. qttadrangularts.
S. TAMNOIDES, — Under this name at Kew
in the Bamboo Garden is a plant of very
satisfactory qualities, growing freely and illus-
trating well how such a plant may be used to
ramble over tree stumps and help to make a
mass of picturesque vegetation. It has the
habit of a free-growing S. aspera, and at the
time of my visit was bearing numerous black
berries.
S. WALTERI has stems angled, prickly
below, the branches usually unarmed. The
berries are bright red, but I am not aware that
they are produced in this country. N.
America. R. IR\VIN LYNCH.
SOLANUM (Potato Tree).- A family of
many species that are graceful when young
and free-growing, but too ragged for a taste-
ful garden ; some kinds require a warmer
clime than ours. Most of the Solanums
may be raised from seed or from cuttings,
the latter making good plants by May.
The kinds named may be associated with
the larger-leaved plants, but do not as a
rule attain the height and vigour of those
of the first rank like Ricinus. As a rule,
they require a temperate house in winter,
and about the middle or end of May
should be planted out in a warm sheltered
position in rich light soil. The Potato
tree (S. crispum), a native of Chili, is the
only ornamental Solanum hardy enough
for the open air.. In the south and in
coast districts it may be grown without
any protection, but elsewhere it needs the
shelter of a wall. When fully grown, it
is 12 to 1 6 ft. high, and in late summer
has large clusters of fine purple-blue
flowers, which, in the most favoured spots,
are succeeded by small whitish berries.
When grown against a wall, it should be
pruned vigorously in autumn, or it will be
injured by frosts ; but when it thrives as
a standard this is unnecessary. S. jas-
minoides is the most beautiful of the
family we know of in England, and a
lovely hardy climber. With its delicate
white and starry flowers and trusses, it is
one of the most delightful things for
planting against the walls of the house in
borders of peat or other light soil. It is
frequently grown in greenhouses, but
thrives on walls in southern England
and Ireland generally. . Other Solanums
of note are the South American S.
betaceum, quite a small tree with oval
pointed leaves like those of the Beet,
and deep green colour. It is suitable for
grouping in round beds with dwarfer
plants or shrubs at its base, but is much
more suitable for isolation on slopes, etc.
A rich soil is best. In the variety pur-
pureum the leaves are green, tinged with
violet, and in other varieties the flowers
are tinged with purple, the fruits being
striped with brown. S. crinitum, from
Guiana, is fine in medium-sized groups in
the south of England, and one may
mention also the late mauve-flowered
S. lanceolatum ; S. macranthum, which
grows in one year nearly 7 ft. high, the
elegant leaves deeply cut ; S. robustum,
and the ornamental S. Warscewiczi,
resembling S. macranthum, but dwarfer,
more thick-set, and with small white
flowers. The stem is armed with slightly
recurved strong spines. It is one of the
best and most handsome of the Solanums.
SOLDANELLA. — Diminutive and
charming alpine flowers, at one time con-
sidered very difficult to grow, but not really
so if grown in peaty or sandy and moist
soil, and coarse vigorous plants are kept
away from them. They should always be
in the rock-garden, and also in the part
of the regular garden devoted to
dwarf-plants. So long as the idea pre-
vailed that the rock-garden was to be a
heap of burnt bricks and other like
rubbish piled up so that the first dry
wind thoroughly dried up every root and
plant upon it, these things could not be
grown. S. alpina is one of the most
interesting of the plants growing near the
snow-line on many of the great mountain-
chains of Europe. It is not brilliant,
but has beautiful pendent pale bluish
flowers, bell-shaped, and cut into narrow
strips. Three or four are borne on a
stem 2 to 6 in. high, springing from a
dwarf carpet of feathery roundish shining
leaves. The plants thrive best in moist
districts, and in dry ones evaporation may
be prevented by covering the ground near
them with Cocoa-fibre which is mixed
with sand to give it weight. The most
suitable position is a level spot in the
rock-garden near the eye. S. alpina
is increased by division, though being
usually starved and delicate from con-
finement in small worm-defiled pots,
exposed to daily vicissitudes, it is rarely
strong enough to be pulled to pieces. S.
montana is allied to S. alpina, having
larger leaves and purer blue flowers. Like
S. alpina it inhabits several of the great j
Continental chains, and thrives under the
same treatment. It is readily increased j
by division, but the cause that usually
renders S. alpina too weak to be divided,
SOLIDAGO.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SPARAXIS. 819
renders S. montana weak also. S. pusilla
has kidney-shaped leaves, with the corolla
not deeply cut into fringes. The very
small S. minima, with its minute round
leaves and its single flower, fringed for a
portion of its length only, is rare. Both of
these plants thrive under the same condi-
tions as the others ; but, being much smaller,
require more care in planting, viz. in a mix-
ture of peat and good loam with plenty of
sharp sand, and associated with minute
alpine plants. They require plenty of water
in summer. S. Clusii and S. Wheeleri are
similar to those mentioned above. (Prim-
rose order.)
SOLIDAGO (Golden Rod}.— These N.
American Composites in borders exter-
minate valuable plants, and give a coarse,
ragged aspect to the garden. They are
also such gross feeders as to impoverish
any good border. They hold their own,
however, in a copse, or a rough open
shrubbery among the coarsest vegetation.
Forafull collection the best are S. altissima,
S. canadensis, S. grandiflora, S. nutans, S.
multiflora, S. rigida, and S. Virgaurea.
SOPHORA (New Zealand Laburnum}.
— S. tetraptera is a large tree in its own
country, and makes a charming wall-
plant here. The variety grandiflora
has larger flowers and is more robust,
while the variety microphylla is remark-
able for finely-divided leaves and smaller
flowers. In sheltered gardens against
walls in the southern and the mild
parts all may be grown, though they
may need extra protection in severe
winters. Another species in cultivation
Sophora japonica
is S. chilensis, which also needs protec-
tion. Syn.. Edwardsia.
S. japonica (Pagoda Tree}.— One of
the finest of flowering trees, elegant in
foliage, and, in September, covered with
clusters of white bloom. It is one of the
largest of trees, and when old has a wide-
spreading head with huge limbs. Its
long pinnate leaves retain their deep-
green colour until autumn. Where space
is limited it may be kept in bounds by
hard pruning. There are several varieties
— a drooping kind, which is one of the best
of all pendulous trees, and a variegated-
leaved kind, which is not satisfactory, as
the variegation is seldom good.
SPARAXIS. — Charming bulbous plants
from the Cape of Good Hope, the many
varieties coming chiefly from S. grandiflora
and S. tricolor. They are about I ft. high,
of slender growth, and bear large showy
flowers which vary from white to bright
scarlet and deep crimson, usually having
dark centres. Sparaxis are valuable for
early-summer flower, and should be treated
like Ixias. S. pulcherrima (the Wand-
flower), is so distinct that its claim to be a
Sparaxis pulcherrima (Wand Flower).
Sparaxis has often been made the subject
of comment. Its tall and graceful flower-
stems rise to a height of 5 or 6 ft., and wave
in the wind, but, though slender, are so
tough and wiry that they are never broken
3 G 2
82O SPARTIUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SPIR.^A.
in a storm, like the much stouter and much
stronger-looking stems of the Pampas
Grass. For six or seven weeks S. pul-
cherrima has lovely Foxglove - shaped
bells on almost invisible wire-like lateral
foot-stalks. Though the flowers of the
type are usually rosy-purple, there are
forms which are nearly white, and some
of almost every intermediate shade, while
others are beautifully striped. S. pul-
cherrima is finer and more elegant than
S. Thunbergi, which is stiffer and much
dwarfer — its erect flower-stems being sel-
dom more than 2^ ft. high — and its flowers
have very short stalks, whilst they are
not pendulous. The best position for S.
pulcherrima is in clumps among shelter-
ing shrubs. In such a position it might
be associated with Tritonia aurea, as the
two plants flower together, S. pulcherrima
is about as hardy as Tritonia, Montbretia
Pottsi, and similar plants, and, though
more difficult to establish, well repays
a little care during the first year or two.
It has a great objection to removal, and,
if necessary, this should be done as soon
as the flowers begin to fade. It succeeds
in dry as well as damp positions, if it has
a rich friable soil, or if when beginning to
grow it is well watered.
SPARTIUM (Spanish Broom}.— S.
junceum is a South European shrub,
blooming in July, August, and September,
when shrubberies are usually flowerless.
It is thin-growing, 8 or 10 ft. high, and its
Rush-like shoots have so few leaves as to
appear leafless. It bears erect clusters of
fragrant bright yellow flowers shaped
like Pea-blossoms, is perfectly hardy, and
useful for dry, poor soils, where, like the
common Broom, it does well, coming
freely from seed scattered broadcast
where we wish it to grow.
SPECULAR! A ( Venues Looking-glass}.
— These are similar to Campanulas, and
often placed with them, though distinct
enough for garden purposes. S. Specu-
lum, with numerous open bell-like bright
violet-purple flowers, is one of the show-
iest of our annuals. Besides the large-
flowered form called grandiflora, some-
times purple and sometimes white, there
is a double-flowered kind which comes
true from seed, also a dwarf compact
form with violet-blue flowers. S. penta-
gonia is another favourite, its flowers
larger, but less abundant than those of S.
Speculum, purple in colour, with a deep
blue centre. S. Speculum and S. penta-
gonia generally scatter seed, which ger-
minates year after year, and no trouble is
necessary, except to prevent the plants
getting too plentiful. Both are hardy.
SPHENOGYNE.— S. spedosa is a beauti-
ful half-hardy Mexican annual Composite of
slender, much-branched growth, about I
ft. high. The flowers, produced from July
to September, are yellow with a brownish
centre encircled by a conspicuous black
ring, the centre being orange in the variety
aurea. S. speciosa will succeed if sown
in the open in spring, but it does better
as a half-hardy annual, sown in early
spring in heat, in any ordinary light soil.
S. anthemoides, introduced last century,
and also called sometimes Arctotis
anthemoides, differs from S. speciosa in
having the underside of the florets pur-
plish instead of yellow. Though a large
and varied family, these are the only kinds
to our knowledge in cultivation. Svn.,
Ursinia pulchra.
SPIGELIA ( Worm Grass}.— S. Maril-
andica is a beautiful native of North
America, distinct from all other hardy
plants. It forms a dense tuft of slender
stems about I ft. high, eachbeingterminated
by long tubular flowers which are deep red
outside and deep yellow inside. The plant
is rare in gardens, being considered diffi-
cult to cultivate. In its native country it
grows in sheltered situations, the roots
finding their way deep down into a body
of rich vegetable mould. These natural
conditions should be imitated ; and if the
soil be not good, take it out 2 ft. in depth
and fill up with a well-sanded mixture of
loam, leaf-mould, and peat. Partial shade
in summer, with abundance of moisture
in hot weather, is essential, whilst it is
suitable for borders, the lower parts of the
rock-garden, or for margins of beds of
American plants.
SPIREA (Meadow Sweet}.— Beautiful
plants in nature, and important for the
garden, of easy culture, distinct habit, and
often of fine form. They grow well in
rich soil in borders, and are also excellent
for the margins of water. There are also
a number of shrubby species of the highest
value.
S. Aruncus (Goafs-beard} is a vigorous
perennial, 3 to 5 ft. high, beautiful in
foliage and habit as well as in flower. Its
flowers are freely produced in summer in
large gracefully - drooping plumes. S.
Aruncus is as good in midsummer as the
Pampas Grass is in autumn. It is valu-
able for grouping with other fine-foliaged
herbaceous plants. It thrives in ordinary
soil, but succeeds best in a deep moist
loam. Division. Various parts of Europe,
Asia, and America.
S. astilboides is a new species, and of
unusual merit for borders. 1 1 is a moisture-
loving plant, and will be found more
SPIRAEA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SPIRAEA, 821
satisfactory in every way on the banks of
a stream or pond. It is quite distinct, the
inflorescence much branched, and the
flowers of a creamy white closely packed
on the stems. — K.
S. Filipendula (Drofworf).—h British
species, i to 2ft. high, with loose clusters of
yellowish-white flowers, often tipped with
Spiraea Aruncus.
red. When the flower-stems are pinched
off, it forms an effective edging plant, its
Fern-like foliage being distinct. .The
double variety (S. Filipendula fl.-pl.) is
useful in the mixed border. Division.
S. gigantea, recently introduced, may
be described as a gigantic Meadow Sweet,
growing from 6 to 10 ft. high, with huge
palmate leaves and large fleecy bunches
of white flowers terminating the tall stems.
Its place is in rich bottoms or by water in
deep soil.
S. lobata (Queen of the Prairie] is one
of the handsomest of the hardy Spiraeas,
and from 1 8 to 36 in. high, with deep rosy
carmine flowers in large terminal cymes.
It does best in sandy loam in the mixed
border, on the margins of shrubberies, or
in beds among groups of the finer per-
ennials. Similar to S. lobata are the
handsome S. Humboldti and S. digitata.
Syn. S. venusta.
S. palmata is a beautiful herbaceous
species, and among the finest of hardy
plants. It has handsome palmate foliage,
and in late summer broad clusters of
lovely rosy-crimson blossoms. When well-
grown it is 4 ft. high, but often less,
and being considered tender, is grown
largely in pots ; but it is hardy, succeeding
in moist deep loam well enriched by
decayed manure. It is a fine plant for many
positions in large rock-gardens, in borders,
or on the margin of shrubberies ; and
may be naturalised, as it .is quite vigorous
enough to take care of itself. It looks
best in masses. The variety elegans is
said to be a hybrid ; the flowers pale pink,
and altogether inferior to the best forms of
S. palmata. A good effect is got by
planting the species by the edge of streams
or ponds : a mass of lovely colour is
presented to the eye, and too-often bare
spots are clothed with beauty.
S. Ulmaria.— This common British
Meadow Sweet is seldom cultivated, but
worse things are often seen in borders. It
deserves a place, if only for the sake of
variety, in the mixed border, on the
margins of shrubberies, or in the rougher
parts of pleasure-grounds, where it may
be planted with other subjects which do
not require much looking after. Almost
any soil will suit it, but a moist one is
best. The variegated-leaved form is
ornamental, the creamy-yellow and green
variegation being effective.
SHRUBBY MEADOW SWEETS.
S. arisefolia (Spray Bush\ a lovely
shrub 8 to 10 ft. high, and I have seen it
much higher grown on walls. It is
of proved merit and hardiness, and
we should seek to give full expres-
sion to its singular beauty by careful
planting and grouping in the full sun — and
taking care not to let it get destroyed in
the horrible jumble that nurserymen and
most other planters give us when they
plant a "shrubbery." It is a kind often
met with, but mostly in shrubbery thickets,
while to show off its beauty to advantage
it requires an open position. When
isolated it forms a large bush of good
form laden during summer with spray-like
panicles of small whitish flowers.
S. cantoniensis (Canton S.} is a
slender bush, about a yard high, bearing
an abundance of small clusters of white
flowers. There is also a beautiful less
common double variety. The Plum-
leaved Spiraea (S. prunifolia) is repre-
sented in gardens by the double variety
(flore-pleno), a beautiful shrub, with
flowers like tiny snow-white rosettes, in
early summer wreathing every twig. S.
media, better known in gardens as S.
confusa, resembles S. cantoniensis, and
therefore need not be included in a selec-
tion ; but its variety rotundiflora is
pretty.
S. Douglas! and S. Nobleana are so
similar in growth and flower that they may
be conveniently coupled, though as they
822 SPIRJEA.
THE ENGLISH P LOWER GARDEN.
flower at different times it is well to have
them both. They are of vigorous growth,
and they bear dense erect clusters of deep
red flowers. N. America. S. Douglasi
succeeds in every part of the British
Isles, but S. Nobleana is less hardy.
S. japonica (Rosy Bush Meadow
Sweet} is easily recognised by its slender
stems 3 or 4 ft. high, surmounted by broad
flat clusters of deep pink flowers. The
japonica, very dwarf and compact, rapid
in growth and hardy, about 2 ft. high, with
broad clusters of deep rose-pink flowers.
A fine new variety is A. Waterer. Even
in such a beautiful family it outshines in
brilliancy of colour. It is a variety of S.
japonica, which for the last thirty or forty
years has been known in gardens under
other names, such as S. callosa, Fortunei,
the name S. japonica having been errone-
Spiraea ariaefolia.
varieties splendens, rubra, superba, and
atro-sanguinea are richer and deeper than
the type, while the variety alba bears
white flowers in small clusters. It is a
variable species, and has numerous syno-
nyms. All the varieties in catalogues
ranged under the names S. callosa and
Fortunei belong properly to S. japonica.
S. bella is dwarfer and denser than S.
iaponica. S. Bumalda is a variety of S.
ously applied to a totally different plant,
in fact — Astilbe or Hoteia japonica.
The parent of A. Waterer is the variety
of S. japonica named S. Bumalda, which is
distinguished from the type by its dwarfer
growth and persistent bloom throughout
the summer and autumn. From S.
Bumalda the A. Waterer variety does not
differ except in brilliancy of colour.
S. Hypericifolia, from Asia Minor, is
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
SPIR^A.
823
the type of a small group, all elegant in
growth and pretty in flower. The tall
slender stems arch over gracefully, and in
food soils and sheltered spots reach a
eight of 8 ft. In the flowering season
the branches are wreathed with small
clusters of small white flowers. S.
Spiraea japonica, A. Waterer.
flagelliformis and S. acuta are forms '
superior to the type.
S. Thunbergi (Thunberg's Meadow j
Sweet] is a favourite shrub for forcing into |
early flower. It is a dense bush, with small
bright green leaves, and in early spring a
profusion of tiny white blossoms. It is
hardy, and especially suitable for planting
in a bold rock-garden or on a raised bank
among tree-stems. Few shrubs are so
fine in autumn, its small leaves changing
to brilliant crimson.
S. Lindleyana (Plume Meadow Sweet]
is a noble shrub, sometimes 10 ft. high, its
graceful foliage divided, and delicate
green, the flower clusters large, white,
and plume-like, being at their best
about the middle of August. It thrives
best in warm deep soil, not too light
or too heavy, and should be sheltered
from cold winds, which injure its young
growth in spring. It has in some soils
peculiar ways, and in others, especially
of a chalky and warm nature, it blooms well
enough to deserve the epithet superb.
In cool soils it does not always attain such
a grand flowering state. In too cool soils
it seems to spread more at the root, but in
all cases is beautiful for its foliage and habit.
Himalaya. Division. The other pinnate-
leaved Spiraeas, such as S. sorbifolia and
S. Pallasi, are less desirable.
There are so many confusing names
applied to these plants, and so many
useless varieties, that the following remarks
by Mr. Goldring are worth attention : —
In a large genus like Spiraea numbering
half a hundred reputed species and en-
cumbered with almost twice the number
of names and synonyms, how perplexing
it must be to single out the choice few
required for the garden, and when there
is absolutely no information given in
nursery catalogues as to the respective
merits of the kinds
enumerated.
The bush Spiraeas
are all beautiful ;
none are worthless in
the sense that many
other shrubs are, so
that there is naturally
a tendency among
those who know them
best to eulogise every
kind ; but how few
are the gardens
where there is need
for more than a dozen
kinds in proportion
to the host of other
beautiful shrubs, un-
less it be in those
where the object is to collect as many
sorts as possible !
The fact is, we have now too great a
number of Spiraeas and too great a simi-
larity among many of them, and flowering
much about the same time. As an in-
stance of this I count in a Continental
catalogue no fewer than twenty varieties
of the common North American S. salici-
folia, and the synonyms of these number
Spiraea sorbifolia.
half as many. No collection of Spiraeas
need number more than a dozen kinds to
represent the finest types of beauty of
flower and growth. Good grouping of
this select dozen kinds in a garden would
produce better effect than the too common
way of dotting about single plants of many
kinds which, when crowded by other
shrubs of diverse habit, never display that
free growth which constitutes one of the
charms of the shrubby Meadow Sweets.
824
SPIR/EA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
My dozen would include the following
kinds, which are placed according to their
average heights, beginning with the
tallest: — S. Lindleyana, ariaefolia, Douglasi,
trilobata var. Van Houttei, prunifolia fl.
pi., japonica superba, confusa, canescens
var. flagellata, cantoniensis, bella, Thun-
bergi, and japonica Bumalda.
The above selection includes types of
all the sections, and is sufficient for any
garden in a general way, but should more
be required, a second dozen may be
selected to include the following : — S.
opulifolia, salicifolia grandiflora, Noble-
ana, sorbifolia, japonica paniculata, cana,
Blumei, japonica ruberrima, tomentosa,
crenata, japonica alba, and bullata (crispi-
foliaX
From these selections I have excluded
Douglasi, and others, and lesser groups of
the dwarfer kinds, or these may form
masses at jutting-out portions of a main
tree and shrub group. The small kinds,
such as Bumalda, should always be planted
in a group. This does not necessarily
imply that one must plant a hundred of a
sort at the outset, but a definite plan
should be made in one's mind as to where
the bold groups of good colours shall be,
and then a dozen plants can in the course
of a few seasons be made to extend
throughout the projected group by pro-
pagating.
Contrast a Spiraea — any of them —
growing in a deep moist loam with one
growing in a poor, gravelly, or sandy soil.
One would scarcely at first think they
were of the same kind. The fact is
Spiraea Bumalda.
that fine shrub Exochorda grandiflora,
which is sometimes known as Spiraea
grandiflora.
Let me plead on their behalf against
the baneful practice of planting such
graceful shrubs in the "mixed" shrubbery,
where the delicate have to fight the
strong, and where one seldom sees a
healthy shrub. Such is not the place for
these elegant plants, which being for the
most part surface-rooters cannot bear
to be encroached upon by ravenous
Laurels and the like. The place for
Spiraeas is an open, sunny spot, away from
the roots of big trees and shrubs, yet
connected with the main masses of shrub-
bery by intelligent grouping. If a garden
were large enough, I should always have
isolated groups (good bold masses from
10 to 15 ft. across), of the taller-growing
kinds, such as S. Lindleyana ariaefolia,
shrubs and ornamental trees require
cultivating in order to get their beauty.
Even if the soil is good and deep, the
site for Spiraeas and suchlike shrubs
should be thoroughly and deeply trenched
at the outset if good results are expected.
It should be remembered that Spiraeas
1 generally are lovers of moisture, and I
| have noticed where I have seen them
growing wild in Japan and America that
they like moist places. If they were not
near streams or boggy places, they were
growing best where plenty of moisture
reached them. Some grow actually in
boggy places, and the finest Spiraeas I
have seen in English gardens have been
on the margins of lakes and streams.
Wherever there are moist spots in a
garden, such as near a pond, lake, or
! stream, there should groups of Spiraeas be
planted. Spiraea Lindleyana is a grand
SPRAGUEA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
STATICE.
825
shrub for the water-side planted in bold
groups, and masses of others might be
made to fringe a lake or stream in a
beautiful way.
For a full account of the Spiraeas I
refer the reader to The Garden (Vol.
XII.), where the late Mr. Gordon de-
scribed in detail about fifty kinds, and to
the notes on Spiraeas scattered through
every one of the many volumes of The
Garden.— W. G.
• SPRAGUEA S. umbellata is a singular
and pretty plant allied to Claytonia, 6 to 9
in. high, with fleshy foliage, and spikes of
showy pinkish blossoms. If seeds are
perennial, about I ft. high, and if planted
in a partially-shaded border succeeds in
any soil. It has spikes of red flowers.
Division.
STAPHYLEA (Bladder Nut}.— Only S.
colchica is important, this being a beauti-
ful shrub with pinnate leaves, and in early
summer large terminal clusters of snow-
white flowers. It is hardy, and grows
well in any good soil, preferring partial
shade ; but it is commonly forced into
flower for the greenhouse in early spring.
STATICE (Sea Lavender}.— Plants of
the Leadwort or Plumbago family, all dwarf
perennials or annuals, chiefly natives of
Spiraea Lindleyana.
sown early in February in a warm frame,
and the seedlings are afterwards pricked
out singly in small pots, and planted out
in May, the plants will bloom in August
and September ; but if sown in May, the
plants will not flower till the following
summer. In light soils S. umbellata will
resist an ordinary winter, but is best pro-
tected by a frame. Like most tap-rooted
plants, it does not bear transplantation
well, except while small. If seeds are
plentiful they may be sown in the open
ground ; but, as seeds are usually scarce,
they should be sown in pots, in a mode-
rate temperature. California.
STACHYS ( Woundworf}. — Few of
these perennials are worth cultivating, the
common S. lanata, the woolly-leaved
plant, being used for edging, thriving in
any soil. S. coccinea is a rather pretty
shore and mountain districts. Most of
them bear large twiggy flower-stems
covered with myriads of small flowers,
which are for the most part dry and mem-
braneous, and long retain their colour
after being cut, so that they are frequently
mixed with other everlasting flowers for
vase decoration in winter. The larger
species require least care when in an open
exposed bed of sandy soil, while many of
them are admirable for the rock-garden.
The best of the larger kinds are S.
Limonium, of which there are several
varieties ; S. latifolia, the finest of all, with
wide-spreading flower-stems with a pro-
fusion of small purplish-blue flowers ; and
S. tatarica, a dwarfer species, with distinct
red flowers. The smaller species, such as
S. minuta, S. minutiflora, S. caspia, S.
eximia, are good rock-plants. Among
826 STAUNTONIA
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
STERNBERG1A.
the half-hardy annuals and biennials the
best are : S. Bonduelli (yellow), a biennial
if protected in winter ; S. spicata, with
spikes of small rosy flowers ; Thouini
(violet), very free flowering ; and sinuata
(purple and white), pretty, and easy to
grow. There are several varieties of S.
sinuata hybrida which have varied colours,
and make pretty border flowers. All the
annual and biennial Statices should be
raised from seed in early spring, and
planted out when large enough. The
half-hardy biennials need protection
during winter, and should not be planted
out until the spring after they are raised.
STAUNTONIA.— S. hexaphylla is afine
evergreen twining pinnate-leaved shrub
from China, hardy enough in the south and
in the warmer parts of these islands for
wall-culture. Its small flowers are whitish,
fragrant, and produced in early summer.
It must have a sheltered sunny wall, and
during severe frosts be protected in a
simple way.
Stenactis. See ERIGERON.
STEPHANANDRA.— Graceful shrubs
allied to the Spiraeas, these need good
soil for one to see them at their best.
They like a good loamy soil, well drained,
but still moist, and are some of the most
easily propagated of shrubs. Cuttings
taken towards the end of the summer
before the wood is too hard root readily ;
they can also be increased by division.
I have noticed that when plants of S.
flexuosa which have been growing long
in one spot are removed, quite a little
thicket of young plants will spring from
the roots left in the ground.
S. FLEXUOSA. — Although the earlier intro-
duced of the two species, this has not long
been in cultivation. It grows 3 ft. to 4 ft.
high with us, but will probably get to be quite
twice as high in more favourable climates. It
forms a thick bush, suckering freely from the
base like a Spircea or a Kerria, and, like those
plants, is improved by an occasional thinning
out of the older growths. As it is chiefly for
the graceful arching shoots clothed with the
prettily cut foliage that it is grown, this shrub
is seen to greatest advantage as an isolated
bush or in a small group. Its branches are
thin, wiry, and crooked, and it blossoms in
June, the flowers being crowded on short
branching panicles, small and greenish white.
Japan and Corea. Syn. Spiraa incisa.
S. TANAK^E. — From S. flexuosa this new
species is readily distinguished by its coarser,
more succulent growth and by its larger, but
much less-divided leaves. The flowers are
small and greenish, and, being less crowded on
the longer, lax panicles, add even less to the
attractiveness of the plant than do those of S.
tiextiosa. Japan. W. J. BEAN.
STERNBERGIA (Lily-of-the- Field}.
— Pretty and interesting hardy bulbs, the
flowers of much firmer texture, and able
to withstand a far greater amount of bad
weather than those of the autumn-bloom-
ing Crocus, and are thus better adapted for
our climate. One source of failure with
Sternbergias is moving them at the wrong
time or before growth has fully developed.
What they want is thorough ripening in
summer and a slight protection, such as
dry litter, during the winter. In sanely
loams, and fully exposed to the sun, the
bulbs will get the necessary ripening
without being lifted, and the best plan
will be to leave them undisturbed until
they attain flowering size. We have them
thriving on stiff soils and blooming freely
every year, and for many years in the
same border.
S. colchiciflora.— This is one of the
old garden plants, having been cultivated
by Clusius and Parkinson. It is described
as fragrant, and perfuming, with its Jessa-
mine-scented flowers, the fields of the
Crimea about the Bosphorus. The leaves
are narrow, and come with the fruit in
spring : and the sulphur-yellow flowers
appear in autumn at about the same
time as those of S. lutea. It is found
on dry exposed positions in the Cau-
Sternbergia lutea.
casus and Crimea, and is hardy in this
country. S. dalmatica and S. pulchella
are varieties.
S. Fischeriana is nearly allied, hardy,
and has the habit of S. lutea, from which
it differs chiefly in flowering in spring
STIPA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
STUARTIA.
827
instead of autumn, and by its stalked
ovary and capsule. Caucasus.
S. lutea. — This is the great autumn
or winter Daffodil of Parkinson, and a
very pretty hardy plant, best on some
gravelly soils. The absence of seed on
this bulb in a cultivated state is remark-
able, seeing how plentiful it is and also
how well it flowers in many parts of the
country.
My experience tells me that the bulbs
must be large before they will flower
freely, and imported bulbs are generally
small, and will take a year or two to attain
flowering size. S. lutea has five or six
leaves, each about half an inch broad,
about a foot long, and appearing at the
same time as the flowers in autumn. It
is supposed by some writers to be the
Lily of Scripture, as it grows abundantly
in the vales in Palestine. S. angustifolia
appears to be a narrow-leaved form, very i
free-flowering, and growing rather more
freely than S. lutea.
S. graeca, from the mountains of j
Greece, has very narrow leaves and broad j
perianth segments.
S. sicula is a form with narrower j
leaves and segments than the type, while ]
the Cretan variety has considerably larger
flowers.
S. macrantha.— This is a really hand-
some species, the leaves blunt and slightly
glaucous, about an inch broad when fully
developed about midsummer ; flowers
bright yellow in autumn. Asia Minor.
— D. D.
As for some time these plants are
not likely to be common, the rarest of
them should have a place in our bulb
borders, or on rocky borders in gritty or
open soil, associated with the rarer
Narcissi and the choicer hardy bulbs.
The effect of the oldest cultivated kind
in masses near the shelter of walls in
autumn is very fine.
STIPA (Feather Grass}.— None of the
stipas is so elegant as the S. European S.
pennata. In bundles its beauty almost
equals that of the tail of a bird of paradise.
S. pennata is hardly to be distinguished
from a strong stiff tuft of common Grass,
except in May and June, when the tuft is
surmounted by numerous gracefully-arch-
ing flower-stems, nearly 2 ft. high, and
covered with long, twisted, feathery spikes.
It loves a deep sandy loam, and may be
used either in an isolated position or in
groups of small plants, but its flowers
are too short-lived except for borders.
Division or seed. S. calamagrostis, S.
capillata, and S. elegantissima are other
good Feather Grasses.
STOKESIA.— S. cyanea is a handsome
hardy American perennial, 18 to 24 in. high,
and of stout free growth, with, in Septem-
ber, large showy blue flowers somewhat
similar to those of a China Aster. It grows
freely in good warm soils, but from its late
flowering does not always expand its
flowers well. In damp localities, place a
hand-light over the plants at the flowering
season, but so arranged as to allow free
admission of air. S. cyanea is useful for
the conservatory in autumn and winter.
Division in spring. Insert the slips a few
inches apart in a warm border or a frame,
in sharp sandy soil. As soon as they get
well rooted and begin to grow, transplant
them. A little river sand and leaf-mould
should be mixed with the soil.
STRATIOTES (Water Soldier}.- S.
aloides is an interesting native water-plant
with a compact vasiform tuft of leaves,
from the centre of which arises in summer
a spike of unattractive blossoms. In
artificial lakes or ponds it will take care
of itself.
STRUTHIOPTERIS ( Ostrich Fern}.—
The fronds of these fine hardy exotic Ferns
are not unlike ostrich feathers. They are
of two kinds, fertile and sterile, the former
being always grouped in the centre of the
plant, and the latter forming a cordon
round them. Struthiopteris can be in-
creased by division of the creeping under-
ground stems, which run for some distance
round well-established plants. Good well-
drained peat and loam is necessary, and
group the plants in bold slightly-sheltered
spots, where their noble appearance will
tell. As they are deciduous, plant among
and around them, for winter effect, some
Polystichums or other robust evergreen
Ferns, while, for effect at other seasons,
some of our finer Lilies would form a
useful mixture. The kinds suited for
gardens are S. germanica and S. pennsyl-
vanica. The former is one of the most
elegant of hardy Ferns, having fronds
nearly 3 ft. long, and well suited for the
slopes of pleasure - grounds, cascades,
grottoes, the rough rock-garden, and for
the margins of streams and pieces of
water ; it will thrive either in the full sun
or in the shade. S. pennsylvanica closely
resembles it, but has narrow fertile fronds.
Both kinds add much beauty of form to a
garden, and should not be confined to a
fernery.
STUARTIA.— Among the rarest and
choicest of hardy - flowering deciduous
shrubs. They are allied to the Camellia,
and S. virginica and S. pentagyna are
both natives of N. America, being intro-
duced during the last century. The
828 STYLOPHORUM. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
SYMPHYTUM.
former is the best known, and fine speci-
mens may be found in several old English
gardens. It is a rounded and spreading
bush, 6 to i oft. high, and in early summer,
usually about May, bears creamy-white
flowers with crimson-red stamens, about 3
in. across, in shape like those of a single
Rose. In the neighbourhood of London
and in gardens of Sussex and other coast
counties S. virginica is perfectly hardy,
the finest specimens we have seen being
in a rather moist light soil in situations
well exposed to the sun, but sheltered on
the north and east by trees and shrubs.
S. virginica and S. pentagyna (labelled in
some gardens Malachodendron ovatum)
are both of slow growth, but the latter is
rather larger and taller than the former,
and with similar white flowers. Its native
habitat is said to be more northern than
that of S. virginica, and it is there-
fore considered the hardier. S. pseudo-
Camellia resembles the other two in
growth, foliage, and habit, but its flowers
are larger and whiter, and have yellow
stamens instead of red. It has withstood
full exposure for some years in the Coombe
Wood Nursery in Surrey. These Stuart-
ias are so beautiful when in bloom that
they should be well grown, and though
sometimes thought capricious, there must
be numerous gardens where the exact
conditions suited to them could be
found.
STYLOPHORUM.— S. diphyllum is a
handsome Poppy wort, which somewhat re-
sembles Celandine (Chelidonium majus),
but is a much finer plant. Its foliage is
grayish, and its large bright yellow flowers
are freely produced in early summer. S.
diphyllum is I to 2 ft. high. N. America.
Syns. — S. ohioense and S. japonicum.
STYRAX (Storax).— The Styraxes are
deciduous shrubs, the Japanese kinds
being pretty when in flower, and, though
rare in gardens, are likely to become
generally cultivated. S. serrulata (also
called S. japonica) is beautiful. It is now
becoming common in some of the best
nurseries, but has not been introduced
long enough to show what size it will grow
to in this country. Though in Japan it
is said to be a tall tree, here it is known
only as a dense shrub of neat habit. Its
white flowers have a tuft of yellow stamens
about three-quarters of an inch across,
and are shaped like a shallow bell. They
are profusely borne singly on thin stalks,
on the under sides of the flattish branches,
and, with the foliage, look pretty about
midsummer. The variety S. virgata is
also in cultivation. Both the type and
the variety grow freely in the open border,
in a light position in good soil, and seem
thoroughly suitable for the southern parts
of England and warm districts. The N.
American kinds, S. americana and S.
pulverulenta, are not important, as
they flower less freely, and are rarer.
S. officinalis, which yields the Storax of
commerce, is not so pretty as S. serrulata.
SWERTIA (Marsh Swertia). — S.
perermis has slender erect stems, I to 3 ft.
high, terminated by erect spikes of
flowers, which are grayish-purple spotted
with black, and produced in summer. It
is not showy, but interesting for the bog-
garden, or for moist spots near the rock-
garden, and may be naturalised in damp
places in peaty soil. Seed or division.
SYMPHORICARPUS (Snowberry\—
The common Snowberry (S. racemosus) is a
familiar shrub, but we would exclude it
from a choice selection ; also the Wolf
Berry (S. occidentalis) ; and S. vulgaris,
the Coral Berry, or Indian Currant, which
has small purplish berries in clusters.
The flowers of these kinds are not showy,
their growth is not neat, and they smother
choicer things. Their chief value is for
pleasure - grounds, for undergrowth in
woods, or for ornamental covert (as birds
eat the berries), and they all flourish
under almost any circumstances. A pretty
variety of S. vulgaris has its foliage varie-
gated with green and yellow. It is now
common, and, being hardy and vigorous,
is one of the best of variegated shrubs.
SYMPHYANDRA.— Campanula-like
plants, S. pendula being a showy perennial
from the rocky parts of the Caucasus,
with branched pendulous stems and large
cream-coloured bell-like flowers, almost
hidden in the leaves. It is hardy, and
rarely more than i ft. in height. It likes
to be associated with most Bell-flowers, but
is best seen at the level of the eye in the
rock-garden ; it is also a good border
plant in ordinary garden soil. Seed. The
Austrian S. Wanneri rarely exceeds i ft.
in height, with deep mauve flowers borne
freely on branching racemes. Like S.
pendula, it prefers a light, warm, rich soil
and a partially-shady situation. Both
plants are short-lived, and duplicates
should be kept at hand.
SYMPHYTUMfOw//^).— These Bor-
age-worts are chiefly bold, but somewhat
coarse plants, suited for naturalising in
rather open sunny places, since, when
well developed, their foliage has a fine
effect in masses. The largest and best
kinds for the wild garden are S. asperri-
mum and S. caucasicum. The Bohemian
Comfrey (S. bohemicum) is a handsome
perennial, about i ft. high, with in early
SYRINGA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
829
summer erect twin racemes of brilliant
reddish-purple flowers. The variegated-
leaved form of the common Comfrey (S.
officinale) has striking variegation. S.
officinale is effective in a garden of hardy
flowers, although generally seen only in
mixed collections of hardy variegated
plants. Like S. bohemicum it succeeds
in any ordinary garden soil in open sunny
borders.
SYRINGA (Lilac].— Beautiful flower-
ing shrubs, thriving well in Britain, though
not so well in some cold soils and places
where late frosts are frequent. Most of the
common Lilacs may be classed in three
species, viz. the common Lilac (S.vulgaris),
the Chinese Lilac (S. chinensis), and the
Persian Lilac (S. persica). There are
several sorts of the first two. Of the
white varieties the best are Marie Le-
grange, Alba grandiflora, Alba magna, and
Alba virginalis. If only one white kind is
selected, it should be Marie Legrange.
The finest of the coloured sorts is Souvenir
de L. Spath, which has massive clusters of
large richly-coloured flowers. Charles the
Tenth is a first-rate sort, and usually
forced into early bloom, when its flowers
are white. Other kinds of good colour
are Alphonse Lavallee, Louis Van Houtte,
Rubra de Marley, Le Gaulois, and Aline
Mocquery. Some double sorts have
recently come into cultivation, the chief
ones being Lemoinei, Ranunculiflora,
Renoncule, Hyacinthiflora plena, and
Rubella plena. These have denser flower-
clusters, and usually last longer than the
single varieties. An indispensable Lilac
is the small Persian (S. persica) which is
distinct from the others, and, being dwarf
and erect, is well suited for the outskirts
of a group of Lilacs or a shrubbery. Its
small flower-clusters are of a pale lilac,
or are nearly white. The pretty variety,
with deeply-cut leaves (laciniata), must not
be overlooked. The Rouen or Chinese
Lilac (S. chinensis), also known as S.
dubia and S. rothomagensis, is inter-
mediate between the common Lilac and
the Persian Lilac, and, like the latter, is
desirable. The large S. Emodi, from the
Himalayas, is coarse in growth, and not
remarkable for its flowers, which are pale
purple. They come after those of the
common Lilac are past. There is a
variegated form. The Hungarian Lilac
(S. Josikaea) is a pretty shrub, different
from other Lilacs. It reaches a height of
nearly 6 ft., and bears erect spikes of
small pale mauve flowers. S. japonica,
known also as S. amurensis and Ligustrina
amurensis, bears in summer large dense
clusters of creamy-white flowers, which
somewhat resemble those of the Japanese
Privet. Though a native of Japan, it is
suitable for English gardens. Though
deep loamy soil best suits Lilacs, they will
grow in almost any ground. Attention
should be given to pruning, especially to
removing root-suckers as they appear.
The shrubs are often grafted on the
Privet, but die on it. All who care for
Lilacs should get plants from layers of all
the finer sorts.
The species of syringa are amurensis, Manchoo ;
chinensis, China ; Emodi, N. India ; josik&a, Trans-
sylvania ; oblata, China ; persica, Persia, Caucasus ;
rotnndifolia, Manchoo ; tnllosa, China ; vulgaris,
Transsylvania ; pnbescens, N. China ; velutina, China ;
yunnanensis, W. China.
Very interesting as these species are
from a botanical point of view little is
yet known of their beauty in our country,
and such of them as have been tried have
less beauty than the finer hybrid forms of
the old Lilac.
TAGETES.— The beautiful half-hardy
French and African Marigolds have been
for centuries favourite garden annual
flowers. There are also perennial Tagetes,
but they are not hardy enough to make
satisfactory plants out-of-doors, though
one or two, such as T. lucida and T.
Parryi, are desirable. The annuals in
cultivation are all natives of Mexico. The
following are the best : —
T. erecta (African Marigold) is easily
known by its stiff, erect habit, and massive
double yellow blooms. A peculiarity of
the African Marigold is that one-third of
the seeds saved from the finest double
flowers always produce single ones, while
the rest are invariably double. A bed
of them on the turf is finer when the
deep orange and pale yellow forms are in
association. Sow seed under glass in
April, for then, even without bottom-heat,
they will germinate freely. When the
young plants are 3 in. in height, dibble
them out again either into a frame or
under hand-lights, as slugs are partial to
the young plants. Where very large
flowers are desired, the soil must be rich,
and the buds on the branches should be
thinned out.
T. pa tula (French Marigold] is a
charming summer annual, the colours,
not so limited as in the African Mari-
gold, as there are many varieties striped,
mottled, and coloured with yellow, orange,
chestnut, and other hues. The older
forms are coarser, spreading yet tall, and
in good soil make huge plants, carrying
scores of flowers of medium size, and if
good, are double, rounded, sometimes
partly reflexed, and invariably pretty.
The striped forms can be kept true only
TAGETES.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TAGETES.
by growing them free from other sorts, French Marigold, usually 1 2 to 1 5 in. high,
but even in the best strains the flowers with dense heads of perfect flowers. They
vary. Sometimes one plant has striped , make effective masses, and answer well as
blooms, and at other times self-yellow or
maroon flowers. The unpleasant odour
unfits them for cutting. Of more recent
introduction are the compact forms of the
edgings for beds of tall African Marigolds.
Well harden them before being planted
out, and put them singly, not in clumps.
T. signata is allied to the French
TAMARIX.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TAXODIUM.
Marigold, but has much smaller flowers,
either double or single. It was formerly
largely used for summer bedding, its
elegantly-cut leaves being perhaps its
most pleasing feature. As it needs a
little starving to induce it to bloom freely
in beds and masses, the soil must be
rather poor. Like all other Marigolds, it
stands drought well. T. s. pumila is a
dwarf form.
TAMARIX (Tamarisk). — Graceful
hardy shrubs, often neglected owing to
the too common habit of not grouping
and making right use of each shrub in
relation not only to soil, but also to ex-
posure and position. Lost in the jumble
of the shrubbery, these would never give
any good effect, and would probably soon
perish from the attacks of laurel, privet,
elder, and other hungry rubbish of the
conventional shrubbery, but their true use
is for seashore gardens and for holding
the soil of river banks. They are among
the best shrubs, too, when we have to
plant near the sea, the fine branches split-
ting up the winds. On shores they are
often found all round the north of Africa
and southern Europe, but they are also
beautiful away from the shore if grouped
properly in a full exposure. As to kinds,
we are richer in names than in plants,
a number of terms being nursery names
for the few cultivated species and their
varieties. Among hardy shrubs these are
remarkably distinct in the feathery charac-
ter of their growth. No other woody
plants we can grow in the open air give
the same fine effect as they do, and of
the shrubs that can be grown on the sea-
shore there is none so good.
T. chinensis is a recent introduction,
and has been distributed from some nur-
series as T. japonica plumosa. It is not
quite so hardy as our native kind. It has
very plumose branches, and is a most
graceful shrub with pink flowers.
T. gallica (French Tamarisk}. — Is
found wild on the south-west coast of
England, in France, and North Africa. It
is a shrub 5 ft. to 10 ft. high, or in N.
Africa a tree 30 ft. high or more. The
flowers are pale pink, and borne on short
cylindrical spikes in summer. T. anglica
is one of the forms of this species, which
vary according to the climate of which
they are native. 7\ africana and T.
algeriensis are names that have been
given to the African forms of the species.
T. hispida (Kashgar T.).— According
to M. Lemoine, this new species is from
Central Asia. It is certainly distinct,
the foliage being of a very glaucous hue.
" The leaves are very small and imbricated
on the stem, and its inflorescences are of a
rosy carmine, brighter than in the other
species in cultivation" (Lemoine). It
flowers in autumn. Syn., T. kaschgarica.
T. tetrandra is very like T. gallica in
general appearance, but, as the name
implies, it is distinguished by having four
instead of five anthers. It is quite hardy,
growing and flowering freely near London.
The flowers are pinkish white. Cau-
casus.
Myricaria germanica is very nearly
allied to Tamarix, and often figures in
nursery catalogues under the latter name.
It differs in having ten stamens to each
flower. The branches are erect, rather
sturdier than in the true Tamarisks, and
the leaves are of a pale glaucous hue, the
flowers white or rosy in June. It is a
native of various parts of Europe and
Asia. W. J. B.
TANACETUM (Tansy).— An elegant
variety of the common Tansy, T. vulgare,
much dwarfer in stature than the type, is
the var. crispum. Its emerald-green
leaves are smaller, and have a crisped
appearance. It is quite hardy, will grow
anywhere, and, if the shoots are thinned
in spring to give them room to suspend
their graceful leaves, the plant looks much
better than if the stems are crowded.
The flowers should be pinched off before
they open.
T. Herderi, a silvery species, is a
characteristic plant for the rock-garden ;
the leaves abundant on thick forked stems,
which rise a few inches from the surface
The bright yellow flowers have a good
effect on the silvery foil. Division.
TAXODIUM (Summer-leafing Cypress).
— T. disticJntm is a beautiful and
stately tree, attaining in its own country,.
Taxodium distichum.
Eastern America, Delaware to Florida, a
maximum height of 1 50 ft. In ourTountry
it is a tree of proved hardiness and excel-
lence, though neglected by planters since
the Californian and other half hardy
832
TAX US.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TAXUS.
conifers became so popular. It is a native
of swampy places in river banks and is best
planted in like situations in our country.
From the roots of old trees in such situa-
tions very curious excrescences arise in
the shape of great growing knobs some-
times 3 or 4 ft. high and a foot through.
A tree of such beauty and distinction
should be grouped and massed in the
many places in England where water
enters into the home landscape, the fresh
green of the summer leaves being a very
welcome gain. There is a pendulous
variety of it, but any other so-called
varieties of it are better not taken any
notice of. In planting this tree care
should be taken to secure healthy young
plants from seed only.
TAXUS (Common Yew}.— This, one of
the most beautiful of evergreen trees, has
been much used in our flower-gardens for
many years, clipped and distorted in what
is called "topiary" work. Evelyn is said
to have introduced the practice with the
Yew, and we should be glad if it had
no earlier authority, but probably it
originated with very old gardens, in
which the Yew tree stood by the door or
gate and had to be clipped if it was not
to overshadow the house or garden. In
such a case clipping was necessary, but
in modern gardens much clipping of a
less profitable kind is often resorted to,
so that the Yew is seldom seen in all its
stately grace. As a hedge its use in
gardens is frequent and often good, but
its misuse is evident in many of the great
gardens of the world, such as Versailles,
where nothing is more ugly than the
Yews cut hard against the sky-line, many
of them distorted, diseased, and ugly from
constant clipping for years. Their effect
at Versailles is bad, either against the
palace, the landscape, or the trees around.
Although intimately connected with the
flower garden, it need hardly be said that
the Yew, being a gross feeder, should be
kept as far as possible from the flowers
of the garden. Indeed, in many cases
hedges are used where walls would be
better, as the walls have not the defect of
robbing the good soil near. It is more
as shelter, and as fine evergreen trees
for groups seen from the flower garden,
that the Yew is precious. As a shelter-
belt there is perhaps no tree known to
us quite so good in all stages of its
life. Unlike many other fine evergreen
trees, it is not at the mercy of heavy
snowfalls and winds, and we have rarely
seen it injured by them. A precious
shelter from the north and east may be
created round the flower garden, or any
choice garden, by its means, if allowed
to grow naturally and planted not too
thick. Delightful [shaded bowers may
be formed under old Yew trees ; and
alcoves and arches for seats under clipped
Yews occasionally. Lines of hedging Yews
should never be formed without good
reason.
The Golden Yews and variegated kinds
will form striking groups of colour ; but
are better held together than dotted about
at regular intervals, which is fatal to all
artistic effect. The Golden Yew, and
every Yew worth having of variegated
sorts, is most striking in colour in bold
picturesque groups. The Irish Yew, a
plant of striking form, has been very
much over-used by those who do not
consider the effect of things on the
landscape. I have seen houses with rows
of Irish Yews on every side, destroying
all possibility of good effect from other
and far more beautiful trees, and all the
variety and life that should be in an
English garden. Variegated and other
interesting forms often come from
seed.
Of the recognised forms sold in
nurseries not one of which is half so
precious as the wild or common Yew,
the following is an abstract of a classi-
fication by Mr. William Paul : —
VARIETIES OF SPREADING HABIT.—
T. baccata, common Yew. T. b. fructu-
luteo (yellow-berried Yew) is one of the
most elegant ; the fruit yellow instead of
red ; growth vigorous. T. b. nigra is a
striking plant of bold upright growth ;
leaves bluish-green. It is effective in the
landscape, forming a somewhat sombre,
but massive tree. T. b. procumbens forms
a spreading bush with bright green leaves,
the plant having a reddish tint.
VARIETIES OF ERECT HABIT. — T. b.
fastigiata (Irish Yew) is a plant of rigid
growth, columnar in form ; leaves dark
green. Seeds of this variety produce for
the most part the common Yew, but some
vary in form and tint. T. b. cheshunt-
ensis is a graceful variety, of pyramidal
growth, the leaves a glossy green. It is
midway between the common and Irish
Yew, but less formal than the latter and
grows twice as fast. T. b. pyramidalis
resembles cheshuntensis in form ; but the
leaves are broader, and the bark of the
young shoots is reddish. T. b. nidpath-
ensis (Nidpath Yew) resembles cheshunt-
ensis, but is of stiffer growth, being
columnar rather than pyramidal, with a
disposition to spread at the top. T. b.
stricta is similar, but has smaller and
paler green leaves, is almost as erect as
TAXUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TAXUS.
833
the Irish Yew, and forms a dense tree.
T. b. nana is a neat dwarf plant of
compact upright growth, with leaves of !
a dark and more glossy green than the
common Yew. It is equally suitable for
a single tree on the lawn, for planting in
masses, or for a dwarf hedge. T. b. erecta
is similar, but of larger growth, with
smaller leaves. T. b. erecta Crowderii
is of compact pyramidal growth, and re- :
variety, the branches shooting horizontally
to some distance from the main stem, and
drooping at their points. The foliage is
ample and of a dull dark green. T. b.
Jacksonii is a distinct weeping variety,
with small light green curled leaves. T.
b. recurvata is a handsome variety, with
leaves of a pale green. The habit is
diffuse and rather drooping, the leaves
curled in the way of Picea nobilis.
The Irish Yew. One of the forms of the common Yew.
sembles erecta, but has smaller branches,
and will probably not grow to so large a
size. It is of more regular growth than
erecta, and may perhaps be considered
an improved variety of it. T. b. ericoides
(empetrifolia) is a neat plant of dwarf
growth, closely set with branches ; the
leaves small and the bark reddish.
VARIETIES OF WEEPING HABIT. —
T. b. Dovastonii is a picturesque weeping
VARIETIES WITH VARIEGATED FOLI-
AGE.— T. b. variegata (Golden Yew) is a
well-known plant of great beauty, suited
for planting in masses, and relieving the
monotony of large surfaces of green.
It is said, on good authority, that the
Golden Yew is a male plant, but there are
two or more varieties of too close an
external resemblance to be distinguished \
moreover, the offspring from seed retain
3 H
834 TCHIHATCHEWIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TECOMA.
the variegation of the parent, though
differing slightly among themselves. T.
b. elegantissima is paler, more erect and
uniform in growth than the last-mentioned.
Both varieties, if grown entirely in the
shade, quickly become green, but regain
their golden appearance on re-exposure
to the sun. T. b. fastigiata variegata
(variegated Irish Yew) is a sport from the
Irish Yew, with occasional silver leaves ;
of slow growth, and hardly striking enough
to become a general favourite. T. b.
fastigiata variegata (Handsworth variety),
one of the best variegated Yews, is most
usefu^ growing freely and standing the
sun well.
TCHIHATCHEWIA.— This beautiful
alpine, T. isatidea, is a native of Asia
Minor, hardy, and not particular as to
soil or situation, but prefers growing
among rocks. From a tuft of spathulate
oblong leaves which is formed in the
Tchihatchewia
first year, appear the flowers in the second
season ; the leaves are dark green, thickly
beset with shining silky hairs, from
amongst which rises the thumb-thick
flower-stalk showing a combined thyrsus
of Syringa-like bright rosy lilac flowers,
which are fragrant like vanilla. The
bunch is over a foot across, and is in
great beauty throughout the month of
May.— M. L.
TECOMA (Trumpet Creeper}.— Hand-
some and distinct climbing shrubs of
much beauty of habit as well as of flower.
They are not so often seen in our country
as abroad, although well fitted for all
the southern and warmer parts, and, in
the case of one species and its varieties,
hardy, flowering well against walls far
north of London. Syn.t Bignonia.
T. RADICANS. — A native of North America,
and an old garden favourite. Its long, wiry
stems send out roots like Ivy, and cling to
walls or any support. There is a variety
named major, with larger flowers of a paler
tint and more robust foliage. A strong plant
will run up a wall 40 ft. high. It is useful also
for covering arbours and pergolas. It is distin-
guished at the first glance from T. grandifiora
by its more slender branches, smaller and hairy
leaf, and its smaller flowers arranged in ter-
minal corymbs. It is also hardier and has
Tecoma radicans.
several varieties : — Flava speciosa, flowers long,
orange-red ; leaves distinct by their small,
much indented folioles, with long narrow
points. This form is dwarfer than the type
and can be easily grown as a shrub. Grandi-
flora atropurpiirea, flowers deep red -purple
and large. A vigorous shrub, requiring much
space to flower well. Princei coccinea is
intermediate between the two species, of which
it is perhaps a hybrid. The flowers are large,
of a fine cochineal-red, and in large panicles.
T. hybrida, this form, a cross between T.
grandiflora and T. radicans, has small, hairy
leaves and handsome orange flowers in panicles.
T. GRANDIFLORA. — This is a Chinese plant,
not so hardy as the American Trumpet Creeper,
but more showy in bloom, the drooping
flowers orange-scarlet, in large clusters. Its
foliage, too, is larger, but the plant to show its
vigour and beauty should be planted in light
soil and against a warm, sunny wall. It has
produced the following varieties : — Aurantia,
which forms a rounded bush if let alone, has
fine foliage of a deep, shining green, with ribs
covered with down. The flowers are orange-
yellow, small for a variety of T. grandiftora,
the lobes narrower and less open than in the
TECOPHYL.EA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
THALICTRUM.
835
type. In Mine. Galen, the handsomest of the
race, the flowers are large, of a fine, deep
salmon-red, orange-red outside. Rubra,
flowers a fine deep red, leaves hairy on the
lower side, a distinct and pretty variety.
San guinea Thunbergi is probably only a
Tecoma errandi flora.
wild form of its parent, from which it is dis-
tinguished by its flowers, which are more
highly coloured, the tubes shorter and lobes
much reflexed. The branches and leaves are
quite smooth. It is a vigorous, free-flowering
shrub.
TECOPHYLJEA.— 71 cyanocrocus is a
beautiful spring-flowering bulbous plant
from Chili, of dwarf growth, and bearing
large open deep blue flowers. The variety
Leichtlini has a white centre and a sweet
perfume. This variety is not thoroughly
hardy, except in very mild localities, but
it succeeds well under frame-culture.
About August, bulbs of flowering size
should be planted 3 in. deep, in rich soil
in a frame. If potted a depth of 2 in. is
sufficient, and plunge the pots. They
should be kept cool, and have as much
air as possible. The lights must be taken
off in February and March, when the
weather becomes warm, and the pots
should remain exposed until the flowers
begin to expand. The plants may then be
transferred to the greenhouse.
Telekia. See BUPTHALMUM.
TELLIMA.— Perennials of the Saxi-
frage order, from N. America, resembling
Heucheras. T. grandiflora has leaves
prettily coloured and veined like Heuchera
Richardsoni, and spikes of small yellowish
bell-like flowers, thriving in any soil.
Division.
TEUCRIUM (Germander).—^ few of
these Labiates are of neat dwarf growth.
T. Chamasdrys (Wall Germander) is 6 to
10 in. high, with shining leaves and
reddish-purple flowers in summer. It is
found throughout Europe on walls and
rocks, and is suitable for borders and
naturalisation on ruins, stony banks, etc.,
in any light soil, whilst as an edging
plant it is useful.
T. Marum (Cat Thyme] has somewhat
the habit of the common Thyme, with
bright red flowers in summer. Being a
Spanish plant, it is likely to prove hardy
only in the southern parts of these islands ;
then only on ruins, old walls, or in dry
chinks in chalk or gravel pits. If planted
out the soil should be brick rubbish,
etc., with sand and a little poor dry loam.
The Cat Thyme should be placed where
cats cannot get to destroy it. Cuttings.
T. Folium (Poly Germander] is a
curious dwarf whitish herb, 3 to 5 in.
high, with small pale yellow flowers
densely covered with short yellow down,
and appearing in summer. It is suited for
sunny spots in the rock-garden, and for
light free soil, but is not hardy except in
the milder southern districts and in
favourable spots in the rock-garden,
where it grows freely. Seed, cuttings,
and division.
T. pyrenaicum (Pyrenean Germander]
is a dwarf hardy perennial, 3 to 7 in.
high, with purplish and white flowers in
dense terminal clusters. The leaves,
branches and stem are thickly covered
with soft clown. It is suitable for the
| rock-garden and for borders.
T. purpureum is a quaint, rigid, ever-
green dwarf bush, 6 to 9 in. high, its
erect twigs, studded with bright rosy
purple flowers, giving a bit of good
colour at a late and desirable season.
Seed, cuttings, or division. T. hyrcani-
cum, T. lusitanicum, T. orientale, and
T. multiflorum are also noteworthy.
THALIA.— 71 dealbata is one of the
most stately of water-side plants, and its
glaucous foliage and elegant panicles of
purple flowers are welcome along the mar-
gins of shallow ponds or streams, as it
is hardy in sheltered positions in this
country. It is best grown in pots
or tubs pierced with holes, in a mixture
of stiff peat and clayey soil, and
river mud and sand. The plant attains
fullest development in warm places in the
southern counties, where alone it may be
planted out. S. Carolina. Division.
THALICTRUM (Meadow Rue}. -
Perennial herbs with elegant foliage, but
not showy flowers. A few of the smaller
species rival in delicacy of form and colour
some of the charming Maiden-hair Ferns,
and may be associated with flowering
plants, or those of fine or charac-
teristic foliage. T. anemonoides (Rue
Anemone) is usually only a few inches
high, its white flowers being nearly I in.
in diameter, and open in April and May.
It is best suited for the rock-garden in
deep moist soil and partial shade. The
3 H 2
836 THERMOPSIS. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
THLASPI.
double variety may be preferred to the
type. N. America. T. minus forms
compact slightly glaucous symmetrical
tufts, 12 to 1 8 in. high. May be grown in
any soil, but the slender flower-stems,
which appear in May and June, should
be pinched off. Not only in aspect does
this bushy little tuft resemble the Maiden-
hair Fern, but its leaves when mingled
with flowers are pretty ; stififer, however,
and more lasting than Fern fronds. T.
minus would look well isolated in large tufts
as an edging, in borders, or in groups of
dwarf subjects. Division. T. adiantifolium
is similar. T. tuberosum is about 9 in. high,
be associated with it and other border
plants of the season. It grows best in
good soil in an open situation, and is a
native of California, also other parts of
Western North America. T. fabacea
occurs farther north, and should be pro-
pagated by seeds. T. barbata is a beau-
tiful Himalayan species with purple
flowers.
THLADIANTHA. — T. dubia is a hand-
some creeping perennial of the Gourd
family, from N. China and India, with
long climbing stems bearing many bright
yellow flowers. In the neighbourhood of
Paris it survives the winter in the open air.
with graceful foliage, andabundance of
yellowish cream-coloured flowers. It.
is hardy in a deep peat soil. S-
Europe. Beside these dwarf kinds
there are about two dozen other
species, ranging from 3 to 6 ft. in
height. There is a great sameness
among them, as all have finely-cut
foliage. A good kind with fern-like
foliage is T. aquilegifolium, which is
about 4 ft. high, and grows vigorously
in any soil. There are two or three
varieties of it, one (atropurpureum)
with dark purplish stems and leaves.
All the Thalictrums do well natural-
ised.
THERMOPSIS.— Perennials, 2 to
3 ft. high, slender in growth, and
with long terminal spikes of at
tractive yellow Lupine-like blos-
soms. T. montana is said to be
a variety of the older T. fabacea or
rhombifolia, but is distinct in aspect, of
graceful growth, and as it flowers at the
Thalictrum aquilegifolium.
THLASPI.— T. latifolium is a dwarf
vigorous perennial from the Caucasus,
6 to 12 in. high, with large root-leaves,
same time as the perennial Lupine, may | and flowers something like those of Arabis
THUNBERGIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
THYMUS.
837
albida, but larger. Suitable for borders,
the spring garden, beds, and naturalising
with the dwarfer flowers of spring and
•early summer in ordinary garden soil.
Division and seed. Syn., Iberidella.
THUNBERGIA.— T. alata is a beauti-
ful half-hardy annual, common in green-
houses, an elegant dwarf climber of the
•easiest culture, and in summer valu-
able for draping dwarf trellises. The
flowers of the type, a native of the East
Indies, are yellowish-buff, but there are
other varieties : alba is pure white ; auran-
tiaca, bright orange ; Fryeri, orange with
a white eye ; Doddsi has variegated
foliage ; and others with yellow and
sulphur flowers. T. alata and its varieties
.grow 4 to 5 ft. high, and from July till
October their slender stems are covered
with bloom. Seeds should be sown in
heat in early spring, and the seedlings
potted separately when large enough. In
May plant them out in good light soil.
THUYA (Arbor-vita}. — Evergreen
•cone-bearing trees, some of much beauty,
but the group is represented in gardens
by numbers of worthless shrubs and mean
trees ; happily, the species are not so
numerous as they seem from the many
names that have been given to their mostly
ugly varieties.
T. DOLOBRATA (Japanese Arbor-vita). — A
distinct and beautiful evergreen tree, perhaps
the most graceful of the group, fine in colour
and very hardy. Happily of this as yet few
varieties have been found, these being worth-
less dwarf and variegated kinds. The tree is
said to attain its finest stature in mountain
woods in Japan, and to grow well under other
trees, and it should be worth trying in like
circumstances in our country. It comes very
freely from layers, in fact, the lower branches
•of the trees root themselves freely, and these
over facile ways of increase make it all the
more necessary that we should get healthy
seedling trees, as suckers are not unlikely to
take bushy rather than tree form. Syn.,
Thuyopsis.
T. GIGANTEA (Giant Arbor-vita}. — A tall
and noble tree, fine in stature and form, hardy
and healthy in our country, thriving in ordinary
soils, and a free and rapid grower, even with-
out the special attention in the way of soils
such conifers often receive. It attains in its
own country a maximum height of 150 ft., and
its wood is fine-grained and very useful.
N. W. America, finest on the Columbia river.
Syn.y T. Lobbi, T. Craigiana, T. menziesii.
T. JAPONICA (Standish's Arbor-vita}. — A
graceful evergreen tree of medium size attaining
a height of over 50 ft., with branches of a
slender pendulous character, of a fresh green
colour, and a native of the mountains, of central
Japan. It was introduced by Fortune, and
sent out by the late John Standish, of Ascot,
but has not yet been much cultivated. The
form usually grown is said not to be the true
wild tree, a reason for getting seed from
Japanese sources. Happily this has not yet,
like the others, sported into a mass of varieties.
Syn. , Thuyopsis Standishi.
T. OCCIDENTALS ( Western Arbor-vita}. — A
rather poor hardy evergreen tree which has
varied much in colour and foliage and form,
ponderous Latin names having been applied to
worthless varieties, over twenty being given in
some catalogues. It is sometimes used to get
shelter fences and hedges rapidly, though by
no means so good for that purpose as our own
native shrubs like the Yew and the Holly, and'
it would be no great loss to omit it from the
garden altogether ; all the more so, perhaps,
as it is one of the cheap evergreens often used
to form the muddle mixture of the common
shrubbery.
T. ORIENTALIS (Chinese Arbor-vita). — A
low tree with little of the beauty of the Pine
or Cypress, and which has, unfortunately,
given rise to a crowd of varieties, variegated,
silvery, golden, and other dense, monstrous
and pendulous shapes, "mystified" by Latin
names. Not only are they poor in themselves,
but they keep the mind away from the central
fact of the beauty, dignity and great value of
the pine race. These varieties have again
synonyms and some of them under the wrong
name of Retinospora get into cultivation.
Thuyopsis. See THUYA.
THYMUS ( Thyme}.— Rock and alpine
creeping plants ' suited for arid parts
of the rock-garden and where many
other plants will not thrive. They spread
quickly into wide dense cushions, and
ought not to be placed near delicate or
minute alpine plants. Nothing can be
more charming than a sunny bank
covered with the common wild Thyme
(T. serpyllum) and the white variety. T.
lanuginosus, though usually considered
a very woolly variety of our common wild
Thyme, is pleasing at all seasons, forming
wide cushions in any soil, provided it be
thoroughly exposed to the sun. Another
desirable plant is the variegated form of
the Lemon-scented Thyme (T. citriodorus
aureus), which is more robust than the
green-leaved kind, and retains its leaves
through the winter. The Golden Thyme
is 9 in. high, dense and compact, and used
for edging. It may be increased by cut-
tings, which strike readily in September,
either in hand-glasses or in cold frames,
and should be planted out in spring.
Those cuttings which are best variegated
should be chosen, as others may revert to
the normal green type. Various other
Thymes are worthy of the dry arid slopes
of a large rock-garden, and of old ruins.
The minute, creeping, and Peppermint-
scented T. corsicus, with flowers so small
838 TIARELLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TIGRIDIA.
as to be almost invisible, should be planted
in every rock-garden, where it will soon
become one of the welcome weeds. Other
kinds in cultivation are T. azoricus, T.
azureus, T. bracteosus, T. Zygis, T. thuri-
ferus, T. Chamaedrys, and T. Mastichina.
TIARELLA (Foam Flower}.— T. cordi-
folia is a hardy plant of rapid increase,
flourishing in almost any soil and posi-
Tiarella cordifolia.
tion, of great beauty, bearing little starry
flowers creamy-white, the buds delicately
tinged with pink, a good mass of them
seen a few yards off having a close like-
ness to a wreath of foam. The young
leaves are tender green, spotted and
veined with deep red, while the older ones
at the base of the plant are of a rich red-
bronze. All the care it needs is division
every two years, the plants being at their
best the second year after division.
TIGRIDIA (Tiger Flower}. — T.
pavonia are bulbous plants with very
showy flowers, not hardy generally.
In some of our most southerly counties
they would be tolerably so in light
soil and a warm position, but it is
safer to treat them as one would the
gandavensis Gladioli and tender bulbs of
a similar nature. The annual lifting,
storing, and spring planting are not great
undertakings, and the bulbs are better for
having the bulblets of the past season's
growth separated. In some warm gardens
the bulbs are left in the ground all the
winter, well protected with ashes, and
the results are satisfactory. Choose the
sunniest spot in the garden where there
will be no cutting winds, as these spoil the
great delicate flowers. Soil that is light
and the subsoil gravelly are the most
favourable conditions for these bulbs. A
sandy loam lightened and enriched by
leaf-mould is the best to ensure a strong
and rapid growth. The bed should have
at least 18 in. of good soil, and when this
is dug up and allowed to settle, plant the
bulbs the second or third week in April
3 in. deep and 6 in. apart, putting a little
sharp sand round each before filling in the
holes. If a dry time sets in when the
foliage is half grown, the bed should be
well watered occasionally. From about
midsummer onwards till September, or
even later, the plants will be in bloom,
and the stronger the plants the more
flowers will the sheaths yield. In October
the foliage generally begins to turn yellow,
a sign that the bulbs are ripening. Lift
by November, bunch them, and hang in an
airy shed till they are dry.
T. PAVONIA VAR. GRANDIFLORA. — Flowers,
larger and brighter in colour than the type as
introduced from native localities and figured
in early botanical books. Under this name I
would include the names speciosa, splendens*
coccinea, and Wheeler i.
T. P. CONCHIFLORA. — Flowers with outer
segments yellow, heavily blotched with red at
the bases, and with inner segments similarly
variegated. The names canariensis or conch i-
flora grandiflora probably represent a form
differing slightly as regards brilliancy of colour,
but it is undoubtedly a seedling form of the
original T. conchiflora.
T. P. ALBA. — Flowers with sepals and petals
of ivory whiteness, heavily blotched at the
bases with carmine-red
T. P. A. IMMACULATA. — This new variety
is a sport from the ordinary white-flowered
form of this beautiful summer-flowering bulb.
Its name inimaculata (without spots) has been
given to it in allusion to the uniform snowy
white colour of the flowers, which are in the
interior entirely devoid of the conspicuous spots
characteristic of the other varieties.
T. P. LILACEA. — Flowers with rosy carmine
sepals and petals, the bases variegated with
white, a cross between T. Pavonia and 7".
Pavonia alba.
T. P. ROSEA. — Flowers with rose-coloured
sepals and petals, the bases variegated with
yellow, a cross between T. Pavonia and
conchiflora.
These comprise the varieties and synonyms
of the true Tigridias, unless the new T.
Pringlei belongs to this section. The Bea-
as the small-flowered Tigridias were
TILIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. TRICUSPIDARIA. 839
once generically named, comprise a few species
which, though interesting botanically, are not
at present of horticultural importance. The
species that are or have been in cultivation are
B. hitea from Peru and Chili, B. violacea, B.
Tigridia pavonia alba immaculata.
Van Houttei, B. atrata, B. curvata, B. bticci-
fe>-a, and B. Patscuaro(!}, all from Mexico.
Of the new species it seems to me that we
may expect most from 7\ Pringlei, which is
said to grow 1 8 ins. high and to have large
scarlet flowers.
TILIA (Lime; Linden}. — Mostly sum-
mer leafing trees and of northern and
temperate regions. The common Lime
is cut into fantastic and often ugly shapes
in French and Austrian and Dutch gar-
dens. It was, no doubt, the readiest tree
to hand in the old times when this fashion
was more common ; but if we sought such
effects now we have many trees that
would be better for this purpose than
the Lime, which, from its vigorous growth,
takes much mutilation to keep it in the
desired shape. By far the best effect of
the tree is when it is allowed to take its
natural shape, and its fragrance is often
welcome on the lawn. The " pleached "
alleys of old English gardens were often
made of this tree, but it is much easier
to get them now from various trees better
in colour and leaf, such as the fine leaved
Acacias or graceful fruit trees like the
Japanese and other crabs, which, while
giving us the shade we seek, also give
beautiful flowers in season. Some of the
species of Limes are very handsome trees,
hardy, fine in form and leaf, and good on
lawn or in grove.
The species are T. heterophylla (N.
America), americana (&Q.},pubescens (do.),
cordata (Europe), dasystyla (Orient),
erichlora, mandshurica (Japan), Miquel-
iana (Japan), mongolica (China), petiolaris
(Hungary), platyphyllos (Europe), Pod-
horsciana (Podolia), rubra (Tauria), semi-
cuneata (Siberia), tomentosa (Europe),
vulgaris (do.). An interesting fact in
connection with the Lime is, that while
the common and well-known Lime of
gardens is not a native of Britain, two
other species less known are natives of
Britain, viz., platyphyllos and cordata.
TRACHELIUM (Blue Throatwort}.—
T. cceruleum is a much-branched peren-
nial, i to 2 ft. high, bearing in summer
broad clusters of small blossoms, blue
in the type and white and lilac in the
varieties. It can be grown only in the
warmest situations in dry borders, rocky
banks, and old ruins or walls. It is an
elegant plant for vases, etc. Mediter-
ranean. Seed or cuttings.
TRADESCANTIA ( Virginian Spider-
ivorf). — Beautiful herbs, some quite
hardy, of which T. mrginica is by far
the best, and with its varieties repre-
sents all the beauty of the family. It
is 12 to 30 in. high, and has showy
purple-blue flowers in summer. There
are several varieties, one with double
violet, and one each with single rose-
coloured, lilac, and white blossoms.
These grow in any soil and are suitable
for the mixed border, margins of shrub-
beries, the rougher parts of extensive
rock-gardens, and for the wild garden.
Division.
Trichonema. See ROMULEA.
TRICUSPIDARIA.— T. hexapetala is
a lovely flowering shrub from Chili,
which has flowered in the gardens at
Castlewellan several years, and appears
to be hardy there. It is planted in a
shady border near a large Yew hedge, in
peat, leaf soil, and loam in equal propor-
tions. It flowers twice a year, in the
spring and in autumn, the colour of the
flowers being a deep rich crimson. Being
near the sea there is very little frost in
ordinary winters, and the plant requires
no protection, but in a less favoured
climate it would be well to pot it and
winter it in a cool greenhouse. Syn.y
Crinodendron Hookerianum.
840
TRICYRTIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TRITEI.EIA.
TRICYRTIS.— T. hirta is an interest-
ing Japanese perennial, about 3 ft. high,
with slender erect stems terminated by a
few curiously-shaped pinkish blossoms,
spotted with purplish-black. It is per-
fectly hardy, but flowers so late that it is
invariably damaged by frosts. The
variety nigra flowers three weeks earlier,
and is therefore better, whilst the flowers
are more attractive. T. pilosa is dwarfer,
but is otherwise a similar plant, though
Tricuspidaria hexapetala. From a photograph sent
by Lord Annesley.
rarer. They all thrive in a moist peat
border, partially shaded, and if somewhat
protected, so much the better.
TRIENTALIS (Star-flower).— T. euro-
pceus is a delicate and graceful plant found
over Europe, Asia, and America, which in-
habits shady, woody, and mossy places.
It has erect slender stems, rarely more
than 6 in. high, bearing from one to four
flower-stems, each supporting a white or
pink-tipped star-shaped flower. Healthy
well-rooted plants are not difficult to
establish among bog-shrubs in some half-
shady part of the rock-garden, or in the
shade of Rhododendrons and American
shrubs, in peat soil. T. europaeus is suit-
able for association with Linnaea, Pyrolas,
and Pinguiculas, among mossy rocks.
Flowers in early summer. Division.
TRIFOLIUM (Trefoil].— Among the
few garden varieties are some dwarf
and desirable creeping alpines, the best
being T. uniflorum, a neat trailing plant
with pink and white flowers, larger than
those of any other Trefoil, borne singly,
and studded profusely over the plant.
It delights in an exposed position on
the rock-garden, with an open space on
which to creep. T. alpinum is a stout
spreading kind, 3 to 6 in. high, bearing
large, but not brilliant flowers in summer,
the upper petal flesh-coloured and streaked
with purple. It is suitable for the rock-
garden and margins of borders. T.
rubens is a stout perennial, about i ft.
high, with large dense heads of carmine
flowers in early summer. It grows almost
anywhere, but prefers dry, calcareous,
marly or gravelly soil, therefore is
specially suited for naturalisation on arid
declivities with a southern aspect. T.
pannonicum, with creamy-white flowers, is
ornamental. Division or seed.
TRILLIUM ( Wood Lily'}.— Perennials
of low growth, which inhabit the
woods of N. America. The finest is
T. grandiflorum (White Wood Lily), one
of the most beautiful hardy plants, 6 to 1 2
in. high, with on each stem a lovely white
three-petalled flower, fairer than the white
Lily, and almost as large. It is a free-
growing plant of goodly size in a shady
peaty border in open air ; but in a sunny
or exposed position its large soft green
leaves do not develop. Depressed shady
nooks in the rock-garden or the hardy
fernery suit it admirably. In the rosy
variety the rosy hue is most pronounced
in the young stage, and the leaf- stalks
and the foliage are of a more bronzy shade
of green than in the type. T. atro-pur-
pureum, T. erythrocarpum, T. sessile, and
T. pendulum are not equal to T. grandi-
florum, but some of them are pretty, whilst
all are interesting.
TRITELEIA (Spring Star-flower}.—
T. uniflora is a delicately-coloured, free-
flowering, hardy, bulbous plant, 4 to 6 in.
high ; the flowers white, with bluish re-
flections, and marked on the outside
through the middle of the divisions with a
violet streak, which is continued down the
tube. They open at sunrise, and are
conspicuously beautiful on bright days,
but close in dull and sunless weather. The
plant comes into flower with or before
Scilla sibirica, and during April remains
in effective bloom. T. uniflora flowers
profusely in pots, and even in an un-
favourable position in clay. There are
several forms, which differ in the shade
of their flowers. Associated with the
best Scillas, Leucojum vernum, Iris
reticulata, dwarf Daffodils, and the like,
T. uniflora is delightful, and is equally
useful for the rock-garden, borders or
TRITONIA.
7 'HE ENGLISH FLO WE X GARDEN.
TRITONIA.
edgings. S. America. T. (Leucocoryne)
alliacea is nearly allied, less pretty, and
thrives under similar circumstances. For
other species see BRODI/EA.
Tritoma. See KNIPHOFIA.
TRITONIA. — Graceful and rather
brilliantly coloured plants from the Cape,
but different from most S. African plants
in their hardiness and vitality, sometimes
in the poorest conditions of soil and ex-
posure, growing indeed like weeds, and
so close that I have used them between
shrubs to keep the ground clean and free
from weeds ; and well they do it, giving
very graceful bloom in masses towards
the summer and autumn. In rich light
loamy soils they give but little trouble ;
in some clay soils where the drainage is
less under control they are apt to fail, but
we have seen them thrive admirably in
year, while the batch that had flowered
and remained in the ground the winter
previous would be the one to be lifted
this coming autumn. In this way little
loss would be sustained in a single year
by deterioration, and the conns if harvested
at the right time and well kept, /'.£., cool
and dry, will more than repay the labour
and trouble this lifting in alternate years
involves. Even in those gardens where,
so far as the soil and other local con-
ditions are concerned, there is no real
need to lift the roots, the above plan
should be of value for the longer time of
blooming it gives.
By reason of the somewThat numerous
hybrids, chiefly of T. Pottsi, the numbers of
beautiful things in this group are greatly
increased, a few of the most worthy being
Etoile de Feu, rich orange and yellow ;
Trillium grandiflorum (White Wood Lily).
poor clayey soil, not wet. In badly drained
soils it is best perhaps to raise the bed
by an addition of soil of a lighter nature
than to undertake its improvement at the
original level. All danger can be avoided
by lifting, though some incline to the
belief that the lifting is injurious. The
success \vhich has attended the planting
of dry stock of these things during the
early spring months — frequently as late
as April — is the best proof that the harm
resulting from drying such things is of
very small moment. Where both systems
can be pursued in any one garden it may
safely be predicted that a long succession
of bloom will be the result. The spring-
planted stock of this year may remain
through the coming winter in the soil to
give an earlier bloom in the following
j Gerbe d'Or, golden ; Soleil Couchant, a
very free variety, golden yellow ; Trans-
cendant, orange-vermilion shade, one of
the most showy ; Aurore, orange-yellow,
very large and effective ; and Phare, red-
dish crimson. These, together with crocos-
iniceflora,Pottsi2cs\& its vanety grandtflora,
make up a very beautiful set of equal
hardiness and usefulness in the open
garden. Syn., Montbretia.
CULTURE IN THE WEST COUNTRY. —
We have seen the Tritonias (of the
Montbretia section) thrive for years and
bloom every year freely on poor clay ; the
better soils and more copious rainfall of
the western side of the country make a
difference, and this about their culture in
, a Cheshire garden may be useful to those
who work under like conditions. "To
842 TRITONIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TROLLIUS.
make them do well, the chief point is to
keep them thin, and so they must be
divided every year. This may be done at
any time in autumn before the ground is
frozen up. My practice at Edge after
digging them up — suppose there are twelve
stalks, that is, twelve bulbs in each clump,
with three or four young points to each
bulb — is to have fifty or one hundred pots
ready and to put three bulbs into each
pot, filling up with any waste soil, drainage
being superfluous. The less they grow
before March the better. They must not
be cut down till spring. When all the
pots are full they are placed together in
some sheltered waste spot out of doors
and well watered — for if kept dry they die
—then they are covered with a foot or
two, according to weather, of dry leaves
or other litter, enough to ensure their
safety from frosts. By the end of March
they are safe, and may then be planted
out anywhere, letting the bulbs be at least
6 in. deep, either amongst herbaceous
plants, which they like, or amongst low
shrubs. I have some in beds of dwarf
Roses, where they do and look very well.
As they increase at least four-fold every
year, the gardener must harden his heart
and not be tempted to let them grow more
densely, but, as he will find that most of
his friends have as many as they want,
throw the surplus on to the rubbish heap.
I find one morning in each year enough
to dig all up and fill a hundred pots, for
the work may be done in the roughest
and most hasty way without detriment to
the welfare of the bulbs. Indeed, I have
sometimes buried the clumps in a soil
heap for winter, littering them over as
described, and planting the bulbs out by
threes in spring. The main objects are
not to let them get frozen, and not to let
them get dry or grow during winter. I
generally also replant three bulbs where
I dig up each clump. If the winter is
mild, these survive and the pots are not
wanted ; if they are killed, the pots take
their place. They flower better if a spade-
ful of rich stuff is put in where each pot
is planted. I recommend especially
Etoile de Feu, scarlet, A i both in colour
and habit ; Aurore, bright orange and
very robust, growing more than a yard
high ; Drap d'Or, bright yellow ; Solfatare,
pale yellow ; Feu d> Artifice and Bouquet
Parfait, mixed orange and yellow ; Pottsi
grandiflora, scarlet outside, yellow inside,
distinct and free flowering, with orna-
mental seed-heads."— C. WOLLEY-DOD,
Edge Hall.
T. aurea. -- This beautiful South
African bulb often seen in a greenhouse
is a useful plant for the open air. It
grows about 2 ft. high, and has branched
spikes of rich yellow flowers 2 in. across.
Two fine forms of it are — maculata, with
flowers deep orange colour stained with
brown, 3 in. across, borne on spikes 4 ft.
in height ; and imperialis, equally tall, with
large flowers, narrower in the petal and of
a brighter orange shade. In the garden
T. aurea succeeds in any soil except clay*
but prefers moist peaty beds associating
well with and under conditions favourable
to choice peat-loving shrubs. In the
warmer parts of England and Ireland it
may be left in the border all winter pro-
tected with a layer of leaves or under the
shelter of a south wall. It spreads
rapidly, becoming almost a weed in warm
peaty borders. Though tolerably hardy,
the lateness of flowering is an objection
to leaving the bulbs out all the winter,
and besides this, they are liable to be
killed in severe winters unless well pro-
tected. It is better, therefore, to lift
them about the middle of November.
Anything like drying off or storing the
roots in a dry place is fatal ; they should
not be uncovered for a single day.
TEOLLIUS (Globe- flower). — Hand-
some stout perennial herbs of erect
habit, never requiring support. They
may be grown in beds or borders, or
naturalised by ponds, streams, or in
any wet place, as they flourish well
among the natural vegetation and give
delightful effects. They are of a dense
habit of growth, and both foliage and
flowers rise from an underground crown.
The roots are numerous and deep-search-
ing, especially in a border where drainage
removes the water-level to a considerable
depth. The flowers vary from a pale
yellow to a deep gold, almost bordering
on vermilion. The Globe-flowers bloom
in spring or in summer, and are at their
best in April, May, and June. Occasion-
ally old-established plants develop a few
flowers in September and October ; but
these flowers depend alike on the season
and the strength of the plant itself.
Division in September or March ; but
if divided in March, a few bright dry
days will injure the foliage, and the
blossoms are certain to be puny and
short-lived. Another way to propagate
is by seeds, but Globe-flowers rarely
vegetate in the year they are sown, coming
up vigorously in the following spring, and,
if carefully attended to, making fine
flowering plants the second season ; not,
however, attaining their full development
until the fourth year or even later. They
grow freely in any soil, and thrive in a
TROP^OLUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TROP^EOLUM.
843
good stiff loam overlying a cool moist sub-
soil, but, if in a dry situation, should have
plenty of manure partly to retain moisture.
T. acaulis.— A native of the higher
Himalayan Mountains, and one of the most
charming dwarf bog-plants, rarely exceed-
ing 4 to 6 in. in height, its bright yellow
flowers suffused with purple-brown on the
outside. It is hardy, has been many years
in cultivation, and will be found most use-
ful for the low or moist spots in the rock-
garden, growing best in a fine peaty soil.
T. asiaticus (Orange Globe-flower),
which also includes chinensis, Fortunei,
and other forms has rich orange-yellow
flowers and bright orange red anthers, is
hardy even in the most exposed positions,
and differs from the European Globe-
flowers chiefly in its less globular flowers,
small finely-divided foliage and taller
growth. China and Japan.
T. europasus (Mountain Globe-flower]
grows about 1 5 in. high, has lemon-yellow
flowers and is ar» extremely variable plant,
so widely spread that almost every locality
has its particular form. Raised from seed
it also gives much variety, in habit, flowers,
and foliage. T. europaeus has various names
in gardens, such, for instance, as pumilus,
giganteus, dauricus, pallidus, americanus,
albus, aurantiacus, and napellifolius. A
few of these are distinct varieties, dauricus
being noted for its large bloom and large
much-divided leaves on long olive-green
foot-stalks.
TROP-330LUM (Nasturtium}.— These
are almost confined to the mountainous
region from New Granada to Chili, sel-
dom descending into the tropics, and,
therefore, do not require great heat.
This indeed is rather unfavourable to
them, but, on the other hand, the
first frost cuts most of them down to
the ground. They love a half-shaded
situation, and succeed in the open air
in the summer. There are annual and
perennial species, and the perennials may
be divided into two groups, one with
fibrous roots, and the other with tuberous
roots. The rapid growth of the annuals T.
majus and T. .minus is proverbial, and
their hardiness in a temperature above
freezing-point, as well as their indiffer-
ence to soil, should recommend them
where anything unsightly is to be hidden.
The following are the most fitted for the
open air : —
T. aduncum (Canary Creeper}. — Un-
doubtedly the favourite among Tro-
paeolums, and almost unrivalled for
elegance among yellow flowers. Its
precise home is uncertain, as it occurs
all over the west of S. America, from
Mexico to Chili ; but it has doubt-
less spread from the Andes. It thrives
in sun or shade, but is best in a position
with a north aspect, festooning trellises,
arbours, shrubs, etc. It rarely fails to
produce a profusion of pretty yellow
blossoms even in town gardens. Seeds
should be sown in April in the open
ground in sandy loam. Syns., T. pere-
grinum and T. canariense.
T. Lobbianum.— This beautiful annual
is of vigorous climbing growth, and easily
known from the old T. majus by its more
or less hairy foliage. The varieties of it
differ chiefly in the colour of the blossoms
which are mostly yellow, scarlet, and
crimson. The plant will clothe unsightly
spots, or provide temporary shelter during
summer. Seeds should be sown about
the middle of April. All the after-culture
needed is guiding the leading shoots in
the direction in which they are to grow.
T. Lobbianum has a pleasing effect when
sown here and there amongst shrubs in
the back of a border. As the plants grow,
they attach themselves to the bushes, and
climbing over or through them, throw out
wreaths of lovely blossoms which retain
their beauty until cut down by frost.
Temporary floral fences may also be made
with this plant, all that is required being
a row of Pea stakes for the shoots. It
will also assume a pyramidal form by being
allowed to overrun the dead tops of young
Fir trees. In short, there is no end to the
uses to which it may be put.
T. majus (Large Indian Cress or Nas-
turtium} differs from T. minus in being
larger, and from T. Lobbianum in the
absence of hairiness. There are many
beautiful varieties of it, mostly hybrids.
The climbing sorts are useful for the
same purposes as T. Lobbianum, and
require the same treatment, the most
important varieties of T. majus being the
dwarf or Tom Thumb strain, which in-
cludes many sorts. Few annuals come
into flower more quickly than these dwarf
Nasturtiums, and few bloom longer or
more constantly. In poor soil the com-
pactum forms bloom best. Their rich,
bold colours are superb in masses, and
they are never without flowers from
first to last. Seeds or cuttings put in
about the middle of September. A few
dozen plants in store pots will yield a
large number of cuttings in spring, these
making the best plants for summer. The
other Tom Thumb kinds may be sown in
the open ground in spring, but the com-
pactum race grows so freely, if raised in
this manner, that it is best to sow under
glass and then plant out. If sown under
TROP.^OLUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TROP/EOLUM.
glass the plants bloom earlier, and are
more compact. All who love rich masses
of colour will find these dwarf Nastur-
tiums worth cultivating. The varieties
are so numerous and beautiful, that it is
difficult to make a selection ; and the
catalogues of the seedsman abound with
names of favourite sorts.
T. pentaphyllum. — A rapid growing
climber, 6 to 10 ft. high, with yellowish-
red flowers. It will cover pillars, walls,
chains, bowers, and revels in sunshine,
succeeding well on the south wall of a
greenhouse or in any warm aspect. It
does best in light and warm loams or
calcareous soils. Division or seed. Chili.
T. polyphyllum. — This is one of the most
valuable hardy plants ever introduced.
While its foliage may form a dense
carpet on a bank, its wreaths of flowers
usually throw themselves into irregular
windings and groupings. It is very
distinct whether in or out of flower. Its
Tropaeolum polyphyllum.
leaves are glaucous, almost Rue-like in
tone, and cut into fine divisions or leaflets.
In a warm rock-garden the stems creep
about, snake-like, through the neighbour-
ing vegetation, sometimes extending to a
length of 3 or 4 ft. The flowers are deep
yellow, and as profuse as the leaves. The
plant is tuberous-rooted, and quite hardy
in dry situations in the rock-garden, also
on sunny banks, but should not often be
disturbed. It springs up early, and dies
down at the end of summer. Chilian
Cordilleras.
T. speciosum (Flame Nasturtium}. —
A splendid creeper, with long and elegant
annual shoots, gracefully clothed with
leaves from the axils of which spring such
brilliant vermilion flowers, that a long
shoot is startlingly effective, especially if
seen wandering among Ivy leaves or in
verdure of any kind. It has been long
introduced from S. America, but, notwith-
standing its graceful beauty and hardiness,
is little known, especially in the south of
England. It is impossible to find any-
thing more worthy of a position where
its shoots may fall over or climb up the
face of some high rock or bank in
the rock-garden ; while it is suited for an
open spot in the hardy fernery, or for any
other position where its peculiar beauty
may be well seen. It is very beautiful
when clambering through evergreen
shrubs, and enjoys a deep, rich, and
rather moist soil, in cool places, or near
the sea. No pains should be spared to
establish it in a vigorous condition.
A correspondent writes to The Garden :
This beautiful climber evidently dislikes
hot sun and a dry atmosphere, and the
great portion of the failures in growing it
are due to a want of a cool and compara-
tively moist atmosphere. Several years
ago a friend who knew nothing of the
nature of this plant received some roots
from the fine old specimens that grow on
Lismore Castle. By my advice some of
the roots were planted against a west
wall, in front of which grow some good-
sized Nut-bushes and a few tolerably large
Apple trees, so that in the hot summer
weather the sun could only reach the
plants for a couple of hours daily. The
remaining roots were planted against a
north wall, where scarcely any sun came,
and at the west end of the dwelling-house,
where the full force of the afternoon sun
was felt. In all these cases the soil was
alike. The plants behind the Nut-bushes
and Apple trees grew remarkably well
and bloomed as freely as could be ex-
pected in the first year of planting. On
the north wall the growth was good, but
the flowers were not so numerous ; but in
the sunny position, although the roots
made a growth of a foot or so, this
growth gradually withered away as soon
as the power of the sun made itself felt.
There could be no better proof that the
successful growth of the Flame-flower is
simply a matter of position, and that, even
in the southern counties, there are probably
few gardens where the requirements of the
plant may not be met.
When a position is selected, the soil
should be made light, deep, and free by
leaf-mould, peat, fibry loam, and sand, ac-
TROP^OLUM.
7W.fi: ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TSUGA.
845
cording to the nature of the ground.
Mulch in summer with an inch or two
of leaf-mould or manure to prevent exces-
sive evaporation ; and whatever manure
is used, it must be well decayed. The
young plants should be planted in spring,
the roots being inserted 6 or 8 in. in the
Tropaeolum speciosum in Scotland.
soil and well watered. The Flame Nas-
turtium is best where the shoots may
ramble among the spray of shrubs, Ferns,
or trailers, but as it must be placed on a
cleared spot, it is well to put a few
branchlets over the roots for the young
shoots to crawl over. It is much better
to let them have their own wild way
than to resort to any staking or support,
except that of other subjects growing near.
Division or seed. Seeds should be sown
as soon as ripe, in a pan or box, in light
loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Place in a
pit or a frame, and keep the soil moist,
but not wet, until the plants make their
appearance in spring. The careful divi-
sion of the old roots is, however, much
the best way to propagate.
T. tuberosum.— A distinct and beauti-
ful tuberous-rooted climber from Perur
with slender stems 2 to 4 ft. high, and in
summer a profusion of showy scarlet and
yellow flowers on slender stalks. It
should be grown in open spots in the
poorest of soils, with its branches sup-
ported or allowed to trail along the
ground. As it is not hardy in all soils,
lift the tubers in autumn, store in a dry
place, and plant out in spring.
TSUGA (Hemlock Spruce}.— A dis-
tinct and graceful group of evergreen
cone-bearing trees, remarkable for their
fine form of leaf and graceful toss of
branchlet, and also in their own country
at least for picturesque and often stately
form.
The one best known in Britain, so far,,
is the Canadian Hemlock Spruce, a tree
of proved hardiness in our country,
but rarely showing the dignity of form it
does in its own, probably from the use of
cutting plants. No tree of the pine race
should be planted in any form but that of
healthy seedlings. The splendid forms
of these trees so promising for our
Hemlock Spruce.
country, coming as they do from moist
cool regions, will be best secured by
taking any necessary care to securing
healthy seedling trees, never large ones.
The Japanese and Indian species of
this family, T. Sieboldi, Brunoniana, and
diversifolia are not proved to be of such
TULIPA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TULIPA.
distinct value as the American kinds.
., Abies.
T. CANADENSIS (Hemlock Spruce}. — A
forest tree sometimes over 100 ft. high with a
diameter of 4 ft. in the trunk, inhabiting very
cold northern regions from Nova Scotia to
Minnesota and southwards along the moun-
tains. This tree has been much planted in
England, but it has not so far seemed to attain
the stature and form that it shows in Canada.
The varieties of this, which are rather
numerous, are of slight value. In my own
planting of the Hemlock Spruce near water,
while the growth is free, constant and un-
harmed by any winter, I am vexed to see
every tree breaking from the bottom into half
a dozen or more stems, splitting up the energies
of the tree. I saw a very pretty hedge of the
Hemlock near Philadelphia : it would prove,
I think, a good evergreen hedge plant where
the horribly dangerous poison of our own yew
makes it impossible to use it as a hedge in any
place to which horses or cattle have access.
T. CAROLINIANA (Caroline Hemlock}. — A
forest tree attaining a height of 70 to 80 ft. ,
4 ft. in diameter, and a very graceful and
beautiful tree in a mature state. As yet a
tree little planted in our country, but very
promising at least for the southern parts of
England and Ireland. Alleghany Mountains,
ascending to over 4,000 ft. in North Carolina.
Syn. , Abies Caroliniana.
T. MERTENSIANA ( Western Hemlock Spruce].
— A noble tree of fine and picturesque habit,
allied to the Eastern Hemlock but a larger
tree — sometimes 200 ft. high, with a trunk
diameter of 10 to 12 ft. A native of Puget
Sound, British Columbia to Alaska, and the
coast region of Northern California, and
coming from such fog-moistened region we
look for a tree hardy enough for our island
climate, and in this noble Hemlock we have it.
The foliage, as graceful as a fern, is of a deep,
lustrous green, and silvery white beneath. It
is a hardy tree in this country, but it is best to
plant it in the sheltered places in deep moist
soil. Syns. , Abies mertensiana, and Albertiana.
T. PATTONIANA (Alpine Hemlock). — A
beautiful and stately tree 100 to 150 ft. high,
and from 6 to 10 ft. in diameter of trunk, with
dark green foliage on slender branches that
sway in the slightest wind. Alpine and sub-
alpine forests in the Sierras of Northern
California, the Cascades and Northern Rocky
Mountains, often at great elevations. Hardy
and at home in Britain. T. Hookeriana is a
northern variety, smaller and sharply pyramidal
in form.
T. TSUGA (Japanese Hemlock Spruce]. —
This tree, known also as T. Sieboldi, is as
graceful in growth as the Canadian Hemlock
Spruce and is quite as hardy. It takes more
of the character of a large and dense spreading
bush than of a tree, and is useful for grouping
with other conifers.
TULIPA ( Tulip).— Among the most
beautiful of hardy bulbous flowers, the
finest self Tulips being unsurpassed for
; brilliant effect in the garden. The main
j point is to obtain and plant the best kinds
in quantity, for exquisite as a single
flower of the striped or flaked Tulip may
be, it is only the self-coloured species
and varieties that give the best display.
Tulips have been so long grown and
are so variable in character that con-
siderable confusion exists among them.
The popular garden forms may, broadly
speaking, be separated into two classes,
early and late flowering". T. suaveolens
from Southern Russia is now regarded
as the type of the numerous early-
flowering varieties, of which Due v;in
Thol is a familiar example ; but these,
though commonly planted, are of less
value for the garden than the finer later
| forms which open in May. These have
| all come from T. Gesneriana, and whilst
possessing infinite variety of colour, all
I have the same fine form and stately
I character of the parent. These late
! Tulips coming in succession to the Daffo-
dils are precious garden flowers of easy
j culture, but not grown to anything like
the extent that they should be. For
about three centuries they have been
grown by the florists, who have raised
numerous varieties, which form an enor-
mous class divided into four sections —
j viz. breeders or self-flowers, bizarres,
bybloemens, and roses. When a seed-
ling flowers for the first time, it is
usually a self, and in a few years (but
occasionally not until thirty years) it
will break into the flamed or feathered
state. A feathered Tulip has the colour
finely pencilled ronnd the margin of the
petals, the base of the flower being pure,
and in a flamed flower stripes of colour
descend from the top of the petals to-
wards the base. In the bizarres the
colours are red, brownish-red, chestnut,
and maroon, the base being clear yellow ;
in the bybloemens the colours are black
and various shades of purple, the base
being white ; and in the roses, rose of
various shades and also deep red or
scarlet, the base being white again.
We want however more Tulips of the
same character as the florists' forms in self-
colours. At present White Swan, Bouton
d'Or, rich yellow, Golden Beauty, self
yellow, and Golden Eagle, yellow, edged
with red, are good kinds ; but little atten-
tion appears to have been given to the
production of large, late, self-coloured
Tulips. The Parrot Tulips, with curiously
cut petals, are self-coloured and valuable in
the garden, as they make a bright display.
Tulips are easily grown, the rich soil of
! old gardens suiting them best. They
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TULIPA.
847
may be planted from October to the
middle of November, and the old Tulip
growers used to put a little sand at the
base of each bulb, but this is not essen-
tial. It is well to lift the bulbs every two
or three years, or they become too
crowded and give small flowers. When
the old flower stems are turning yellow,
the bulbs may be taken up, dried, and
stored till planting time or replanted at
once if convenient, as nothing is gained
by keeping them out of the ground a long
gated form, Aubretias, Hepaticas, Prim-
roses, Cowslips, Silene pendula, Pansies
and Violets, Saxifrages, Iberis corifolia,
Ajuga reptans rubra, and many others
make excellent carpets.
Among the wild Tulips there are beau-
tiful kinds distinct from the garden
varieties ; the larger kinds, noble flowers
for free planting, and the smaller sorts
gems of bright beauty for nooks in the
rock-garden or in beds and borders of
choice bulbs.
Old garden Tulips.
time. They can be increased by means
of their little offsets. Some species rarely
or never increase in this way, and re-
course must be had to sowing seed, which
if sown when ripe germinates the follow-
ing spring, but the bulbs do not attain
their full size for six or seven years. Beds
of Tulips may be carpeted with small
tufted or creeping plants, and there are
many hardy flowering and pretty leaved
plants suited for the purpose. The White
Rock Cress (Arabis albida) and its varie-
T. ACUxMlNATA is curious, but its petals
too long and thin to create a display.
T. ALBERTI, from Turkestan, is rather
i low-growing, with undulated leaves of a
glaucous green colour trailing on the
ground ; the flowers red, somewhat re-
sembling those of T. Greigi in shape, but
the petals are marked at the base with a
blotch of yellow margined with black.
T. AUSTRALIS is variable in colour, but
always pleasing, allied to T. sylvestris,
not, however, so robust in habit, whilst the
848
TULIPA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TULII'.A.
flower is more funnel-shaped, flushed on
the outer side with red. Syn., T. Celsiana.
T. BATALINI is a small-growing species,
seldom exceeding 4 in. in height, with
leaves trailing on the ground, and rather
large flowers (nearly 3 in. in length) of a
pale yellow colour.
T. Bi FLORA, from the Caucasus, a
species known very long ago, is not very
striking with its small pale yellow flowers,
which, however, are borne in a cluster of
three or four at the top of the flower-stem
instead of being solitary, as is the case
with the flowers of every other species of
Tulip.
T. CLUSIANA, the dainty Lady Tulip,
came from the Mediterranean region as
long ago as 1636, has small flowers, and
the whole plant is not more than i ft. or
so in height. The flowers are white, with
a flush of rose on the outer surface, and
purplish-black at the base. T. stellata is
a near ally. It requires a deep vegetable
soil and warm sheltered position.
T. DlDlERI, a May flowering kind from
the Alps, grows tall, and has large bright
red flowers with black blotches inside at
the base. A variety of T. Didieri named
Billetiana, equally handsome, has yellow
flowers.
T. EICHLERI, a native of Georgia, is
another superb and robust-growing species
with large leaves and broad flowers of an
intense scarlet-red colour, the petals
roundish in shape, having at the base
a black blotch margined with yellow.
T. ELEGANS, a graceful bright-coloured
kind, opens late in April, the flowers
bright red with yellow eye, the petals
long, tapering to a point slightly re-
flexed.
T. FLAVA, a bright pleasing yellow, has
a distinct bar of green down the centre of
the petals, which also detracts from its
beauty, but has one redeeming point — viz.,
its flowers continue quite a fortnight after
those of all other Tulips are past.
T. FRAGRANS is a doubtful species, and
given in some books as a synonym of T.
sylvestris, our wild Tulip, from which it
differs in its very sweet fragrance. In
habit and size of flowers it is the same,
the latter yellow, and very pretty. The
warmest spots must be selected for this
kind, which sometimes fails during the
winter unless under especially favourable
conditions.
T. FULGENS, a form of T. Gesneriana,
has that graceful aspect characteristic of
the race, the flowers rich crimson, borne
on tall stems.
T. GESNERIANA. — This the noblest and
handsomest of all Tulips, the parent of
the large late-flowering race, should be
grown in every garden, and being obtain-
able in quantity, planted in bold groups or
broad masses.
In Sussex I saw one or two very fine
pictures made by planting the large crim-
son Tulipa Gesneriana in quantity. In
one case a large oval Erica bed had been
thickly planted with some few hundreds
of this kind, and formed a solid shield-
like mass of colour, more brilliant than a
soldier's coat, and very picturesque it was
as seen through the soft gray trunks of
Scotch Fir trees.
In another instance the bulbs had been
planted in a solid, but not quite regular
line, on a dry, rich and warm hedge-I)ank
of turfy loam, and just through and above
the great crimson blooms the common
Quince had thrust its soft leafy branches,
thickly set with small white or delicate
rose-flushed flowers.
It has an immense bright red flower
borne on a tall stem, sweetly scented, with
a black zone inside at the base ; cut and
taken whilst in the house, the flowers last
admirably, and by artificial light at night,
they open as widely as in the sun by day.
The finest form is that called spathu-
lata. Eastern Europe and Asia. The so-
called " Darwin " Tulips are self-coloured
forms of this species, and very handsome
they are.— F. W. B.
T. GREIGI, which was introduced about
the year 1871, has not yet received all the
attention it deserves. It is low-growing,
the flower-stem seldom exceeding 8 in. in
height, the leaves marked with purplish
blotches, and the large-sized flowers (from
over 3 to nearly 4 in. in length), of
a dazzling vermilion-red colour faintly
marked at the base with a dark spot.
It is hardy, comes into flower about
the middle of April, and few things can
equal the brilliant display produced by a
bed of Tulipa Greigi in full bloom.
T. KAUFMANNIANA, from Turkestan, is
undoubtedly one of the finest known. It
grows from 8 to 12 in. high, has broad,
flat leaves, flowers very large (nearly 4 in.
in length), generally white, or pale creamy-
yellow tinged with pink on the outside,
the petals marked with a broad orange
blotch. This fine species is hardy, and
comes into flower in April.
T. KOLPAKOWSKYANA, also from Tur-
kestan, is a brilliant species, not exceed-
ing i ft. in height ; the flowers, which
are large (3 in. or more in length), are of
a lively red colour, sometimes yellow
with very small blotches or spots at the
base.
T. LANATA, a low-growing species with
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
TUSSILAGO.
red flowers, is remarkable for the little
woolly point which forms the apex of each
of the petals.
T. LEICHTLINI, from Cashmere, grows
i \ ft. high with a flower always erect, the
three outer petals bright purple, with a
broad white margin, the inner ones |
yellowish-w^hite, much shorter than the !
outer, and obtuse at the apex.
T. LINIFOLIA has glaucous leaves
deeply undulated and flowers of a dazzling
red colour, with small black spots at the i
base. T. Dammanniana, a native of
Syria, much resembles, but is somewhat i
more sensitive to cold than T. linifolia.
T. MACROSPEILA, closely allied to
Gesneriana, flowers late in May, has large
bright crimson flowers, with a distinct i
black yellow-bordered blotch at the base
of each petal, and stamens also black
about one third the length of the flower.
T. MACULATA is a well-marked form
with a hairy stem and bright red flowers,
having a black blotch at the base, flower-
ing towards the latter end of May.
T. MONTANA, distributed over a con-
siderable area in Armenia, Persia, and
Afghanistan, is a small-sized species
seldom exceeding 6 in. in height, with
flowers resembling those of T. Oculus-
solis of the south of France, usually red, |
but sometimes yellow.
T. OCULUS-SOLIS is very distinct, its
flowers brilliant scarlet, with an eye-like
blotch at the base of each petal, of a
shining black colour, bordered with yellow.
T. prascox is apparently an early form of \
this, but more robust in growth.
T. ORPHANIDEA, from Greece, a fine
species, is closely allied to T. sylvestris,
and has large yellow flowers, tinged with !
red on the outside.
T. OSTROWSKYANA, one of the newer j
species from Turkestan, is allied to T.
Oculus-solis, and has bright red flowers
with black blotches at the base.
T. PULCHELLA, from the alpine regions
of the Taurus range, has flowers of a
purplish-red colour, with black and yellow
markings.
T. RETROFLEXA, probably a hybrid
between acuminata and Gesneriana, is a
truly beautiful kind, growing 2 ft. in height ;
with recurved flowers of a pure soft yellow,
striking, distinct, and one of the easiest to
grow.
T. SAXATILIS, a native of Crete, is a fine
species, growing from 12 to 16 in. high,
with flowers a peculiar mauve tint, passing
to yellow at the base.
T. SYLVESTRIS, a British species every-
body ought to grow, is pale yellow, with
casual edgings of red, and frequently the
scapes carry two flowers, but the most
valuable property of all is its aromatic
perfume.
T. UNDULATI FOLIA, a native of Asia
Minor, does not exceed 10 in. in height,
has glaucous leaves deeply undulated at
the margin, and flowers of a brilliant
crimson-red, with black blotches margined
with yellow at the base. It flowers in
May and is closely allied to T. ciliatula.
T. VIOLACEA, a recent introduction, is
also one of the first kinds to flower, and
is of a deep self-red colour and welcome
for its earliness.
T. VITELLINA has large finely-shaped
flowers of a lovely delicate yellow tint,
and open with the earliest of the Gesneri-
ana section. It is a splendid Tulip, its
dwarf sturdy habit fitting it to withstand
heavy rains and winds.
Tulipa Species : — Alberti, Turkestan ; altaica,
Siberian Alps ; aristata, China ; anstralis, Portugal,
France ; Becca.ria.na, Italy ; Bekmiana, Turkestan ;
Biebersteiniana, Caucasus ; b iflora, do; bithynica, Asia
Minor; ba?otica, Greece; Borozczowi, Turkestan \brachy-
stetnon, do. ; ca.mpsoj>etala, (?) ; ca.uca.sica, Caucasus ;
chrysantha, Persia, India ; clusiana, Europe ; con-
iiivens, Italy ; cretica, Crete ; crispat'cla., Persia ;
cuspidata, Algeria, Persia ; dasystemon, Turkestan ;
Dideiri, Europe ; ednlis, China, Japan ; Eichleri,
Turkestan ; elegans (?) ; erytlironioides, China ; etrusca,
Italy ; foliosa, Armenia ; fragrans, Algeria ; fulgens
(?)\gallica, Yra.nce.',g'esneriana',^i. Europe, East \greigi\
Turkestan ; Hageri, Greece ; heterophylla, Alps ,
huinilis, Persia ; hunga-rica, Hungary ; iliensis,
Turkestan ; Kaufmanniana do. ; Kesselringi, do. ;
Kolpakoivskiana, do. ; Korolkoivi, do. ; Kranseana,
do. ; lanata, Bokhara ; linifolia, do. ; Loivnei, Syria ;
lurida, Europe ; tnaculata (?) ; ntaleolens, Italy ;
Martelliana, Europe ; Montana, East ; ocnlus-solis,
S. Europe, East ; orientalis, S. Europe, Caucasus ;
Orphanidea, Greece ; Ostrowskiana, Turkestan ; oxy-
petala, Tauria ; Passeriniana. Europe ; patens,
Siberia ; platystigma, France ; polychroma, Persia ;
praecox, S. Europe, Syria ; primnlina, Algeria ; pubes-
cens(T) ; pulchella, Cilicia ; Regeli (?) ; retroflexa, (?) ;
saxatalis, Crete ; scabriscapa, Italy ; serotina, Italy ;
sogdiana, Turkestan ; sommierii, Europe ; stellaia,
Persia ; strangulata, Etruria ; suaveolens, S. Russia ;
systola, Persia; tetraphylla. Turkestan; thianschanica,
Cent. Asia ; triphylla, Turkestan ; tnrkettanica, do. ;
iindnlatifolia, Asia Minor ; nni/lora, Siberia ; violacea,
Persia.
TUNICA.— T. Saxifraga is a small
plant with a profusion of wiry stems
that bear numerous elegant little rosy
flowers. It forms tufts a few inches
high, does best on poor soils, but thrives
without particular care anywhere. It is
a native of arid stony places on the
Pyrenees and the Alps ; but it often
descends into the lowlands, where it is
found on the tops of walls. There can
be no doubt that it will grow in such
positions and on ruins in this country. It
is a neat plant for the rock-garden and
fringes of borders, and thrives like a weed
between the stones in a rough stone wall.
Seed.
TUSSILAGO (Coltsfoot').— T. farfara,
the variegated form, is perfectly hardy,
increases itself by running underground,
3 I
850
TYPHA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ULMUS.
like the Nettle or the Couch Grass, and,
being of spreading habit, is not easily got
rid of when established. It may be used
with good effect in shady positions where
Tunica Saxifraga.
other plants will not thrive, and does well
as an edging to a clump of Ferns, or as a
groundwork to plants with graceful foliage.
TYPHA (Reed Mace}.— T. latifolia'isa.
native water-side plant, growing in tufts
of two-rowed flat leaves, 1 8 to 24 in. long
and i or 1 1 in. wide. From the centre
of each tuft springs a stem 6 or 7 ft.
high, terminated in the flowering season
by a close cylindrical spike 9 in. long,
which is of dark olive, but changes to
brownish-black as it ripens. T. angusti-
folia is like it except in the size of the
narrower leaves and spike, and of the two
is perhaps the more graceful, and T.
minor is a smaller form of it. T. mi?iima
is the smallest of the hardy kinds, 12 in.
to 1 8 in. in height, with slender rush-like
leaves and dense or globose heads, those
of the other kinds being much longer
than they are broad.
ULEX (Furze]. — The native Furze is so
beautiful and is so well suited for clothing
dry banks and the like, that it should
be included among flowering shrubs.
Where the common Furze grows wild,
the double variety is well worth planting,
as it is more effective in bloom than the
single kind, and lasts longer. There is
also a dwarf sort named nanus, which
deserves a place, as it flowers at mid-
summer when its commoner relative is
past flowering. This is also a native,
and in places where it flourishes it makes
a dense prickly bush 2 ft. high.
U. strictus (Irish Furze] is an uncom-
mon variety of europieus, sometimes met
with in botanical collections. As all the
kinds of Furze are difficult to transplant
when large, the best plan is to get small
plants of the double and of the dwarf
kinds, and to sow seed of the common
single kind. In most nurseries the stock
of double Furze is in pots, so that at any
time the plants may be had and planted.
There are few finer sights than a bank
of double Furze in full bloom, and it
fortunately may be grown in every
garden. Vigorous pruning when its
bushes become straggling is all the
attention it needs. In severe winters
all forms of these plants are liable to
be cut down to the ground, but often
start up as vigorous as before.
ULMUS (Elm}. — Summer-leafing forest
trees of northern and temperate regions
and of importance in planting, though the
dangerous habit of the common Elm of
suddenly dropping heavy branches should
make us cautious about planting it near
houses. Some of the varieties and species
that may be of interest in botanical collec-
tions are not worth a place in private
grounds, and those planted should be of
the most distinct and stately kinds only,
as weedy-looking Elms, common in some
districts, never give any but a poor effect.
The common habit in many districts of
forming avenues and shade trees of Elm
only, might well be modified in favour of
other trees of proved value, as the dis-
figurement which occurs after storms in
Elm-planted villages and roadsides is
deplorable.
U. AMERICANA (Water Elm}. — A large and
handsome tree inhabiting moist soil and banks
of streams in Newfoundland and westwards
and southwards, quite hardy, and useful in
Britain. There is a weeping variety.
U. CAMPESTRIS (Common Elm}. — This tree
is common and naturalised in our river valleys,
and is often blown down by storms in numbers.
If we wish to shade our road or walks with
trees we certainly should take the trouble to
find those which anchor themselves securely,
which this does not. There are many varieties,
the Cornish, a pendulous one, and the usual
variegated ones always more attractive in the
nursery state than they are when they get
older.
U. MONTANA (Mountain or Wych Elm}. —
A fine tree, distinct and handsome as a shade
and lawn tree, and not so liable to cause
accidents as the common Elm. There are
rather numerous varieties, pyramidal upright
growers, and, best of all, a weeping variety, a
beautiful hardy and distinct tree thriving almost
anywhere. There are many specimens in
London gardens, and the trees being grafted
on their own wild form, the junction is a sound
UMBILICUS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VACCINIUM.
85I
and enduring one and the tree improves with
age.
UMBILICUS.— Succulent plants simi-
lar to Houseleeks, Spinosus being a very
singular-looking plant, with leaves form-
ing a rosette something like that of
a Sempervivum, each leaf bearing a
spine at the apex. The yellow flowers
appear early in summer, and form a cylin-
drical spike on the top of the flower-stem.
It is a good plant for dry sunny spots in
the rock-garden, and is tolerably hardy,
but slugs destroy it whenever they have
a chance. Siberia, China, and Japan.
U. Chrysanthus is about 4 in. high,
in rich garden soil, gathers strength from
year to year, and when well established is
a beautiful object.
UROSPERMUM.— U. Dalechampi is
a rather handsome composite from S.
Europe ; of dwarf tufted growth, with large
heads of lemon-yellow blossoms. It
thrives in an open position in any light
soil, and is hardy.
UVULARIA (Bellworf). — Graceful
perennials allied to Solomon's Seal, bearing
yellow blossoms. There are four cultivated
species, chinensis, grandiflora, puberula,
and sessilifolia. Of these grandiflora is
the finest, and the only one worth growing
Tussilago Farfara variegata (Variegated Coltsfoot).
with short panicles of yellowish flowers,
and suitable for the same positions as
spinosus.
U. Sempervivum forms a rosette-like
tuft of succulent leaves, and produces
in the second year of its growth a
large cluster of pink flowers on a stem
about 6 in. in height. It is useful for
carpet-bedding, and when used for this
purpose the flower-stems must be pinched
out. Hardy in the rock-garden or in
well-drained soils. Kurdistan.
UNIOLA. — U. latifolia is a handsome
perennial Grass from N. America, 2 to 3 ft.
high, with a large loose panicle, bearing
large flattened spikelets. A clump, placed
generally. It attains a height of i to 2
ft., and its numerous slender stems form
a compact tuft, with flowers long and
yellow, drooping gracefully, and pretty in
early summer. It is a good peat border
plant, thriving best in a moist peaty
soil. North America, except chinensis.
Division.
VACCINIUM ( Whortleberry}.— A few
of the best Vacciniums may be planted
for ornament in peat soil, though
none are in the first rank of flowrenng
shrubs. One of the most desirable
is V. corymbosum, the Blue Berry
of the North American
swamps,
I 2
852
VALERIANA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VERBASCUM.
rather large shrub, bearing a pro- '
fusion of small pinkish flowers in dense
clusters. The Pennsylvanian Blue Berry
(V. pennsylvanicum) is, about October,
usually a mass of scarlet and crimson.
Though not remarkable for flower or berry,
its decaying foliage assumes in autumn bril-
liant tints. Canadense, erythrinum, niti-
dum, and ovatum, with our native Vitis-idsea,
Myrtillus, and uliginosum give interest to
a plantation of peat-loving shrubs. V.
Vitis-idaea (Red Whortleberry) is a dwarf
British Evergreen, with Box-like foliage
and clusters of small pale flowers, in
summer, followed by berries about the
size of Red Currants, borne on wiry
stems 3 to 9 in. high. It forms a
neat little bush in the rock-garden
or in beds of peat soil. The Marsh
Cranberry (V. Oxycoccos) is a native of
wet bogs in Britain, with slender creeping
shoots and drooping dark rose flowers.
It requires wetter soil than Vitis-idasa.
The American Cranberry (V. macro-
carpum), a much larger plant, deserves a
place with bog shrubs ; it fruits profusely
in beds of peat soil. V. hirsutum is
showy late in summer when it becomes a
brick-red colour in the leaves, which is
most persistent, lasting many weeks.
VALERIANA ( Valerian}. — Hardy
perennial and mountain plants, of which the
only one worth cultivating in a general way
is the golden-leaved variety of V. Phu — an
effective plant in spring, when its foliage
is young ; it is of neat tufted habit, and
grows freely in any soil. A few dwarf
alpine Valerians are sometimes grown,
but they are not attractive. The flowers,
too, are unpleasantly scented. Some of
the larger species are pretty in rough
places in moist land.
V ALLOT A (Scarborough Lily\—V.
purpurea is a handsome Amaryllis-like
plant, hardy in mild climates. It requires
a warm situation in light soil, for
instance, at the foot of a south wall,
and in such positions it often thrives
better than in pots under glass, but
the bulbs must be protected during
severe frosts. The outdoor culture of
this plant deserves more attention than it
has hitherto had. Some flowers sent us
by Mr. Kingsmill, grown in his garden,
were superb. Offsets detached from the
parent bulbs. Cape of Good Hope.
VANCOUVERIA.— V. hexandra is a
most graceful and distinct plant, 10 to
1 8 in. high, with light fern-like leaves and
slender spikes of pale flowers, and is a
charming plant for the fernery and rock-
garden, best in peaty soil. It is absolutely
distinct in aspect from any other plant,
and grown in broad tufts and groups
it is charming. Vancouver. Division.
VENIDIUM.— V. caJcndulaceum is a
beautiful half-hardy Cape perennial of
dwarf spreading growth, with in summer
showy yellow Marigold-like blossoms. A
good effect is gained by putting out several
plants on a warm sunny border. Cuttings
inserted in August root freely, and may
be potted and kept in the greenhouse
through the winter, when they must not
have much water, or they will damp off.
Seeds germinate freely in a hot-bed in
early spring ; both should be planted out
in May, in friable soil.
VERATRUM (White Hellebore].— V.
album is a handsome erect pyramidal
perennial, 3^ to 5 ft. high, with large
plaited leaves and yellowish-white flowers
in dense spikes on the top of the stem,
forming a large panicle. The leaves are
handsome, and most effective when the
plant is in small groups, either in the
rougher parts of the pleasure ground or
by wood walks, thriving in peaty soil.
The root is exceedingly poisonous. V.
nigrum differs from V. album in having
more slender stems, narrower leaves, and
blackish-purple flowers. V. viride re-
sembles V. album, except that its flowers
are green. Division. France.
VERBASCUM (Mullein}.— These -are
stately plants, mostly only of biennial
duration, but the best are so handsome and
Verbascum olympicum.
long flowering as to be quite essential in
the garden, where in many cases once
VERBASCUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VERBASCUM.
853
introduced they take care of themselves
and come year after year like the Foxglove.
The finer kinds merit good treatment and
free planting in bold groups.
V. Chaixi, or V. vernale (Nettled-leaved
Mullein), is a perennial species, attains 10
ft. in height, and when well grown forms
a most imposing group. The bright
green leaves come up early ; the flowers
are large, yellow, with purple filaments,
and last a long time. It is a native of
Europe. V. Crassifolium, a charming
species, with yellowish tomentose
Verbascum phlomoides.
woolly leaves and robust spikes of
large yellow flowers, is a native of
Portugal. V. cupreum is nearly allied
to V. phceniceum, hardy, a true perennial
with copper-coloured flowers, quaint and
interesting, flowering from May to August.
V. nigrum, a native of Britain, is pretty,
a true perennial like V. Chaixi in flower,
but rarely more than 3 ft. high. A hand-
some form of it, now grown in gardens,
with pure white flowers, is a good plant.
South Europe.
V. olympicum is one of the grandest
of the family, the flower-stems in strong
specimens attaining 6 to 10 ft. in height,
the flowers rich yellow, the leaves woolly
forming bold rosettes. A biennial from
the Orient. V. phceniceum (Purple-leaved
Mullein), one of the best perennials for
Verbascum phoeniceum.
borders in small gardens, is very variable,
there being white, violet, lilac, rose, and
purple-flowered varieties, flowering from
May to August. S. Europe.
V. phlomoides is the best of all Mul-
leins, varying in height from 5 to 9 ft.
according to the richness of soil, its
flowers rich yellow opening succession-
ally over a prolonged period, the display
lasting in beauty nearly the whole season
through. It will grow in almost any soil,
and should be grouped boldly in pictur-
esque ways among shrubs and the larger
hardy plants. S. Europe.
V. pyramidatum (Pyramidal Mullein],
from Siberia, with candelabrum - like
branches of bright yellow flowers, is a
good plant, perennial on warm rich soils,
and effective with its towering flowering-
stems and huge rosettes of crisped leaves.
Other Verbascums of interest are mac-
rurum, longifolium, virgatum, Blattaria,
niveum, Boerhavi, sinuatum, and orientale.
854 VERBENA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VERONICA.
VERBENA.— Beautiful half hardy trail-
ing plants which of late years have not
been so popular in gardens, probably
on account of the disease that attacks
them. Verbenas bloom profusely out-of-
doors till quite late in the autumn ; and if
the lustre of the flowers happens to be-
come dimmed by a storm, a burst of sun-
shine quickly restores their beauty.
From the Continent have come many
fine varieties, and some excellent kinds
are the produce of English -saved seed.
A pretty bed may be gained by mixing
a few good varieties together. The
Verbena should have a dry open border,
and trench the ground, well dressing it
with spent hot-bed manure and leaf-soil.
Put out the plants about the end of
May, and as they grow peg the shoots
securely over the bed, keeping them well
thinned. The best way of ensuring good
cuttings for spring propagation is to keep
a few store plants in pots all the summer,
and in the autumn cut them pretty close.
Give them a shift then into larger pots of
rich soil. Soon afterwards set these store
plants in a cool house, or a pit from
which frost is excluded. Of late years
Verbenas have been most successfully
raised from seed sown about the middle of
January, in light soil in a warm frame or
pit. The seedlings should be pricked out,
when a few weeks old, in 2^-in. pots, and
when the plants are fully established,
they should be placed near the glass
in a pit which is well ventilated, in
order to induce stout hardy growth.
About the end of March the seedlings
should be potted singly in 2^-in. pots,
and a month later they should be
transferred to 3-in. pots. About the
middle of May the plants should be
planted out about 2 ft. apart in a
sunny border, and in a short time they
will be aglow with flower. Verbenas
raised from seed are valuable for garden
adornment in summer, and need not
be cut for propagation, while they run
little risk of disease or of insects.
Keeping the plants free from insects
and disease in winter is a troublesome
matter ; but with seedlings under fair
conditions insects would be avoided,
and the seedlings would certainly have
a vigour that would get over the so-
called disease. In any case it is an
interesting fact that Verbenas in any
number and of the greatest vigour may
be raised from seed in the same year
that they adorn the garden, or, in
other words, may be treated as annual
plants. The wonderful diversity and
brilliancy of colour and the profusion
of the flowers combine to place
Verbenas grown from seed among the
most valuable plants we possess.
Verbena seed is sold in colours —
scarlet, blue, white, carnation, flaked,
and other forms, and all kinds come
remarkably true. The scarlet kind is a
fine reproduction of the old Defiance, and
its growth and the quantity of its bloom are
marvellous. The compact purplish-red
kermesina is very pleasing and effective.
V. yenosa is a perennial kind, 12 to 18
in. high, with heads of purple-violet
blossoms, hardier than ordinary Verbenas,
not so liable to mildew, and looks all the
brighter for drenching rains. It is
easily kept through the winter, and
if its fleshy roots are stored thickly in
boxes, plants may be propagated in spring
from the young shoots thrown out.
When the roots have to be lifted in
autumn, place them at once in the
boxes where they are to start, keeping
them in a cool place until the time for
putting them in heat. In herbaceous
borders they may be allowed to remain
for years, but should be protected through
the winter.
VERBESINA.— V.encelioides\s a half-
hardy annual, I to 2 ft. high, with broad
clusters of golden-yellow blossoms. Cali-
fornia,Texas, and Mexico. V. giganteafrom
Jamaica is about 6^ ft. high. When young-
it is very pleasing, its round green stems
being covered with large, winged, glisten-
ing, delicate green leaves. It is suitable
for rich beds or groups, and should be
planted out at the end of May or early
in June. V. pinnatifida is a rough half-
shrubby species, with larger leaves than
those of V. gigantea. Both V. gigantea
and V. pinnatifida require hothouse treat-
ment in winter. Cuttings in early spring
are best, and will be all the better for the
most sheltered position, also the richest
and lightest soil that can be given them.
VERNONIA (Ironweect). — Coarse
| North American Composites,ofwhich some
| half-a-dozen species are in cultivation.
! They bloom so late that they are scarcely
j worth a place in the border ; but V.
j prasalta is a fine stately plant for the wild
garden. Even if its flowers are injured
or escape us, it may be grown in a copse,
ditch, or open spot in a wood. Division.
VERONICA (Speedwell}. — A large
family of dwarf and shrubby plants, some
trailing or carpeting in their growth, the
flowers being generally of a blue shade,
but often imperfect in colour, varying
from rose to a dull white. Plants of the
same species vary much in form, there-
fore the naming of the different Speedwells
VERONICA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VERONICA.
855
is difficult and perplexing. The shrubby
New Zealand kinds are good in mild
districts, where they do not get much
hurt in ordinary winter, and for seaside gar-
dens are especially valuable, as they with-
Shrubby Speedwell.
stand wind and spray better than most
shrubs. V. speciosa is the commonest in
seaside places. It is of dense growth, with
broad leaves and erect feathery spikes of
deep purplish-blue flowers. The variety
imperialis has flowers of a rich red-purple,
and in rubra they are inclined to red or
to rose-pink. V. speciosa is but half-
hardy, in cold localities requiring pro-
tection in winter, but is a good shrub for
a light, airy, and cool greenhouse. V.
salicifolia (the Willow-leaved Veronica),
called also V. Lindleyana, is about 2 ft.
high, with long narrow leaves, and spikes
of white or purplish flowers. V. ligustri-
folia has narrower leaves, and white
flowers in feathery spikes. V. elliptica,
known also as V. decussata, is something
like V. speciosa, but smaller both in foliage
and growth ; and V. Andersoni, said to
be a hybrid, also resembles V. speciosa,
having spikes of bluish-violet flowers.
The variegated form of Andersoni is a
half-hardy bedding plant, but though fine
in itself used too much in parks and
gardens. Many well variegated things
are spoilt through being planted anywhere
and everywhere. All the foregoing are
half-hardy, but suitable only for walls and
warm spots in the mildest districts and at
the seaside. Of the larger kinds only one
is thoroughly hardy in all parts of England,
V. Traversi, a neat shrub, forming a
round-headed bush about 4 ft. high, in
late summer very beautiful when
crowded with spikes of pale mauve
flowers. Among dwarfer kinds, V. ver-
benacea, V. fruticulosa, V. alpina, V.
aphylla, V. Nummularia, V. Guthrieana,
V. austriaca, V. incisa, V. bellidioides, and
V. Dabneyi, are of good dwarf habit,
and suited for a rock-garden. The pink
variety of V. officinalis forms when
established dense patches of pink-
coloured blossoms, sometimes raised 3 in.
above the ground. These mentioned are
so hardy, that they may be divided or
transplanted at all seasons. Such kinds
as V. longifolia require frequent division
to prevent too crowded growth. Most of
the kinds ripen abundance of seed, and
round them come up seedlings which vary
in colour and form.
V. amethystina is 12 to 18 in. high,
but rather too diffuse. It should be cut
down in autumn, as otherwise it trails in
an untidy way. In June it produces many
terminal racemes of blossoms.
V. Chamsedrys ( Germander Speedwell}
has been recommended for covering
beds where late-flowering bulbs are
grown. A curious variety, named pedun-
culata, is quite distinct and a neat plant.
V. gentianoides is one of the earliest
of the Speedwells, and flowers in May.
Three forms are common — the type
with gray flowers, a variety with white
flowers and bright glossy leaves like the
Gentianella, and another with handsome
variegated leaves. All are worth growing.
V. incana, also called V. Candida, is a
dwarf plant with silvery leaves, and dark
rich purple flowers. It is used with
good effect in bedding, its gray leaves
being a contrast to most other foliage. V.
neglecta is similar but inferior. Division.
V. longifolia is the commonest garden
species, generally sold as V. spicata, and in
four varieties — blue, white, rose-coloured,
and purple. The variegation of the leaves
is uncertain and irregular, but the habit of
the plant is good. The rich colour of the
flower, the length of the flower-spike, and
the sturdy and compact growth of the
856
VERONICA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VESICARIA.
plant make it handsome for the border.
It grows well in any ordinary soil.
V. pectinata is a pretty trailing kind,
with serrated downy leaves and blue or
rose-coloured flowers. It is well suited
for dry spots in the rock-garden, for
the margins of borders, and for other
places.
V. prostrata. — A very dwarf species,
making spreading tufts. There are
varieties with rose-coloured and white
flowers which appear in early summer,
the type being deep blue, hardy and
pretty, blooming so freely that the leaves
are often quite obscured by the flowers.
Veronica pinguifolia.
France, Central and Southern Europe,
on stony hills and dry grassy places.
V. repens clothes the soil with a soft
carpet of bright green foliage, covered, in
spring, with pale bluish flowers. It
thrives well on moderately dry soil, but
delights in moist corners of the rock-
garden.
V. rupestris trails neatly and closely,
and flowers abundantly in June. To
those who have seen large masses of it
in rock-gardens it will want no further
recommendation. There are several
alpine species nearly allied to it.
V. satureisefolia is one of the best of
the Speedwells, though somewhat rare,
with flowers about the size of those of V.
saxatilis, of the same intense blue, and in
abundant upright racemes.
V. saxatilis.— A native of alpine rocks
in various parts of Europe, and also of a
few places in the highlands of Scotland,
It forms neat tufts 6 or 8 in. high, the
flowers being little more than \ in. across,.
of a pretty blue, striped with violet, and
with a narrow but decided ring of crim-
son near the bottom of the cup, the base
of which is pure white.
V. spicata is a dwarf native plant, not
more than 5 or 6 in. high, useful for bare
corners of rock-gardens, but seldom
flowering before the end of July. Y.
corymbosa is a name given to varieties
of two or three species, but the best seems
to be a form of V. spicata. This is one
of the best plants for rock-gardens, being
profuse and continuous in bloom. V.
hybrida is generally classed as a variety
of it, but seems quite distinct, since it is
far more robust, and its flowers vary in
colour from dark purple to lavender and
light rose. It grows wild in profusion on
mountain limestone hills near Llandudno
and in other parts of the north-western
counties.
V. Subsessilis is botanically considered
a variety of V. longifolia, but for garden
purposes is very distinct. It is the hand-
somest of the hardy Veronicas, and
flourishes in spite of spring frosts and
cold summers. Its large dense spikes
of deep purple-blue flowers are effec-
tive, and it should always have a posi-
tion among the choicest hardy flowers
in a good deep loamy soil and open
situation. Japan. Division or seed.
V. taurica. — A dwarf, wiry, and almost
woody species from Tauria, forming neat
dark green tufts, under 3 in. high ; its fine
Gentian-blue flowers borne abundantly.
It is, perhaps the neatest kind for form-
ing spreading tufts in level spots of the
rock-garden, or drooping from chinks,
and for association with the dwarfest al-
pine plants. Division or cuttings.
V. Teucrium. — A Continental plant,,
the stems of which form spreading masses^
from 8 to 12 in. high, covered in early
summer with flowers of an intense blue,,
at first in dense racemes, but these after-
wards become much longer. It is excel-
lent for the rock-garden, or for borders,
and grows freely in ordinary garden soiL
Seeds or division.
V. virginica and other tall species are
3 to 4 ft. high, and flower in July, but are
deficient in colour.
VESICARIA.— Hardy evergreen per-
ennials, of which V. graeca is the hand-
VIBURNUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VIBURNUM.
857
somest, and bears a strong resemblance
to the better-known V. utriculata, long
cultivated in gardens. The flowers open
in succession for several inches on each
stem. Rocky districts in Dalmatia and
other places in South Europe. Cuttings
or seed. Both V. grseca and V. utricu-
lata flourish in dryish soil, on dry sunny
parts of the rock-garden.
VIBURNUM (Guelder Rose].— Hand-
some and vigorous shrubs of northern
regions : of much beauty, of berry as well
as flower : and with few exceptions of the
easiest cultivation. They simply need a
soil of fair quality and plenty of moisture.
They can be easily propagated by cut-
tings and layers or seed — the best way.
Viburnum plicatum.
Some of the kinds are not worthy of a
place in gardens, either from not being
distinct from others, or from not showing
their best characters in our country, and
those admitted here are distinct and
of value in our country. As N. Asia is
very rich in these plants we may look for
some good kinds from it, but it is best at
first to limit the kinds to those giving
really good effects.
V. CASSINOIDES. — Of the American Vibur-
num, this is one of the best, growing some 6
ft. high, with thick leathery leaves, 3 in. to
4 in. long, and yellowish white flowers,
during the early part of June, in flat cymes 4
in. to 5 in. across, and handsome fruit, the
berries changing first to rose colour and finally
to bluish black. As they do not ripen simul-
taneously, fruits of both these colours, as well
as green ones, occur on a cluster at the same
time. Northern and Arctic America.
V. FURCATUM. — Is a rare and handsome
species, a native of North Japan at low levels,
and of the mountains of the more southern
portions, and is one of the finest shrubs for
autumn colour. The leaves, which are large
and broad, turn brilliant scarlet and reddish
purple before they fall, and it grows 12 ft. to
15 ft. in height. Japan.
V. LANTANA (Wayfaring Tree). — One of
the two kinds native of Britain, and frequent
in hedgerows and copses, especially in chalk
or limestone soils. At its best it is almost a
small tree, 12 ft. to 15 ft. high. The flowers
are white during May and June on flat clusters
at the ends of the branches. The fruit is red
at first, ultimately black, and the leaves often
die off a rich red. There is a variegated form
of no particular value.
V. LANTANOIDES (Hobble Bush or Moose-
wood}. — A North American kind, a large
shrub, the leaves are almost round, and whilst
averaging 3 in. to 4 in. across, are some-
times over 6 in. The truss has its outer
flowers sterile, and they are I in. or more in
diameter ; both they and the smaller ones
that fill the centre are white. The fruit is
at first coral-red, afterwards dark purple or
almost black, and the foliage dies off a rich
claret.
V. MACROCEPHALUM (Great Snowball
Bush}. — A Chinese species, not very hardy,
but its flower-clusters are enormous. In some
places it thrives against a wall, but is rarely
seen in good health. Fortune mentions
having seen it 20 ft. high in Chusan. The
wild plant from which it has been derived is
in cultivation, and is known as V. KETELEERF.
This has the centre of the truss (which is much
flatter than in V. macrocephalum} filled with
fertile flowers, the outer ones only being
sterile.
V. ODORATISSIMUM. — As a rule, when
grown out of doors this is given a place on a
wall, as it is not hardy in all winters. It is
evergreen, its foliage being handsome. Each
leaf 3 to 6 in. long, leathery, and of a lus-
trous dark green. The flowers are in corymbsr
and although small and dull white, are charm -
j ing for their fragrance. China. Syn. V. AwafukL
V. OPULUS (Guelder Rose}. — A handsome
and often rather tall native bush, frequent in
the underwoods of many districts. In the
wild form the outer flowers only of the cyme
are sterile, and these are about three-quarters
of an inch across ; the centre is filled with
small perfect flowers. In autumn this plant is
valued for its clusters of fine red fruits and for
the colour of its leaves. Of its best known
varieties, is the VAR. STERILE (the common
Guelder Rose}. This has few or no perfect
flowers, the whole truss consisting of the
more showy barren ones. This causes it to
lose its flatness and makes it much more
rounded, which, together with the pure white-
ness of the flowers, has led to its being popu-
larly known as the Snowball Tree. A yellow
fruited kind differs from the type in the fruits
being yellow instead of red when ripe.
V. SIEBOLDI. — A handsome and distinct
evergreen bush, with large glossy leaves and
large heads of white flowers, in May and June
in southern England. A promising kind, at
least for districts where our evergreens usually
escape the effects of hard winters.
V. TINUS (Laurustinus}. — A beautiful and
fragrant evergreen, thriving over a large area
858
VICIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VIOLA.
of Great Britain and Ireland, especially near
the sea and on warm and gravelly soil, though
now and then injured by severe winters even
in the country south of London. In sunny
positions it usually flowers freely, but not in
shade, commencing to bloom in December, it
will continue till the end of March. Although
all itsi flowers are perfect, it does not ripen
fruit regularly, but fruits occasionally occur, the
colour being a dark blue. There are several
varieties of the Laurustinus, one of which, the
VAR. LUCIDUM, has fine large leaves, shining
and almost smooth on both sides, and the
flowers and flower-trusses also are larger. It
is possibly not quite so hardy as some forms of
Laurustinus, and should have a sheltered,
sunny spot. Another variety is Var. hirtiim,
the distinguishing character of which is the
hairiness of the leaves and branches, and Var.
purpurum has the leaves suffused with a dull
purple tinge. Laurustinus can be struck from
cuttings.
V. PLICATUM (Japanese Guelder Rose). — A
very sturdy, robust, flowering shrub. I have
seen young, newly-rooted plants injured the
first year after being put out, but when once
established it will stand any frost vip to 30°
without lasting injury. It is a shrub of neat,
yet graceful habit, well clothed with dark
green, rather plaited leaves. It bears its
fine trusses, 3 in. or more across, on short
branches springing from the whole length of
the previous year's growth, thus forming fine
sprays of pure white blossom. Syn. V.
Tomentosum Var. W. J. B.
VICIA ( Vetch}. — Perennial and annual
plants, several of which are natives. V.
Cracca, V. Orobus, V. sylvatica,V. Sepium,
and V. argentea are the most desirable,
but are not of great importance. V.
argentea has elegant silvery leaves, but is
rare in cultivation. Vicias grow freely
in almost any soil, ancf are raised from
seeds.
VIEUSSEUXIA (Blue-eyed Peacock
Iris]. — V. glaucopis is a beautiful bulbous
plant 9 to 15 in. high, with flowers in early
summer, about 2 in. across, pure white,
with a beautiful porcelain-blue stain
nearly \ in. broad at the base of each of
the three larger divisions. This stain is
deep violet at the base, and margined
with dark purple teeth. The plant should
be grown on warm sheltered borders in
sandy peat or sandy loam and leaf-mould.
Increased by separation of the bulbs in
autumn. Cape of Good Hope. Syn., Iris
Pavonia.
VILLARSIA ( Yellow Buckbean\— V.
nymphccoides is an interesting British
water plant, with leaves like those of a
Water-Lily, but smaller, and floating. Its
yellow flowers are borne in summer singly,
but are very numerous, and lasting through
the summer. It is one of the best of
water flowers. Division.
yiNCA (Periwinkle}. -- Perennia.
trailers, hardy and vigorous in almost any
soil. The well-known V. major (common
Periwinkle) is useful for banks on masses
of rootwork, and also for rocky places or
by wood walks and there are several
variegated varieties, including a golden-
leaved kind. The lesser Periwinkle (V.
minor) is much smaller than V. major,
and useful for the same positions, has
several varieties well worthy of cultiva-
tion ; a white-flowered one (V. m. alba),
a reddish one, and one or two double
ones, and there are also several variegated
forms. V. herbacea is much less frequently
seen than our common Periwinkles, but
is more worthy of culture on rocks, as it is
not rampant in habit. It is a native of
Hungary, flowers in spring and early sum-
mer, and its stems die down every year.
V. acutiloba is a distinct and elegant
Periwinkle, and flowers late in autumn
and in winter, bearing delicate mauve
blossoms. It is suitable for sunny banks
and slopes and for warm borders.
VIOLA ( Violet}.— A beautiful and well-
known family, many kinds of which are
alpine flowers. Some Violets are among
the most beautiful ornaments which be-
deck the alpine turf ; and even the com-
mon Violet itself may almost be claimed
as an alpine plant, for it wanders along
hedgerow and hillside, along copses and
thin woods, all the way to Sweden.
From all kinds of Violets the world of
wild flowers derives a precious treasure
of beauty and delicate fragrance ; and
VIOLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VIOLA.
859
no family has given our gardens any-
thing more precious than the numerous
races of Pansies and the various kinds of
large, showy, sweet-scented Violets. Far
above the faint blue carpets of the various
scentless wild Violets in our woods and
heaths, our thickets and bogs, and above
the miniature Pansies that find their
home among our lowland field-weeds ;
far above the larger Pansy-like Violas
(varieties of V. lutea) which flower so
richly in the mountain pastures of northern
England and even on the tops of stone
walls ; above the large, free-growing
Violets of the American heaths and
thickets, we have true alpine Violets,
such as the yellow two-flowered Violet
(V. biflora), and large blue Violets such
as the V. calcarata and V. cornuta. It
would be difficult to exaggerate the
beauty of these alpine Violets. They
grow in a turf of high alpine plants not
more than an inch or so in height. The
leaves do not show above this densely-
matted turf, but the flowers start up,
waving everywhere thousands *of little
banners. Violets are of the easiest
culture ; even the highest alpine kinds
thrive with little care, and V. cornuta and
V. calcarata of the Alps and Pyrenees
thrive even more freely than in their
native uplands, the foliage and the stems
being much stronger. Some of the many
stronger varieties of the Sweet Violet
might be naturalised with advantage.
Slow-growing compact kinds, like the
American Bird's-foot Violet, enjoy, from
their stature and their comparative slow-
ness of growth, a position in the rock-
garden or in the choice border, and in
such a position they are of easy culture
in moist sandy soil. Violets of all kinds
are easily increased by cuttings from
stout short runners. All runners that are
wiry and hard should be rejected, and
none should be taken from plants that
have grown in pots or under glass. The
cuttings should be taken off the first
week in April if they are to bloom next
year. They should be put under hand-
lights on a shady border, and kept close
until they begin to grow, when the lights
may be tilted a little, and the space
gradually increased until at last the lights
may be wholly dispensed with. By
September the plants will be ready for
transplanting, and may be placed in beds
4 ft. wide, three rows I ft. apart being
in one bed. This space will afford room
to hoe between the rows while they are
growing. They will soon spread and fill
the beds, but they must not remain more
than two, or, at the most, three years in
the same place, or the flowers will become
small and short stemmed. If they are
more than two years in the same place,
they must receive liberal top-dressings of
rotten manure, or copious applications of
manure water. Another mode of pro-
pagation, which is perhaps attended with
less trouble, is to get a few large plants
as soon as they have done blooming, and
to tear them into as many pieces as
possible, each piece having a little bit of
root attached to it. Little pieces without
roots may be placed under hand-lights
and treated like cuttings.
The following are among the most
desirable for general cultivation : —
V. biflora (Two-flowered Yellow
Violet}. — This bright little Violet is a
lovely ornament on the Alps, and in many
parts it densely clothes every chink
between the moist rocks. It even crawls
under great boulders and rocks, and lines
shallow caves with its fresh verdure and
its little golden stars, and is useful in
rock-gardens where rude steps of stone
give winding pathways. It will run
through every chink between the steps.
Europe, N. Asia, and America.
V. calcarata (Spurred Violet}.— This
plant resembles the well-known V. cornuta
in flower and spur, but, instead of form-
ing leafy tufts, it increases by runners
under the earth. V. calcarata is a pretty
plant on the Alps, usually found in high
situations, amidst dwarf flowers, and is so
plentiful that its large purple flowers
sometimes form sheets of colour, and it
is as charming in the rock-garden as in
its native wilds. Its yellow variety (flava)
is the same as V. Zoysi.
V. cornuta (Horned Pansy], — A moun-
tain Pansy, with sweet-scented flowers
pale blue or mauve, valuable but super-
seded by the many charming tufted
Pansies raised during recent years. Alps
and Pyrenees. Division, cuttings, or
seeds.
V. cucullata (Large American Violet}
bears some resemblance to the common
Violet, though without its delicious scent.
It belongs to a section which includes V.
primulasfolia, blanda, obliqua, sagittata,
palmata, delphinifolia, canadensis, pube-
scens, striata, and others only fitted for
a place in botanical collections.
V. gracilis is a remarkably pretty
dwarf species, never failing to produce
in spring an abundance of deep purple
blossoms in dense tufts. It is hardy in
light soil. Mount Olympus.
V. lutea (Mountain Violet}. — The
yellow form of this Violet is very neat
and compact, 2 to 6 in. high. From April
86o
VIOLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VIOI.A.
onwards it flowers abundantly, and its
flowers are of a peculiarly rich and hand-
some yellow, the three lower petals being
striped with thin lines of rich black.
V. Munbyana. — One of the prettiest
of Violets, abundant in flower, free and
robust in growth, and quite hardy.
Generally it begins to bloom about the
end of February, but it attains its greatest
beauty in May. The deep purple-blue
flowers resemble those of V. cornuta ;
and there is also a yellow variety. Algeria.
V. odorata (Sweet Violet}.— This well-
known plant is in a wild state widely
spread over Europe and Russian Asia,
and is common in various parts of Britain,
while it is grown in almost every garden,
and enormous quantities of it are sold in
London, Paris, and many other cities.
Its delicious odour distinguishes it from
other Violets. It may be grown where
almost everything else but weeds would
fail, forming carpets for open groves or
the fringes of woods, of hedges, the open
parts of copses, or for banks. Instead
of being confined to a bed for cutting
from, it should fringe shrubberies, rock-
gardens, or ferneries. In such positions
it requires no care, and rewards the
planter by filling the cold March air
with unrivalled sweetness. It will grow
in almost any soil, but best on free sandy
loam. It is well to naturalise the plant
on sunny banks, fringes of woods, and on
the warmer sides of bushy places to
encourage a very early bloom.
The cultivation of the Sweet Violet is
of great importance, not only for private
gardens, but also to supply the vast
demand for it in large cities. About Paris,
the cultivation of Sweet Violets for the
markets is largely carried on, and in some
places three or four acres may be seen
covered with these flowers. The ground
is well exposed to the mid-day sun, and
is rich, free, and warm. The plantations
are made in spring, those required for
the winter markets being grown in frames.
Sweet Violets may be propagated to any
extent by division, but strong, healthy,
free-flowering plants are easily raised
from seed, which should be sown as soon
as possible after it is gathered. In cold
dry parts, where Violets do not succeed
well, and also where they are required
in mid-winter, it is better to raise a
number of healthy plants every year, and
to put them in a light frame in a sunny
position in autumn. With very little
trouble we may have Violets long before
they bloom in the open ground. Plants
which are obtained by setting out runners
in spring in rich soil, and receive in dry
weather all the water they need, may
be set in a cold frame early in autumn.
Allow them to grow until the approach
of winter, when fill the frames with leaves,
put on the sashes with a shutter over
these. The plants must have abundance
of air on mild days, and water as they need
it. A frame of three sashes, separated into
three parts by boards, may be uncovered,
one sash at a time, at intervals of two or
three weeks, and thus a succession of
flowers will be kept up. Violets do not
like forcing, neither do they need it if
their crowns are ripened early, and they
are tempted by the protection of glass to
open out genially and exhibit their fra-
grant blossoms.
In the open border Sweet Violets
thrive on a moderately heavy rich soil ;
if the soil happens to be light and gravelly,
some stiff material and plenty of manure
must be added to it ; and if poor and
hard clay, it will be benefited by the
sharp gritty matter and abundance of
rotten manure. Violets require shelter,
but not that of a wall ; and in town gardens
or .gardens surrounded by high walls
they are seldom healthy. Their natural
shelter is a hedgerow, in which they get
currents of pure air, which are essential
for keeping down red-spider and for
maintaining the foliage in a healthy
condition. Violets grow well on the north
or north-east side of a Hornbeam hedge,
if somewhat naked at bottom, so -as to
allow the sun to shine on their leaves
early in spring, and afford a partial shade
in summer. When the soil is deep and
rich, however, Violets will bear a consider-
able amount of sunshine. It is well to
have a few plants in different positions,
so as to ensure a succession of bloom.
On south borders Violets dwindle and die ;
but a few roots on sunny banks will give
some early pickings.
The insects that trouble the Violet
most are green-fly and red-spider. The
first is generally the result of a close un-
healthy atmosphere, and is easily got
rid of by gentle smokings. Red-spider
is helped by strong sun and by dryness
at the roots ; hand-dusting with sulphur
is the best remedy, but it is easy to
prevent ts occurrence by syringing the
plants and their surroundings.
The varieties of the Violet are very
numerous. We have the single white and
the single rose, the double white, the Czar,
(a very large and sweet variety), the Queen
of Violets, Admiral Avellan, La Grosse
Bleue, La France, California, Princess of
Wales, Luxonne, Belle de Chatenay,
WThite Czar, Lady Hume Campbell Marie
VIOLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VIOLA.
86 1
Louise, Victoria Regina, Wellsiana, and
the perpetual blooming Violet— well
known in France as La Violette des Quatre
Saisons. It differs slightly from the
Sweet Violet, but is valuable for flowering
long and continuously in autumn, winter,
and spring. It is the variety used by the
cultivators round Paris. The double white,
or, as it becomes in the open air, the rosy-
white Belle de Chatenay, has a robust
habit. Though not so pure as the old
double white kind, it blooms more freely,
when grown in frames, or in beds in the
open, where the thick growth keeps the
flowers well up from the soil. Blandyana,
another double, is a rather free bloomer
with dark flowers.
V. pedata (Bird's -foot Violet\—T}\z
most beautiful of the American Violets,
with handsome flowers I in. across, pale
or deep lilac, purple or blue, the two
upper petals being sometimes velvety and
deep violet like the petals of a Pansy.
The variety bicolor is prettier than the
Viola pedata (Bird's-foot Violet).
and is not so loose in its growth. The
Neapolitan kind, V. o. pallida plena, will
doubtless ever be a favourite, in spite of
other and newer kinds, but it needs a
frame in severe weather. Marie Louise
is a fine kind, and is a great advance upon
the Neapolitan kind ; its flowers are
larger, rather deeper, and more freely
produced. The old double blue kind has
very full and neat flowers, but its stems
are short. It is, however, very beautiful
type ; its flowers larger, and the petals are
arranged flat like those of a Pansy, the
two upper ones rich velvety purple, and
the three lower delicate blush. V. pedata
is free in growth in a light rich soil in
partial shade, but the variety bicolor
succeeds only in certain localities, and is
rare even in its native soil. It is best
adapted for the choice rock-garden, but
may also be grown in borders where the
soil is peaty, sandy, and moist.
862 VIOLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VIOLA.
V. reniformis (New Holland Violet}. —
This mantles the ground with a mass of
small leaves, has numerous slender creep-
ing stems, and bears throughout the
summer blue and white flowers of ex-
quisite beauty, about 2 inches from the
ground. It is pretty for planting out over
a bed of peat or very light earth, where
taller plants are put out in a scattered
Viola reniformis (New H
manner during the summer, but being
very small and delicate, it should not be
used with coarse subjects. It must be
treated like a tender bedding plant — taken
up or propagated in autumn, and put out
in May or June. Australia. Division.
V. r. grandiflora is a larger plant in all its
parts. Syn., Erpetion.
V. rothomagensis (Rouen Violet}.— A
handsome plant belonging to the tricolor
group, dwarf, and with low creeping stems
which bear in spring numerous purple and
white blossoms. It is a free grower, but,
being a native of Sicily, is not so hardy as
some Violets, and should be grown in a
light soil and a warm border.
V. tricolor (Heart'' s-ease}. — The Pansy
is usually classed under the head of V.
tricolor, though it is probably descended
from V. altaica — a species to which a
good many Pansies seem nearly allied.
But the Pansies are so numerous, so varied,
and, withal, so distinct from any wild
species of Violet, that little can be traced
of their origin. Of one thing we may be
certain : the parents of this precious race
were true mountaineers. Only alpines
could give birth to such rich and brilliant
colour and such noble amplitude of bloom.
Its season never ends ; it often blooms
cheerfully enough at Christmas, and is
sheeted with gold and purple when the
Hawthorn is white with blossoms. Such
a flower must not be ignored on our rock-
gardens, even though it thrives in almost
any soil and position. It may be treated
as an annual, a biennial, or a perennial,
according to climate, position, and soil.
One of the commonest of weeds in Scot-
land, the wild V. lutea, may be grown in
the south of England, if sheltered from
the midday sun. It thrives capitally with
a north or, better still, a north-east
exposure, if sheltered by tall trees or
buildings, so that it may get the cool sun
of the early morning only.
For borders one way is to grow the
plants from seed. The Belgian or fancy
Pansies are remarkable for the strange
and almost gorgeous variety of their
colours and the unusual size of many of
the blooms. They are more hardy as
seedlings, and more robust as plants, than
the other kinds, and yield a greater variety
of colours. The seed should be sown in
July or August, in pans of light leafy soil,
such as sand, leaf-mould, and mould from
rotted turf, and placed in a cool shady
place. When mixed seeds are sown, sow
each separately at a distance of i^ in. or
so. As soon as the first seeds have ger-
minated and the seedlings have three
pairs of leaves, they should be removed
without disturbing the weaker and more
backward ones, for amongst the seedlings
which are the last to appear will be found
the greatest proportion of finely-coloured
flowers. It is important to sow the seed
when fresh.
It is rarely convenient to plant the
seedlings at once where they are to
bloom, therefore they should be placed in
pots plunged in a cool place in the open
ground, and shifted to their final place
in time to get well-established before
winter sets in. They stand the winter
well, and the only danger lies in heavy
rain or sleet succeeded by sharp frosts.
A pot inverted over each plant to protect
the soil from too much wet would be
sufficient protection. It is not advisable
to move Pansies in spring unless they
have been kept in pots during winter, in
which case they may be planted, though
with as little root-disturbance as possible.
Pansies are divided into two sections
— the show or English kinds, and the
fancy or Belgian kinds. The first com-
prises five divisions : white and yellow
ground belted Pansies, white, yellow,
and purple Pansies. The selfs must be
clear decided colours, and should have a
black well - defined blotch under the
eye. The belted kinds should have a
VIOLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VIOLA. 863
white or yellow ground, together with
centre blotch, and a broad margin of
bronzy-red, chestnut, purple, or crimson,
or other hue ; the colours must be dense,
and the margins distinctly defined. The
flowers of the show section should
be rounded in form, stout of petal, and of
good size, but size is of less importance
than the quality of the markings. A fancy
Pansy should have a large deep-coloured
blotch, covering nearly the whole of the
bottom petal and portions of the side
petals. The rest of the flower may be
white, yellow, buff, red, maroon, purple,
crimson, and various other shades, but
not so dense as the centre blotch. Some
fancy Pansies are flaked or parti-coloured,
but all good ones are showy and beautiful
beyond the imagination of those who
have only seen common strains. Named
Pansies come fairly true from seed, but
the only way to secure a stock of any
particular variety is to take cuttings.
When any plant or plants show flowers
which it is desirable to perpetuate, the
best way is to sacrifice the bloom for the
year, pinch the bloom-buds off as fast as
they show, feed the plant well with dress-
ings of leaf-mould pricked in about the
roots, and peg the first shoots down so as
to leave the crown of the plant exposed,
for fresh healthy shoots to rise from. A
few shoots should be taken off when they
have made three or four pairs of leaves,
and be planted in light soil, sand, and
leaf-mould, under a hand-glass, and kept
moist and shaded. The pegged-down
stems will produce shoots which may be
taken off in the same way ; and when
well rooted treated as seedlings.
A good plant combines a profusion of
fine flowers with a dwarf, short-stemmed,
stocky habit, and the plant when in bloom
is a round green bush, with the flowers about
\ in. clear of the leaves. It is useless to
save seed before a stock of first-class
plants is obtained. July is early enough
to sow the seed in the south of England,
but farther north it may be sown earlier,
until in Scotland it should be sown in
the spring.
TUFTED PANSIES.— These are hybrids
of Pansies and alpine Violets. The term
" tufted " has been very properly used to
distinguish plants of a spreading habit,
like Pinks, Aubrietia, and Alpine Violets,
from plants with simple erect stems, like,
say, the Stock, Lupine, and Aster. Some-
times the two forms of habit occur in the
same family ; for instance, there are
Violas that are tufted and Violas that are
not — the German, French, and other
Pansies in our gardens do not spread at
the root as the tufted Pansies do. Plants
of this " tufted " habit are often a mass of
delicate rootlets even above the ground,
so that they are easily increased. Hence
when older Pansies die after flowering,
those crossed with the alpine species
remain, like true perennials, and are easily
increased. The term Pansies is a good
one in all ways. Without an English
name, we shall always have confusion
with the Latin name for the name of wild
species. To all of these belongs the old
Latin name of the genus Viola. It is
now agreed by botanists that all cross-
bred garden plants — including tufted
Pansies, of course — should have popular
English, and not Latin, names. " Bedding
Violas " is a vulgar compound of bad
English and Latin ; whereas " tufted
Pansies " is a good English name with a
clear meaning. — The Garden, i6th Jan.
1892.
These are the flowers hitherto generally
known as Violas and bedding Pansies,
and Dr. Stuart, who has raised some of
the best and truest of them, says : —
" Botanically, Violets, Pansies, and
Heart's-ease are all the same. Tufted
Pansies are crosses from the garden
Pansy and Viola cornuta, the latter being
the seed-bearer. Pollen from V. cornuta
applied to the Pansy produces a common
enough form of bedding Pans.y — never
the tufty root-growth obtained when the
cross is the other way. I have proved
this by actual hand-crossing. Most
\ strains of tufted Pansies are bred the
wrong way, and in consequence lack the
fibrous tufty root which makes the
Violetta strain perennial."
Having settled the name, the next thing
we have to do is select some of the most
beautiful of these charming flowers, which
are certainly more valuable for our flower
gardens than the ordinary Pansy, fine and
rich in colour as these are. They are so
because the colours are simple and gener-
ally pure and true, and because they are
most effective when used in groups, and
then they are perennial, and may be easily
increased and kept true.
The new race of Tufted Pansies raised
by Dr. Stuart, of which Violetta was the
first, is a precious addition to this
large family, because the flowers are
pure in colour and so sweetly scented.
The older tufted Pansies were welcome,
but all of them had wiry streaks about the
eye, not a serious detraction, but it is a
gain to have kinds that are quite rayless,
as are all of Dr. Stuart's. Violetta the
first has small flowers, but all the later
varieties have large flowers, and in other
864 VIOLA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VI SCUM.
respects they are equal to the older sorts,
much more tufted in habit, and better
garden-plants in every way. Among the
best kinds are Albino, Blue Gown, Blush
Queen. Bridal Wreath, George Muirhead,
Queenie, Lucy Franklin, Flower of Spring,
King of Whites, Sweet Lavender, and
Sylvia. These in their several shades of
colour are certainly some of the most
beautiful flowers ever seen. The best of
the older kinds with white flowers are Mrs.
Kinnear, Countess of Hopetoun, Violetta,
Mrs. Gray, and Marchioness of Tweeddale
(with a delicate bluish shade). Near these
creamy-whites come a group of creamy
or pale yellow-coloured kinds, such as |
mentioned above, George Lord, Henry IV.,
and Devonshire Cream. Among yellows
there is nothing better than Ardwell Gem,
.•*t».
A Tufted Pansy.
Pembroke, Molly Pope, Stephen, and
Mrs. Greenwood. Perhaps the most
precious of all are the lavenders and
delicate blues, such as Ariel, Florizel,
Azurea, Duchess of Sutherland, For-
midable, and Bessie Clarke. Of the
blues and rich dark purples we have
Archie Grant, Blue King, Holyrood,
Cliveden Purple, Lottie, and Max
Kolb.
Although we like the colours simple and
pure, there are other pretty ones of a
different kind, such as Columbine, Blue
Cloud, Duchess of Fife, Countess of
Kintore, Skylark. In the south, however,
they are uncertain, liable to vary much in
colour, and never good in effect like the
true selfs. Some kinds, like Violetta, are
white, running off to delicate bluish or
lilac hues. These delightful things are so
easily raised and crossed, th; t it might
almost be well if each garden had its own
colours, by the raising of a few kinds for
itself, so as to have as much variety as
possible.
These plants love a light and cool
moist soil. In northern districts they are
naturally more at home under ordinary
conditions than in the south, and to bring
them to perfection in the south, special
treatment is necessary.
For early spring-flowering the cuttings
should be rooted in July or August, and
planted out in their places the first or
second week in October. They commence
blooming early in April. In heavy soils,
that is, such as are liable to crack with
drought, use abundance of leaf-soil, burnt
ashes from the rubbish fires, and the like,
to bring them into better working. Also
select a dry time for digging, working
in the above with plenty of short manure
from an old Mushroom bed, and scattering
an inch or so on the surface for the roots
at planting time. Cuttings are better than
divisions ; particularly if they are made of
the young shoots stripped from the old
stool with a heel attached. To annually
obtain a supply of these cuttings it will be
necessary to plant out a reserve batch of
plants for the purpose. About the second
week in June, cut them back to within 2
in. of the soil. A month afterwards they
will be bristling with young shoots. As
soon as 3 in. long, scatter some fine soil
and leaf-mould among the young growths,
and keep well watered for a fortnight, by
which time the majority will be making
roots freely. A fortnight later they will be
ready for planting in nursery-beds in a
shady spot and in good soil. As growth
is renewed, pinch out the top of each to
encourage the quicker formation of shoots
at the base. By October there will be
some grand plants for putting into their
permanent quarters, full of youth and
vigour that will produce masses of flowers
by-and-by.
Virgilia. See CLADRASTIS.
VISCAEIA.— F. ociilata, a showy and
beautiful hardy annual from South Europe,
is well suited for a border. Seed should
be sown in spring or autumn, and the
seedlings thinned out when large enough.
V. oculata is 6 or 8 in. high, and bears a
profusion of rose-coloured blossoms with
a dark centre. The varieties cardinalis
(bright crimson-purple), coerulea (bluish),
alba (white), Dunnetti (rose), splendens
(scarlet), picta elegans (crimson purple,
edged with white), and a dwarf variety,
nana, about 9 in. high, are desirable.
VISCUM ALBUM (Mistletoe).— This
half-shrubby parasite on trees is often
VISCUM.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VITIS.
865
welcome in the pleasure ground or
orchard, and is not without beauty of
colour, but where abundant it is very
injurious to trees of all kinds, being a
true parasite and living on the sap of its
supporting tree. It grows on many trees,
both evergreen and summer-leafing —
orchard trees, limes, poplars, elms,
willows, hornbeam, beech, acacia, horse-
chestnut, firs — rarely on the oak in Britain.
In districts where the plant is wild, the
thrushes spread it about by wiping the
seeds off their bills on the bark. In
orchards or woods it is, where plentiful,
very injurious to both fruit trees and
a, Male blossom, b, Female ditto, d, Berry cut through, e. Seed, showing-
embryos, g, kmbryo magnified, h. Two embryos, with radicles ger-
minating, i, Single radicle, k. Side view of two radicles. /, Section of
the single radicle.
timber. As to the best way of increasing
this plant, Mr. F. W. Burbidge writes :—
" I find growth of the seeds certain if
they are placed on clean, fresh, smooth
bark in April or May, and then covered
with one thickness of black muslin or
lawn, so that birds do not peck them
away, as they do if unprotected. Many
make the mistake of putting on the seeds
at or about Christmas-time before they
have ripened enough to grow. Do not
cut slits in the bark in which to insert the
seeds ; the best way is simply to apply it
to the clean bark only.
"Apart altogether from its botanical
interest or its antiquarian lore, the mistle-
toe, when well grown in dense masses on
either apple or pear, really becomes an
effective plant in either garden or in the
winter landscape. The warm yellowish
sap-green or olive-green leaf masses
dangling from bare and leafless trunks
or branches are distinct and effective,
thickly set with the clustered berries that
glisten in the sunshine."
VITEX (ChasteTree\—V.Agnus-castus
is a very old S. European shrub, with
divided leaves, and in late summer,
clusters of small pale lilac flowers. It
grows 6 to 10 ft. high against a wall, but
even thus protected is liable to be killed
during a severe winter.
VITIS ( Vine).— Woody climbing shrubs
of much interest and garden value,
owing to their luxuriant habit,
grace, and handsome foliage, which
in several instances affords the
richest of colours — yellows, purples,
and crimsons.
Whilst some are valuable for the
walls of houses, others may be used
for covering arbours, pergolas, the
pillars of verandahs, old tree stumps
or sloping banks. In the case of
the stronger, taller-growing species
they may be made to clamber over
living trees. They are moisture-
loving plants, and require liberal
treatment. Where space is limited
they can be kept at any required
size by means of pruning, but the
best effects are, of course, obtained
where they can ramble without let
or hindrance. WThere they are in-
tended to spread over living trees,
they should always be planted
sufficiently far away from jthe trunk
to allow rain and light" to reach
them, and with good rich soil to
start in. In the majority of the
species increase can be accom-
plished by means of cuttings or by
single " eyes " treated like those of
the common Grape Vine, though some,
however, can only be increased by seeds.
Layering will occasionally prove success-
ful with those that refuse to root from
cuttings. Grafting should only be resorted
to as a last resource.
In the following enumeration the names
of Ampelopsis and Cissus are sunk under
Vitis.
V. SBStivalis (Summe* Grape}. — The
leaves are of a deep green colour when old,
but in a young state covered on the lower
surface with a reddish down. The leaves of
this measuring from 4 to 6 ins. across, the
berries small — about the size of Black
Currants — acid but edible. New England to
Florida and westwards.
V. californica (Calif omian Vine]. — This
if the best of the American Grape Vines, (ex-
3 K
866 VITIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VITIS.
eluding the Ampelopsis section) for colour in
autumn, and it is one of the strongest growers,
climbing over lofty trees. Its leaves, which
turn a deep crimson in autumn, are rounded
and covered with down.
V. COrdifolia (Frost Grape}.— A vigorous
Vine with thin, three-lobed leaves, measuring
3 to 6 ins. in diameter, the lobes ending in a
long, fine point. The berries are black and
only eatable, after frost. A moisture-loving
Vine, affecting in a wild state the banks of
streams. New England to Nebraska and
southwards.
are grown in the United States. It often
ascends high trees in its own country and may
be planted in ours with this end in view. New
England to Minnesota and southwards.
V. Vulpina (Son (hern Fox Grape}.— A
distinct Vine, the leaves are small (2 to 3 ins.
across) and rounded, smooth and shining on
both surfaces, bright green. Other American
Grape Vines worth growing, but possessing no
particular value beyond those already de-
scribed, are V. rnpestris^ arizojn'ca, and
cinerea (the downy Grape).
V. quinquefolia ( Virginian Creeper}.—
Vine growing on a gazeebo. From a photograph by Miss Willmott.
V. ripaiia (Riverside Vine}.— In this the
sweet, Mignonette-like perfume of the flowers
of many American Vines is in this species
especially apparent. The variety palmata has
the branchlets and frequently the petioles of a
red colour. Nova Scotia to Manitoba and
southwards.
V. LabrilSCa (Northern Fox Grape}.— Its
leaves are amongst the largest, both they and
the young branchlets being covered on the
under surface with a rusty-coloured or some-
times whitish down. In a wild state the fruit
has a musky flavour, but by cultivation it has
been much improved, and numerous varieties
This is better known as Ampelopsis (juinqitc-
folia, its foliage changing in the fall of the
year to various shades of crimson, scarlet, and
purple. For covering arbours, walls, verandahs,
or old tree stumps there is no climber which
produces so luxuriant an effect in so short a
time. Several varieties are in cultivation, viz.,
Major, incisa, hirsuta.
V. muralis ( Wall Vine\—k name current
in this country and on the Continent, whilst
the same plant is known in America as Vitis
Englemanni. It is a distinct form of the Vir-
ginian Creeper, possessing the same shaped
leaves and developing equally, or even more,
V1TIS.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
VITIS. 867
brilliant autumnal colours. This is self-sup-
porting, and will attach itself firmly to, and
climb to the tops of high walls— a useful quality.
Vitis Coignetise (Crimson-leaved Vine]. —
For many years a Vine clambering over a tall
Pine in Mr. Anthony Waterer's nursery at
Knap Hill has been at once a puzzle and a
delight to all who have seen it. The foliage
before falling turns a glorious crimson, making
one of the most beautiful of autumn garden
pictures. There is now every reason to
believe that it is Vitis Goignetice, of which
numerous plants have been lately raised in this
country from seeds collected in Japan. The
under-surface of the leaf is covered with a
V. inconstans.— As is the case with so
many of the Vines, this shows great variety in
the shape of the leaves, and this tendency to
variation shows itself also in the colours the
leaves put on in autumn. In the best forms
the leaves assume various rich tints of purplish-
red and crimson. There is also a form whose
foliage has a bronzy hue more or less through-
out the season, but especially when young.
Cuttings. Japan. Syns. Ampelopsis Veitchi
and A. tricuspidata.
V. Romaneti.— It has large leaves, differ-
ing from all the Vines in cultivation (except
Spinovitis Davidi] in having the branches and
petioles covered with bristles or stout hairs.
Vitis heterophylla variegata.
woolly-brown down, and in size of leaf and
vigour of growth it is at least the equal of any
other Vine.
V. heterophylla (Hop-leaved Vine}. — A
variety of this, known as humulifolia, is the
most beautiful of the various forms of this species,
and in autumn bears pretty turquoise-blue
berries. This Vine requires in most places a
position on a wall in order to induce it to fruit
with proper freedom, and succeeds better in
dry, poor soil. A variegated form is pretty,
the foliage being mottled with white or faint
pink. A sheltered, sunny position is neces-
sary to develop the variegation to its full
extent. China, Japan, and Corea.
Spinovitis Davidi is nearly allied to
V. Romaneti, having the same bristly or even
prickly character. Both this and V. Romaneti
assume purplish-red autumn tints.
V. Vinifera (Common Grape Fme).—Of
the numerous varieties of the common Grape
Vine the following may be alluded to : Pur-
purea. — This is one of the deepest purple-
foliaged plants we possess. Although the
colour becomes most intense in autumn the
leaves have a bronzy-purple tinge from the
first. Var. apiifolia is the Parsley- leaved
Vine. Its leaves are very deeply cut, fre-
quently into several leaflets, which are again
deeply lobed. Besides these there are the
3 K 2
868 WAHLENBERGIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. WAHLENBERGIA,
Miller's Grape, with smallish leaves covered
with white down, and the " Teinturier "
Grape, the leaves of which assume a beauti-
ful claret colour before they fall, and among
the large number of Vines grown in wine-
making countries there are many worth grow-
ing for the beauty of their leaves.
Brief mention may be made of the following
Asiatic species : V. Jicifolia, a distinct plant
with small round-lobed leaves like those of the
Fig ; V. flexuosa, V. Thunbergi, whose
foliage turns red in autumn ; and V. seriance-
folia, an interesting species of the Ampelopsis
group, with tuberous roots like a Dahlia, and
Claret-coloured Vine.
palmate or bipinnate foliage. All these
are natives of China and Japan. V. hima-
layana is a North Indian species with striking
trifoliate leaves. — W. J. B.
Vittadenia. See ERIGERON.
WAHLENBERGIA ( Tufted Hairbelt).
— A charming group of alpines, closely
allied to the Hairbells, and mostly in-
habiting the mountains of Dalmatia and
Asia Minor. They are all useful free-
flowering alpines, and hardy, forming
tufts which bear large heads of pretty,
bell-shaped, upright flowers, of various
shades of purple. The chief points in
their culture are full exposure, plenty of
sunshine, a free gritty soil, and raising
the plants above the surrounding level, so
that there is no possibility of stagnant
moisture remaining near them.
All the species are true perennials,
easily cultivated, vigorous, and free-
flowering. They are difficult to increase
by division on account of the long roots
they make, but they ripen seed freely,
which if sown directly it is gathered
rarely fails to germinate. Syn. Edrai-
anthus.
W. DALMATICA, a native of the moun-
tains of Dalmatia, is a tufted species with
narrow Grass-like leaves, 2 to 4 in. in
length, and flower-stems at first drooping,
afterwards erect, 4 to 6 in. high, with
large flowers of a violet-blue colour, in
clusters which appear in July and
August.
W. GRACILIS. — This is a variable
species from New Zealand, with square,
hairy, much-branched stems, the leaves
opposite, narrow toothed, and hairy, the
flowers terminal, erect, but nodding while
in bud, blue, large, and attractive, flower-
ing all through the summer. W. stricta,
littoralis, capillaris, and polymorpha are
varieties of this kind.
W. GRAMINIFOLIA is the commonest
and easiest to manage, forming tufts of
long Grass-like leaves, bearing bunches
of large purple flowers. It ripens seed
freely, and that scattered about in the
rock-garden usually germinates readily.
W. HEDERACEA (Ivy-leaved Hair-
belt). — A native plant closely allied to
Campanula. It has creeping thread-like
branches, which bear small leaves and
light blue flowers. There is about it an
interest and grace not found in other more
robust members of the family, especially
when seen interlaced with the pink Bog
Pimpernel on British bogs. Worthy of a
place for a moist spot in the rock or bog-
garden, and easily increased by division.
It is abundant in Ireland and the south
and west of England.
W. KlTAlBELl is a sturdy tufted species,
with large purplish blue flowers and
narrow toothed leaves.
W. PUMILIO forms a dwarf tuft of
narrow, needle-like leaves of a bluish tint,
half an inch or more in length, and has
large flowers of a reddish-lilac or bluish
colour, bell-shaped, numerous, and borne
erect on short stems, coming in succes-
sion on the tuft for more than two months
in May and June.
W. PUMILIORUM is the rarest, and al-
though little different from W. Pumilio,
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
WEIGELA.
869
it gives us another shade of colour, smaller
and narrower leaves, a more straggling
habit, and longer-tubed flowers. We find
it an excellent hardy plant for the rock-
garden, where on raised mounds of free
gritty soil it grows and flowers vigorously.
W. SAXTCOLA. — A beautiful species
from the mountains of New Zealand, with
leaves in close tufts and pretty flowers
which first appear in June and keep
coming in succession till November. It
is easily raised from seed and varies
greatly from white to deep blue. The
best forms can be increased by division.
It makes a handsome rock plant, and,
when left undisturbed and allowed to shed
its seeds freely, gives the cultivator no
trouble, but makes a highly attractive
picture.
W. SERPYLLIFOLIA, with its small and
Thyme-like leaves and abundance of
purple-blue flowers, is effective on ledges
in the rock-garden.
W. TENUIFOLIA is a dwarf compact
growing species, with hairy stems, short
slender leaves and small flowers, six to
ten in a head, violet-blue or whitish-
purple.
WAITZIA.— Half-hardy annual Com-
posites from Australia. Of the four kinds
of Waitzias in cultivation all are valuable
for their pretty flowers, which are useful
for winter bouquets. W. acuminata has
a variety with purple flowers, and another
with yellow flowers. W. aurea has bright
yellow flowers. W. corymbosa has white
and purple flowers, and the flowers of W.
grandiflora are like those of W. aurea, but
finer. All grow about I ft. high, and
require to be treated like other tender
annuals, such as Rhodanthe. They
succeed best in an open position in sandy
peat. Seeds. The seedlings should be
shifted into different-sized pots before
planting out in May. Waitzias flower in
August and September.
WALDSTEINIA.— Dwarf Rosaceous
plants, three of which, W. geoides, W. fra-
garioides, and W. trifolia, are in cultiva-
tion. The last is the most attractive, but
not one is ornamental enough for border
culture, but only for dry banks and such
places. Their yellow flowers appear in
spring.
WATSONIA (Bugle Lily}. — Bulbous
plants representing some of the most beau-
tiful of the large Iridaceous family. Several
of the finest were, long ago, favourites in
gardens. Watsonias cannot be called
hardy, but in the southern counties some
of them succeed perfectly in open borders.
There are only a dozen species and about
as many varieties, half of which are varia-
tions from W. Meriana. All the species
are natives of S. Africa, but their head-
quarters are at the Cape. There is a
great diversity of colours, and some of
the trade lists even advertise a " mixed "
selection representing " all colours." The
commonest species seem to be W. Meriana,
W. coccinea, W. iridifolia, W. rosea alba,
W. humilis, W. angusta (also known as
W. fulgida), and W. aletroides. All these
kinds are true Watsonias, and have much
more showy flowers than the other sec-
tions of the genus. The white Watsonia
(W. alba) is a lovely plant, flowering in
early summer. With regard to culture,
treatment similar to that recommended
for the early Gladioli will suit them.
Where they are grown in frames, a good
deal of trouble is saved, and they give
finer flowers as the young growths are
protected when they most need it.
Generally, however, it will be found best
to grow the plants in warm situations in
open borders of light rich soil. Of the
varieties offered in trade lists, the follow-
ing may be taken as representative : W.
coccinea, fulgens, Meriana, alba, humilis,
marginata, rosea, speciosa, fulgida, brevi-
folia, angustifolia, Grootvorst, Louis XVI.,
Wreede, Duchess, George IV. , Chilea,
Due de Berri, and Blucher.
WEIGELA (Busk Honeysuckle}.— The
Weigelas have long been in the front
rank of flowering shrubs, and are de-
servedly popular, being elegant, rapid in
growth, and beautiful in bloom. A multi-
tude of varieties have sprung from W,
floribunda, W. grandiflora (known also
as W. amabilis), W. rosea, and W. hor-
tensis. These are natives of China and
Japan, have been introduced within the
last forty years, and so much hybridised
that they are rarely found pure. The
most valuable sorts have come from W.
grandiflora, which has the largest flowers,
while the smaller, but more numerously-
flowered kinds, have originated from W.
rosea and W. floribunda. The varieties
have been raised chiefly on the Continent,
as may be inferred from their names. A
selection of the best kinds should include
the following : Abel Carriere, numerous
small flowers of deep red ; Isolina?, large
flowers of white or pale rose with yellow
markings ; Van Houttei, large and showy
white and red flowers ; Lemoinei, numer-
ous small deep crimson - red flowers ;
Groenowegenei, one of the best, the
flowers being large, of pink or pale rose,
with a yellow blotch ; striata, a pretty
sort, having flowers striped with red and
white ; Stelzneri, with numerous deep red
flowers ; Lavallei with numerous crimson
870
WHITLAVIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
WISTARIA.
red flowers ; hortensis nivea, more spread-
ing than that of others, with larger and
paler foliage, and large pure white
flowers; and Candida. If a large collec-
tion is needed, the following may be added
to those already enumerated : Carminea,
Emile Galle, Docteur Baillon, Edouard
Andre, Aug. Wilhelm, Diderot, Montes-
quieu, and Desboisi. The golden-leaved
W. Looymansi aurea is a very fine orna-
mental shrub, usually retaining its bright
golden foliage through the season. Its
variegated-leaved form is also excellent.
All sorts are of free habit if planted in
good soil in an open position. They
should never be crowded, but grown as
Weigela grandiflora.
isolated groups on lawns, or placed on
the margins of shrubberies. Weigelas
make large bushes, 6 to 10 ft. high and
as much in diameter, and their graceful
drooping branches are ornamental, even
when leafless in winter. They should be
top-dressed annually with good rich soil,
and pruned, leaving the vigorous stems
and the branches that yield the finest
bloom. Weigelas are now classed botani-
cally in the genus Diervilla, which also
includes other species, such as D. sessili-
flora and D. trifida, from N. America.
Neither of these is to be recommended
for general cultivation, though both are
worth planting for the bright tints of
their autumn foliage.
WHITLAVIA.— £K grandiflora is a
beautiful plant allied to the Nemophila, at-
taining a height of about i ft. of branched
growth, with an abundance of showy bell-
shaped blossoms of a rich deep blue. There
is a white variety, and also one called
gloxinioides with white and blue flowers.
W. grandiflora is a hardy annual, and
may be sown either in autumn or in
spring in the open border, in good
friable soil. California. Hydrophyl-
laceas.
WIGANDIA. — These noble-leaved
plants are natives of the Tropics, but they
succeed in the open air in summer. The
best is W. caracasana, from the moun-
tainous regions of New Granada ; but
even this will only succeed in the warm-
est and best sheltered southern gardens.
W. caracasana may be used with superb
effect either in a mass or as a single
plant. It is propagated by cuttings of the
roots, shoots, or from seeds, the young
plants grown in a moist and genial
temperature through the spring months,
and kept near the light, so as to preserve
the plant in a dwarf and well-clothed
condition. It should be very carefully
hardened off previous to being planted
out at the end of May. The stems of W.
macrophylla, from Mexico, are covered
with short stinging hairs, bearing brownish
viscid drops, which adhere to the hand
like oil. W. imperialis, a new variety,
is said to excel the others in its growth.
W. Vigieri is another fine kind, of quick
and vigorous growth, and of remarkable
habit. Its leaves are 3 ft. 9 in. long
(including the leaf-stalk), and are 22 in.
across, and its stem, nearly 7 ft. high and
3 in. in diameter, bears a column of leaves.
This plant is distinguished by its leaves
and stem being covered in a greater
degree with glossy, slender, stinging
bodies, so thick as to give the stems
a glistening appearance. W. urens is
often planted, but is decidedly inferior to
the foregoing, except in its power of sting-
ing, in which it is not likely to be surpassed.
All Wigandias have clusters of blue or
violet blossoms, which are not often
borne in the open air with us. In
their native habitats they range from
3 to 12 ft. high, W. caracasana being
the tallest.
WISTARIA (Glycine).~-1\K noblest
of all woody climbers ever introduced to
Europe. Besides giving a beautiful cover-
ing for houses or other buildings, the
common Wistaria is of great value used
in various other ways. It can be grown
on pergolas, on arbours, and even on
trees. In Mr. Waterer's nursery at Knap
Hill it has been trained up Laburnum
WISTARIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
WOODSIA.
87I
trees. In the end, no doubt, the Labur-
nums will get the worst of it, but mean-
while the two flower together, and the
pale blue-purple racemes of the Wistaria
and the golden ones of the Laburnum
make a fine contrast. An old Oak that
has seen its best days would be a suitable
support for it. In getting this or any
other climber to grow on living trees, the
difficulty is at the start, chiefly because
The White Wistaria, Tresserve.
of the living roots of the tree on which it
is to grow, and then the Wistaria should
be planted well away from the trunk
where sun and rain can reach it. A good
plan is to sink a large tub with the bottom
knocked out, and fill this with good rich
loam and leafmould, and by the time the
Wistaria has filled this with roots it will
be able to hold its own.
It now and then makes very graceful
standards at least in the good situations
in the south, and bowers and the most
beautiful lacework of summer-houses may
be formed with this climber alone. For
example, a strong framework of tent
shape might easily be covered with it.
The timbers or irons of the roof might be
close enough for the foliage of the Wistaria
to cast a slight shade over the interior, and
the motive for such a thing would be the
grace and beauty of the shrub when in
flower, garlanding it, and forming a
temple of graceful bloom.
W. CHINENSIS. — The oldest kind intro-
duced and so far the most beautiful. Its
single and double white forms are beautiful,
although neither of them flowers with anything
like the freedom of the true plant. The
double blue form is a poor thing, and in wet,
stormy weather these double varieties are more
liable to damage.
In the VAR. MACROBOTRYS the flowers are
of a paler shade of blue-purple, and the
racemes are longer, the flowers being farther
apart. A variegated form is not worth a place.
W. BRACHYBOTRYS. — Although nearly
seventy years since a Wistaria under this name
was brought to Europe from Japan by Siebold,
but little can be said of it. Judging
by published figures, it appears to be
no more than a dwarf variety of IV. chinensis,
with racemes of the same blue-purple flowers,
only shorter, as the specific name suggests.
Var. alba has been spoken highly of in the
United States, but I have never seen it.
W. MULTIJUGA (Japanese Gtycine]. — A
very beautiful plant with racemes often
between 2 ft. and 3 ft. long, flowering a
fortnight later than the Chinese Glycine, the
blossoms much less closely packed on the
spikes. The colour is not invariably the
same in different plants, but it is always a
variation of delicate lilac and white. The
variety alba has flowers wholly white, and
there are two forms of the plant in cultivation,
one with shorter racemes.
W. JAPONIC A. — The plant, a rare climber,
sometimes met with under this name belongs
to the closely allied genus Millettia. The
flowers appear in small racemose clusters in
June and July, and are white.
W. FRUTESCENS. — This is the only species
found wild in the New World. It is a
climber, but not a strong grower, the
flowers pale blue-purple, arranged densely in
racemes 3 ins. to 8 ins. long in June. There
are two varieties in cultivation, one, magnifica,
has racemes over I ft. in length ; the second is
a white form. — W. J. B.
WOODSIA.— These pretty deciduous
hardy Ferns are admirably suited for
a northern position in the alpine or rock-
garden. As they are impatient of sun-
shine, drainage should receive special
attention, and they should have a mixture
of fibry peat and loam, which has some
872 WOODWARDIA. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
YUCCA.
broken-up sandstone mixed with it. It is
a good plan to place Woodsias between
little blocks of sandstone which just peep
out of the soil. These blocks of stone
could be covered with Sedums and other
flowering rock plants. The best hardy
species are W. ilvensis and W. alpina ;
there is also a very beautiful North
American kind named W. obtusa.
WOODWARDIA.— There are a few
hardy species of these noble Ferns. All are
handsome, have broad beautifully arching
fronds, which are especially ornamental if ]
seen a little above the level of the eye.
Woodvvardias thrive under the ordinary
conditions of the hardy fernery, and
succeed in a shady position if they have a
light peaty soil that is moist in summer.
The principal hardy kinds are W. areolata I
(angustifolia) and W. virginica, both from
N. America ; W. japonica and W. orien-
talis, from Japan ; and W. radicans from
Madeira. W. radicans is the tenderest,
and requires a sheltered position, and< I
perhaps protection in severe cold.
WULFENIA.— W. carinthiaca is a re-
markably dwarf, almost stemless evergreen
herb, 12 to 18 in. high, bearing in summer
showy spikes of drooping purplish-blue
flowers. Found only on one or two moun-
tains in Carinthia. \V. carinthiaca is a pretty
plant for rock-gardens or borders, but
should have a light moist sandy loam. W.
Amherstiana from the Himalayas, similar
to the Carinthian species, but more showy,
rare, and we have seen it only in Kew
Gardens. It is hardy, grows freely in any
position in the rock-garden, but prefers a
shady spot and light rich soil. Scrophu-
lariaceae.
XANTHOCERAS (Chinese Chestnut}.
— X. sorbifolia is a beautiful dwarf hardy
tree, but not a rapid grower ; its leaves
elegant, and its flowers, which are white
and marked with red, borne in erect clus-
ters, but to thrive it requires a climate
warmer than that of Britain.
After having been for many years a
rare plant in English gardens it is becom-
ing more widely known and cultivated,
and among the gardens where it succeeds
well is that at Offington, Worthing, where
it has ripened its fruits, which recall to us
in form and size the fruits of the Horse
Chestnut. The seedlings raised from
English ripened fruits may give us fine
varieties, as there is a great difference
among individuals of this shrub as regards
the size of flower and cluster as well as
in the colour of the flowers. China. At
Kew it thrives but indifferently compared
with specimens I have seen in mild coast
gardens, but I imagine that against a
wall it succeeds better, for at Kew it
reaches the top of a 12 ft. wall, while as
an open bush it is only half that height.
XERANTHEMUM.— A', anmium is a
hardy annual, one of the prettiest of Ever-
lasting flowers, growing about 2 ft. high,
and, if sown in patches, yields abundant
masses of white, purple, and yellow
double, single, and semi-double blossoms.
A packet of mixed seed sown in any
ordinary garden soil in March will give a
variety of colours. The principal kinds arc
— Album, white ; imperiale, dark violet-
purple ; plenissimum, dark purple, double :
superbissimum, double, globe-flowered ;
and Tom Thumb, a compact dwarf variety.
The flowers are excellent for cutting, and,
if dried in autumn, are useful for winter
decoration. S. Europe. Composite.
XEROPHYLLUM (Turkey's Bearcfy
— X. asphodeloiaes is a beautiful tuberous-
rooted plant with the aspect of an Aspho-
del, forming a spreading tuft of grassy
leaves, its tall flower-stem terminated by
a raceme of numerous white blossoms.
It grows well in a moist, sandy, peaty
border, and in the drier parts of boggy
ground. Pine barrens in N. America.
X. tenax. — This very beautiful species
is found wild in various parts of North
America, especially in Pine barrens, on
the east and west sides of the continent.
The flower-stems 2 to 5 ft. high, the raceme
varying from I to 2 ft. long, the flowers
crowded and attractive, the segments
white with a violet centre. Division or
seed. D. K.
YUCCA (Adam's Needle}.— In its own
peculiar habit and style of growth the
Yucca has no rival among hardy plants.
Though the stiffest of all garden plants,
it has grace and elegance, under all con-
ditions, if the plant is not cramped for
room. Yuccas seem fitted for various
uses, as a single plant may stand alone on
a lawn, or in the centre of a bed, or
numbers may be grouped with other plants,
or form a bed by themselves. Yuccas look
especially well on rock-garden banks.
They are not very particular about soil,
but do not flourish so well in sand, chalk,
or peat. They are hardy save in very
severe winters and on cool soils. All of
the kinds mentioned below are so vigorous
that it is almost impossible to kill them.
Suckers, unless carefully taken, are apt to
die down to the ground when first planted ;
but if they are left alone they will
renew their growth in a few months.
There are several hardy species well suited
for the flower-garden, and quite distinct
YUCCA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
YUCCA.
873
from each other. The effect of well-de-
veloped Yuccas is equal to that of any hot-
house plant that we can venture to place in
the open air for the summer, while they
are green and ornamental at all seasons.
The free-flowering kinds, Y. filamentosa
and Y. flaccida, may be associated with
any of our nobler autumn-flowering plants,
from Gladiolus to the great Statice lati-
folia. Even species that do not flower
so often, like Y. pendula and Y. gloriosa,
are magnificent if grown in the full sun
and planted in good soil. Division of the
stem and the rhizome. Yuccas should be
Yucca.
planted singly, beginning with healthy
young plants, so as to secure perfect
specimens.
Y. aloifolia. — A distinct species, with
a stem which, fully developed, is as thick
as a man's arm, and 6 to 18 ft. high. The
numerous leaves of the plant are dark
green, but have a slight glaucous bloom ;
ascend rigidly; are 18 to 21 in. long,
broad at the middle, while their horny
margin is rolled in for 2 or 3 in. below the
point, and is finely toothed in the remain-
ing portion. The flowers are almost
white, and are borne in a vast pyramidal
panicle. Y. aloifolia is hardy, but is not
generally known to be so. It should be
tried on well-drained slopes in good sandy
loam. The finest varieties are quadricolor
and versicolor. Their leaves are variously
edged with green, yellow, and red. They
are hardy, but as they are yet far from
common, it will be best to use them in the
greenhouse or the conservatory, or to
place them in the open air during sum-
mer. They look very pretty when isolated
on the Grass, the pots being plunged to
the rim. S. America and W. Indies.
Y. angustifolia.— This is the smallest
of all the Yuccas. When in flower it is
not more than 3 ft. high. Its long strips
of leaves are nearly \\ ft. in length, but
are not more than \ in. in width. They
are thick and rigid, of a pale sea-green
colour, and fringed with white filaments.
Y. angustifolia bears a simple raceme of
white flowers slightly tinged with -yellow.
Till it is more plentiful, it should be grown
in warm borders, in well-drained sandy
loam. It is excellent for rock-gardens.
N. America.
Y. canaliculata.— The leaves of this
Yucca are entire — i.e. neither toothed nor
filamentose at the margin, and form a
dense rosette on a stem I or 2 ft. high.
Each leaf is 20 to 24 in. long, and 2 to 2|
in. broad at the middle, strong, rigid, and
deeply concave. The flowers are creamy-
white, and borne in a large panicle 4 or 5
ft. high. It is well suited for isolation or
groups, but, till more plentiful, should be
encouraged in favourable positions and on
warm soils. Mexico.
Y. filamentosa.— A well-known species,
with apple-green leaves and a much-
branched panicle, 4 to 6 ft. high. It
varies very much when raised from seed.
One variety (concava) has short, strong,
broad leaves, which are more concave
than those of the type ; another variety
(maxima) has narrow leaves which, though
nearly 2 ft. long, are only i\ in. broad. It
has a panicle 7 to 8 ft. high. Y. filamen-
tosa flowers with much vigour and beauty.
It has a fine variegated variety. All the
varieties of Y. filamentosa thrive best in
peaty or fine sandy soil. N. America.
Y. flaccida. — A stemless species, some-
what resembling Y. filamentosa, but
smaller, has a downy branching panicle,
3 or 4 ft. high, and bears close rosettes of
leaves 18 to. 24 in. long, and about \\ in.
broad at the middle. They are often
fringed with filaments, the young ones
nearly erect, and the old ones abruptly
reflexed in the middle, and appearing
almost broken. This gives such an
irregular aspect to the tufts, that it is
easily distinguished from any of the
varieties of Y. filamentosa. Y. flaccida
874
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ZEA.
also flowers more regularly and abund-
antly than Y. filamentosa, and is well
suited for groups of the finer hardy plants,
for borders, or to plant in large isolated
tufts. N. America.
Y. glaucescens. — A free-flowering
kind, with a panicle 3 or 4 ft. high, and
sea-green leaves, about 18 in. long, with
a few filaments on the margins. The
flowers are greenish-yellow, when in bud
tinged with pink, which gives the whole
inflorescence a peculiarly pleasing tone.
It is a very useful and ornamental sort,
fine for groups, borders, isolation, or for
placing among low shrubs. N. America.
Y. gloriosa. — A large and imposing
Yucca of distinct habit and somewhat
rigid aspect. Its flower-stem is over 7
ft. high, much branched, and bears an
immense pyramidal panicle of large al-
most white flowers. Its numerous leaves
are stiff and pointed. It is one of the
noblest plants in our gardens, and is
suitable for almost any position. It varies
very much when grown from seed, and
this is a good recommendation, as the
greater variety of fine form we have the
better. Its chief varieties are Y. g. longi-
folia, plicata, maculata, glaucescens, and
minor. The soil should be a rich deep
loam. N. America.
Y. pendula.— Perhaps the best species,
considering its graceful habit, vigour and
hardiness. It grows about 6 ft. high ; its
leaves, at first erect and of a sea-green
colour, afterwards become reflexed and
change to a deep green. Old and well-
established plants standing alone on the
Grass are pictures of grace and symmetry,
from the lower leaves which sweep the
ground to the central ones that point up
as straight as a needle. It is amusing to
think of people putting tender plants in
the open air, and running with sheets to
protect them from the cold and rain of
autumn and early summer, while perhaps
not a good specimen of this fine plant is
to be seen in the place. There is no
plant more suited for planting near
flower-beds or for associating with them.
N. America. = Y. recurva.
Y. Treculeana. — This species is one
of the most remarkable, both from its
habit and from the dimensions of its
leaves. Like many Yuccas of its family,
young specimens of Y. Treculeana differ
considerably from those which have
reached maturity. Thus, while the leaves
of young specimens are bent, and generally
inflected, those of mature specimens are
erect, rigid, long, and straight. The stem
of the plant is about 10 in. in diameter,
and furnished on all sides with leaves '
about 4 ft. long, straight, thick, and deeply
channelled, very finely toothed on the
edges, and end in a stiff sharp point. The
stout branched flower-stalk is about 4 ft.
long, the branches erect, 12 to 20 in. long,
bearing flowers with long narrow petals
of a shining yellowish-white. If placed
singly it is excellent for banks and knolls,
and is also suitable for the boldest groups.
Texas.
Any one wishing to have a distinct
collection of Yuccas would find the kinds
mentioned suitable, but there are several
other species more or less desirable.
The dead flower-stems of Yuccas make
capital supports for delicate creepers.
ZAPANIA (Creeping Vervain}.— Z.
nodiflora is a pretty, spreading trailer, with
prostrate stems 2 or 3 ft. in length, which
late in summer bear small round heads
of little purplish flowers. Suitable for the
rougher parts of the rock-garden, for
borders or edgings in free warm soil.
Asia and America. Syn. Lippia nodiflora.
ZAUSCHNERIA (Californian Fuch-
sia).— Z. californica is a distinct and
bright perennial hardy in warm soils in
sheltered places, but in cold localities
requiring a little winter protection, such
as a covering of ashes. It grows 12
to 1 8 in. high, and yields an abundance
of gracefully drooping bright vermilion
flowers during summer and autumn. It
flourishes in sandy loam in the rock-
garden, and grows capitally on an old
wall, but on heavy and moist soils does
not thrive. California. Division or seed.
ZEA (Indian Corn). — Z. Mays is one
of the noblest of the Grasses that thrive
in our climate, almost indispensable to
our gardens, and has a fine appearance
either isolated or associated with other
fine-leaved plants. Cuzko and Caragua
are the largest of the green varieties,
and gracillima the smallest and most
graceful. The variegated or Japanese
Maize is a handsome variety that comes
true from seed. It is useful for inter-
mingling with arrangements of ordinary
bedding plants for vases ; and may be
grown in light, rich, warm soil in the
margins of beds of sub-tropical plants,
or in any position where its variegation
may be well seen, and where its grace-
ful leaves are effective. It has a habit
of breaking into shoots rather freely
near the base of the central stem, and
this should recommend it for planting
on the turf in an isolated manner, or in
groups of three or five. The seeds of
the Maize should be sown on a gentle
hot-bed in April, although seeds will
ZELKOWA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
ZINNIA.
875
occasionally succeed out-of-doors. Gradu-
ally harden off the plants before they have
made more than three or four little leaves,
keeping them in a cool frame near the
glass, so as to keep them sturdy, finally
exposing them by taking off the lights.
This method is perhaps the more desirable
in the case of the variegated Maize, which
does not grow so vigorously as the green
kinds. In no case should the plants be
drawn up long in heat, for if they are
they will not thrive so well. The first
few leaves of the variegated kind are
green, but soon begin to manifest the
striping. The plants should be planted
out about the middle of May.
ZELKOWA ( Water Elm}.— Elm-like
summer-leafing trees, distinct in form.
Several kinds are in cultivation, acumi?iata
of Japan, crenata of the Caucasus (Syn.,
Planera Richardi). Verschaffelti of East-
ern Asia, and aquatica of N. America.
In Britain these trees take their place
among the trees of a secondary nature,
not being very remarkable for growth or
flower, though the form of one kind
(crenata) is distinct and good. Syn.,
Planera.
ZENOBIA.— Z. speciosa is one of the
most beautiful shrubs in the Heath family,
about a yard high, with small roundish
leaves of a pale green. In the variety
pulverulenta, the leaves are almost white,
covered with a mealy glaucescence ;
flowers, white and wax-like in form, re-
sembling those of Lily of the Valley, come
in summer in beautiful loose drooping
clusters. A well-flowered specimen is
most charming, and lasts for some weeks
in beauty, thriving in a peaty soil or a
sandy loam. It comes from the South-
ern United States ; and is therefore
not absolutely hardy. In nurseries it
is known as Andromeda cassiniasfolia
and A. speciosa, and its variety Z. pulveru-
lenta as A. dealbata and A. pulverulenta.
ZEPHYRANTHES (Zephyr-flower).—
This beautiful flower has been termed the
Crocus of America. There are about
fourteen species, — low-growing bulbous
plants, with grassy leaves, which appear
in spring with or before the Crocus-like
flowers, which are white or rosy-pink,
large and handsome. Zephyranthes re-
quire rest during winter, and at that
season are best kept dry. In spring they
should be planted out in the full sun in
sandy soil. They do well in the green-
house, four or six being planted in a pot.
Offsets. The valuable species are : —
Z. Atamasco (Atamasco Lily}.— This
handsome plant is a native of N. America,
where it is a conspicuous ornament of
damp places in woods and fields. Its
glossy leaves appear at the same time
as the blossoms, and slightly exceed them
in height. The white flowers are striped
with rose, are about 3 in. long, and borne
singly upon a scape 6 in. high. It flowers
from May to July, grows well in the
open border, and increases rapidly by
offsets, which should be removed and
divided in the spring of every third or
fourth year. Z. Candida is similar, but
less hardy.
Z. carinata. — This lovely plant has
narrow leaves, and its flower-stem, which
is about 6 in. high, bears a delicate rosy
flower, 2 or 3 in. long. It blossoms freely
in the open border if kept dry in winter,
and should be grown in light sandy loam.
S. America. Z. rosea, a beautifu species,
with flowers of a bright rose, is a native
of the mountains of Cuba.
Z. tubispatha. — A handsome plant,
bearing a white, slightly fragrant flower,
2 or 3 in. long. It is a native of Antigua,
and of the Blue Mountains of Jamaica.
Though properly a stove plant, it will
thrive and flower well in mild localities,
if well protected in winter. A pretty
pink hybrid between this species and Z.
carinata is sometimes met with under the
name of Z. Spofforthiana. Z. Treatiae,
a new species resembling Z. Atamasco,
is too rare for us yet to speak of its
culture.
ZIETENIA.— Z. lav andula folia is a
dwarf, creeping, half-shrubby perennial of
a grayish hue, 6 to 12 in. high, with purple
flowers in summer, borne in whorls,
forming a spike about 6 in. long, with a
slender downy stalk. Suitable for the
margins of borders and the rougher parts
of the rock-garden, or for naturalisation in
ordinary soil. Division. Caucasus.
ZINNIA.— Half-hardy annual plants of
splendid colour and thriving best in our
country on good warm soils. They are
among the most effective of summer-
blooming plants, and they flower well until
autumn. Their blooms are not easily
injured by inclement weather, but retain
all their freshness and gay colouring at a
time when many bright flowers present but
a sorry appearance. In mixed borders,
and in beds among sub-tropical plants,
well-grown Zinnias are always attractive,
but require a deep loamy soil and a
warm open situation. Seed should be
sown in gentle warmth. Nothing is
gained by sowing before the middle or
end of March, as, if the young plants have
to stand for a considerable time before
being planted, they are apt to become
root-bound and stinted for nutriment, and
876 ZINNIA.
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN,
ZYGADEXUS.
to lose something of that fresh free
growth which should be maintained until
they come into flower. If the tissues
once harden so much as to bring the young
plants to a standstill, there will be little
chance of rapid progress when they are
set out in the open ground. Indeed, it is
not advisable to plant them out much
before the second week in June, as
they are very sensitive to atmospheric
changes, and are completely ruined by
a few degrees of frost. Plant them in
well-stirred, fairly-enriched soil and in
full exposure, for they love to bask in the
sun's fiercest rays, and demand merely
a surface-covering, to protect the roots,
and a constant supply of moisture. In a
bed by themselves, they would be greatly
improved if the soil were thrown out, and
a good depth of fermenting manure were
well trodden in, and the soil replaced.
Both the single and double Zinnias are
fine garden plants, and display a diversity
and brilliancy of colour equalled by few
plants. The double forms have of late
been most in request, although both the
double and single varieties have been
greatly improved. There is one good
characteristic about double Zinnias — they
are not all so rank and unwieldy as the
single types, dwarfing having gone hand-in-
hand with multiplying petals in the flowers.
Selection has also done something to
induce a better habit ; and it will be ob-
served that particular types of flower often
improve in habit and bloom at the same
time. Some of the single Zinnias are very
beautiful, for instance, the yellow, carmine,
rosy-purple, scarlet, crimson, and orange
kinds. Z. elegans is the species from
which the numerous varieties mentioned
in catalogues have been derived. Z.
Darwini is a beautiful hybrid with very
double flowers of various colours. Z.
Haageana, known also as Z. mexicana, has
a very neat habit, and rich orange-yellow
blossoms ; it also occurs with double
flowers.
ZYGADENUS. — Plants of the Lily
family, of no great ornamental value, for
their flowers are all greenish-yellow, but
their distinct growth makes them worth
cultivating in a botanical or a full col-
lection. They are slender bulbous
plants, with narrow grassy leaves, and tall
branching flower-stems, I to 4 ft. high. Z.
Fremonti (also known as Z. glaberrimus,
Z. chloranthus, and Z. Douglasi) is the
largest flowered species. The other kinds
are Z. Nuttalli and Z. paniculatus. Zygadeni
thrive best in a moist peaty border in a
shady position protected from cold winds.
California.
FLOWER GARDEN PESTS.
BY no means the least of the difficulties
that the cultivator of plants has to con-
tend with is the number of different kinds
of insects that feed on the objects of his
care, at times rendering all his efforts of j
no avail. To keep a garden tolerably free
from insect pests is never an easy task, I
and in some seasons an utterly impossible
one, but a great deal may be done by a I
little well-directed care. Prevention is, |
of course, " much better than cure," and a
great deal may be done in this way by
never allowing any weeds to grow in a
garden, as the insects that feed on them
often prefer those in cultivation. A weedy,
uncared-for corner in a garden is a regular
nursery for all sorts of insects. Rubbish,
stones and the refuse of a crop should
never be allowed to lie about, as they
form a welcome shelter to many kinds of
pests. Anything taken from a plant that
has been attacked by an insect or fungus
should at once be burnt. Some plants
suffer most from the attacks of insects
when they are quite young ; in such cases
the plants should be pushed into vigorous
growth as quickly as possible by suitable
cultivation. Birds should be encouraged
in gardens. Few persons realise the
enormous number of insects killed by
them, especially during the breeding
season, when nearly all the young birds
are fed on animal food. Toads also are
most useful creatures in gardens, and
should be encouraged far more than they
are. All dead leaves should be collected
and burnt, unless they are required for
leaf-mould, when they should be made
into a heap as soon as possible. Any
leaves that do not fall with the others
should be picked off and burnt, as they
often contain chrysalides. When borders
are being dug, a sharp look-out should be
kept for chrysalides or cocoons which
may be turned up. Any ground that is
not in use should be kept well hoed and
broken up. This will keep down weeds
and expose any insects which may be in
the soil to the birds. As soon as the
attack of any insect is noticed, steps
should at once be taken to check it, as in
this case the old proverb, "A stitch in
time saves nine," is especially true. If
ants are seen running over plants, it is
generally the case that the latter are in-
fested by aphides or scale insects, and
when ants make their nests at the roots
of plants it will often be found that the
roots are attacked by one of the root-
feeding aphides.
Remedies will be applied in a more
intelligent manner if those who use them
are acquainted with a few elementary
entomological facts ; so it may be men-
tioned that a typical female insect when
in a perfect state lays eggs ; from these
are hatched grubs, maggots or caterpillars,
according to the kind of insect ; these
usually feed voraciously and increase
rapidly ; they change their skins several
times, and when full grown become
chrysalides ; from these in due course the
perfect insect emerges. Butterflies, moths
beetles, bees, wasps, ants and some other
kinds of insects undergo these changes,
which are very marked. Others, such as
crickets, grasshoppers, cockroaches, bugs,
earwigs, green flies and scale insects,
really go through the same changes, but
they are much less apparent ; the young
just hatched from the egg very much
resembles its parents. It is, of course,
very much smaller and is never winged,
but there is a general family resemblance
'between them. The young one as it
grows at times changes its skin, and at a
certain change the wings may be seen in
a very rudimentary condition. The insect
is then in the state that answers to the
chrysalis state in the other insects, and on
the next change of skin the insect appears
in its mature condition. After attaining
this period in its existence it never grows.
A butterfly, bee, wasp, fly, or whatever
the insect is, when in its perfect state
never becomes any larger. All insects in
their mature condition have a general
similarity in their structure, although it
may not always be easy to trace the three
divisions in which they are formed, namely,
head, thorax or forebody, and body, which
in a wasp are particularly well marked.
878
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
The head is furnished with the organs of
the mouth, the feelers or antennae, and
eyes. To the forebody are attached the
legs and the wings. The body contains
the breathing, digestive and other in-
ternal organs. Every insect should have
three pairs of legs and two pairs of wings,
but in some kinds the latter are altogether
wanting, or there is only one pair. Insects
do not breathe through openings in their
heads, as the higher animals do, but, as
a rule, through pores arranged along their
sides, which lead into tubes that convey
the air to all parts of the body.
Insecticides act upon insects in different
ways ; some smother the insects by clog-
ging their breathing apparatus, or by
their action on their skins, others by
poisoning their food. Those first men-
tioned should be used in the case of
insects which feed by suction, the others
when the insects have biting mouths.
Insecticides, as a rule, have no effect on
the eggs, so that it is always best in the
case of insects that breed very rapidly to
use them again in the course of a few
days, and perhaps even a third time, so
as to make sure that the pest has been
exterminated. There are now several
kinds of spraying machines and spraying
nozzles in the market. With them the
insecticides can be used much more eco-
nomically than with an ordinary syringe,
and they can be applied with greater
ease to the undersides of the leaves
where the insects are as a rule.
INSECTICIDES.
Carbolic acid (crude) i pint, soft soap
i quart, water I gallon, or carbolic acid i
part, water 50 to 100 parts.
Paraffin i wineglassful, soft soap i pint,
mixed very thoroughly together with a
little hot water, and then add one gallon of
water. This must be kept well stirred.
PARAFFIN EMULSION. — Soft soap i
quart, well mixed in 2 quarts of boiling
water, while hot add i pint of paraffin oil,
churn or pump the mixture through a
garden engine for 5 or 10 minutes, then
dilute ten or twelve times with water, and
add a quarter of a pint of turpentine. Or
condensed milk i to i£ pints, water 3
pints, mix together and add i gallon of
paraffin, churn until it forms a butter,
dilute with ten or twelve times its bulk of
water
QUASSIA EXTRACT. — Boil 6 ozs. of
quassia chips in a little water for half an
hour, strain off the liquor and add it to
4 ozs. of soft soap and mix thoroughly in
5 gallons of water ; if it is to be used to
kill red spider, add half a pound of flowers
of sulphur.
TOBACCO WATER.— Boil i oz. of strong
tobacco in half a gallon of water and strain
when cold.
SOLUBLE PARAFFIN.— Half a pint to 2
gallons of water for mealy bug, quarter of
a pint to 2 gallons of water for aphides or
red spider.
The water used with insecticides should
always if possible be soft water ; if this be
impossible add a little soda.
PLANTS AND THEIR PESTS.
Anemone See snake millipedes and wire-
worms.
Aster ,, common dart moth.
Auricula ... . ,, common dart moth.
Balsam ,, common dart moth.
Carnations ,, aphides, bulb mite, Carnation
fly, frcghopper, earwig, red
spider, thrips, and wire-
worms.
Chrysanthemum... ,, aphides, froghopper, earwigs,
Marguerite Daisy fly, plant
bugs.
Cyclamen ,, aphides, black Vine weevil,
slugs, wireworms.
Dahlias ,, common dart moth, earwigs,
thrips.
Ferns ,, black Vine weevil, froghopper,
plant bugs, various cater-
pillars.
Fuchsia , aphides, red spider.
Gladiolus ,,, red spider, wireworms.
Hyacinth ,, bulb mites, Narcissus fly.
Lilies ,, aphides, bulb mites, wire-
worms, snake millipedes.
Mignonette ,, white Cabbage butterfly.
Narcissus ,, bulb mite, Narcissus fly, snake
millipedes.
Paeonies ,, Rose beetle.
Pansies ,, slugs, snails, snake millipedes.
Phlox ,, froghopper, thrips.
Rose ,, aphides, bell moths, Rose bee-
tle, Rose gall fly, red spider,
scale insects, sawflies.
Stocks ,, snake millipedes.
Verbascums , Mullein moth.
ANTS (Lasius niger). — Ants are not
injurious directly to flowering plants in
any way, but they are so at times by mak-
ing their nests at the roots of plants.
When this is the case it will generally be
found that the plant is infested at the roots
by one of the root-feeding aphides, and
that the ants chose the locality on that
account, so that they might benefit by the
sweet substance secreted by the aphides.
When a plant is overrun by ants it is an
almost certain sign that it is infested by
aphides or scale insects. Ants may be
destroyed by pouring boiling water, para-
ffin oil, carbolic or sulphuric acid, diluted
with ten or twelve times their bulk of
water, into their nests. If in a position in
which it is undesirable to use any of these,
a garden pot with the holes at the bottom
closed and partially filled with leaves
should be inverted over the entrance to
the nest, and the ground round the nest
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
879
kept well watered ; the ants will soon leave
the damp earth and move their nest into
the dry pot. In about a fortnight the pot
may be removed and its contents thrown
into a pail of boiling water.
APHIDES (the family to which the green-
fly and other nearly allied insects belong)
may be destroyed in various ways, but
whatever means are used no time should
be lost in applying them as soon as the
insects are noticed, as the latter increase
and multiply in the most rapid manner.
Spraying or syringing the plants is one of
the most effectual methods of killing
these pests. For this purpose use the
extract from 6 oz. of quassia chips, 4 oz. of
soft soap, well mixed and added to 5 gallons
of water ; paraffin emulsion, or a quarter of
a pint of soluble paraffin in two gallons of
water. They may also be destroyed when
the plants are wet by dusting them with
snuff, powdered tobacco,or Pyrethrum pow-
der (commonly known as insect powder),or
they may be killed by tobacco smoke.
This can be effected out of doors by
covering the plant with some tolerably air-
tight cloth and applying the smoke with a
fumigator. When pruning Roses in the
spring or autumn, the shoots cut off should
always be burnt, as they may have some
eggs of these insects on them.
BELL MOTHS OR ROSE TORTRICES
(Tortricidae). — The caterpillars of several
members of this family attack the leaves
and flower-buds of Roses, rolling up and
feeding on the leaves, and eating the young
petals, or making holes in the buds. From
the sheltered positions that they occupy,in-
secticides are almost useless ; pinching the
curled leaves is the easiest way of killing
them, if you can be quite sure that the
intended victim has not dropped out before
your fingers closed on the leaf ; or a basket
may be held under the leaf or bud, which
should be cut off so that it falls into the
basket. The leaves and buds should then
be burnt or crushed.
THE BULB MITE (Rhizoglyphus echin-
opus).— This little mite feeds on the bulbs
of Hyacinths, Daffodils, and probably on
those of other bulbous plants. It also
attacks the stems of Carnations. It is
impossible to make any insecticide reach
them while the bulbs are in the soil, and
even when taken up, as the mites work
between the scales of the bulbs, it is only
after many hours soaking that they can be
reached. For this purpose use the extract
from 4 oz. of quassia chips mixed in 2
gallons of water, or 3 Ib. of sulphide of
potassium dissolved in one gallon of water.
The bulbs should be allowed to soak in one
of these mixtures for twenty-four hours,
and even then it may not be successful, as
it is very difficult to make fluid pass freely
between the scales of the bulbs, as there
is often air imprisoned there. Immersing
the bulbs in water at a temperature of 120°
Fahr. for a quarter of an hour would, I
believe, kill them ; the mites when taken
from the bulbs and placed in water at 115°
Fahr. died in less than five minutes. The
mites are only about one-twentieth of an
inch in length, and are of a milk-white
colour, and may be easily mistaken for
grains of sand, but they may readily be
detected with a good pocket lens.
THE CARNATION FLY(Hylemyianigre-
scens). — The grubs of this fly feed on the
pith of the stems of Carnations, doing
much injury to the plants. The grubs,
each about three-eighths of an inch in
length, are nearly white with dark heads.
There is no remedy but burning the
affected plants.
THE COCKCHAFER OR MAY BUG (Melo-
lontha vulgaris). — This insect is injurious
to plants both as a beetle and as a grub j the
cockchafers feed on the leaves of various
trees, and the grubs on the roots of most
plants. It appears to be useless to try
and kill the grub with any insecticide, but
strong salt and water, or gas liquor diluted
with ten times its bulk of water, renders
the soil distasteful to them. The only
practical way of destroying them is to open
the ground round a plant which is attacked
and find the grub. When full grown the
grubs are each about two inches long and
half an inch in diameter. They usually
lie in a curved position, are whitish in
colour, but the tail, which is the thickest
part of the body, is bluish. As they take
three years to come to maturity, one grub
will do an enormous amount of damage in
the course of its life. The cockchafers
may be shaken or beaten off the trees in
the middle of the day, when they are
generally sluggish, and crushed or col-
lected as they lie on the ground.
DADDY-LONGLEGS OR CRANE FLY (Tip-
ula oleracea). — The grubs of this insect are
among the most mischievous of our gar-
den pests, as they destroy the roots of
turf and many other plants they will eat
right through the tap-root, and then go on
to another plant and do the same. They are
greyish brown grubs ; when full grown they
are each about one and a half inches long
and about a quarter of an inch in diameter,
thickest near the tail, and tapering towards
the head. They are commonly known by
the name of leather jackets. They are
very difficult to kill, and when below the
surface of the ground, as they usually are,
no insecticide can be made to reach them
88o
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
with fatal effect. Watering very thor-
oughly with strong liquid manure, such as
a solution of guano, salt, or nitrate of
soda, has been found beneficial, as it is
distasteful to the grubs and stimulates the
plants. They may be trapped by burying
slices of Turnips, Mangold, Carrots, or
Potatoes about an inch below the surface ;
each slice should have a small skewer
stuck into it, so that it may be more
easily found. The traps should be exam-
ined every morning.
THE COMMON DART MOTH (Agrotis
segetum). — The caterpillars of this very
common moth live on the roots of many
different plants grown in gardens. Their
favourites are Auriculas, Dahlias, China
Asters, and Balsams. They usually feed on
the crowns or just below them, and often
bite right through the roots. They feed
at night, lying hidden under stones, clods,
or some similar shelter during the day.
Warm soap and water applied to the roots
of the attacked plants until the cracks and
holes in the ground are filled will bring the
caterpillars to the surface, but turning up
the ground with a spud and picking out
the pests is the most practical way of
killing them. A full-grown caterpillar is
from one and a half inches to two inches
in length, and are of a smoky yellow col-
our with various small black spots and
paler longitudinal stripes.
THE EARWIG (Forficula auricularis)
feeds on many kinds of flowers, but is par-
ticularly fond of those of the Dahlia,
Chrysanthemum and Carnation. The only
way of destroying them is by trapping
them, or, as they are night feeders, by
catching them on the flowers after dark.
The best traps are the hollow stems of
Sunflowers or Broad Beans, from which
they may be blown into a basin of boiling
water, or water on which a little paraffin is
floating, small garden pots filled with dry
Moss or hay, or pieces of paper crumpled
up. Or pieces of sacking or canvas, tied
so that they hang in folds, or folded and
laid upon the ground at the foot of the
plants, are also very useful traps. In
fact anything in which they can hide dur-
ing the day is useful.
THE FROG-HOPPER (Aphrophora spu-
maria). — The well-known little masses of
froth so often seen on plants, and com-
monly called cuckoo spit or frog spittle,
are formed by this insect when in its im-
mature state, as a covering to itself, and
the amount of sap withdrawn from the
plant for the sustenance of the insect and
the formation of the froth is very consider-
able and the cause of much injury to the
plant. Honeysuckles, Lavender, Lilies,
Carnations, Phloxes and grasses are
among the plants which suffer most from
their attacks. The best way to destroy
this insect is to remove it with a small,
stirfish brush, which should then be dipped
in a pan of water; or the shoots and leaves
may be drawn through the fingers, which
should be dipped in water, to remove the
froth and insects, before cleansing another
leaf. Syringing is not of much use, as
probably only the froth would be washed
off.
THE MARGUERITE DAISY FLY (Phyto-
myza affinis).— The grubs of this insect
burrow in the leaves of these Daisies, and
also in those of Chrysanthemums, Ciner-
arias, and other composite plants, and feed
on their inner substance. When many
leaves are attacked in this way, the plants
are not only rendered unsightly by the
discolouring and blistering ' of the
leaves, but they suffer very considerably in
health. The best way of destroying this
insect is by cutting off the infested leaves
and burning them, or, if the attack has
only just commenced, by pinching the
leaves at the part where the grubs are.
Syringing with insecticides is not of much
use, as they would not reach the grubs,
but they would have the effect probably of
preventing the flies from laying their eggs
on the leaves, if they could be applied at
the right time.
THE MULLEIN MOTH (Cucullia ver-
basci). — The caterpillars of this moth feed
on the leaves and flowers of the Mulleins,
and when abundant quite ruin the appear-
ance of the plants. When full-grown
they are about two inches long and of a
greenish-white colour, with a yellow band
across each joint, on which are several
large black spots, so that they are con-
spicuous insects and may easily be picked
off by hand.
PLANT BUGS (Hemiptera). — These in-
sects are often injurious to the foliage and
buds of plants, the buds of Chrysanthe-
mums being frequently injured by them.
These insects, of which there are many
species, are provided with a long beak,
with which they suck the juices of the
leaves and buds. They vary much in
size ; the species that attacks Chrysan-
themums is about one-eighth of an inch
in length, the head and forebody are black,
and the wings brownish yellow. The
perfect insects run and fly readily, so that
it is not easy to kill them, but in their
immature condition they have no wings,
and may be killed by syringing or spray-
ing the plants with paraffin emulsion
or quassia extract and soft soap.
RED SPIDER (Tetranychus telarius).—
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
88 1
This most annoying pest is often very
destructive to the foliage of plants, par-
ticularly to those which are dry at the
roots. The best way of destroying them
is by spraying or syringing with one of the
following mixtures : i Ib. of flowers of
sulphur and 2 Ibs. of fresh lime, boiled in
4 gallons of water, then add i^ Ib. of soft
soap, and, before using, 3 more gallons of j
water ; or the extract from 6 oz. of quassia
chips, 4 oz. of soft soap, and half a pound I
of flowers of sulphur, well mixed, added j
to 5 gallons of water ; paraffin emulsion ;
or 2 oz. or 3 oz. of Gishurst compound in
1 gallon of water.
THE ROSE BEETLE OR GREEN ROSE
CHAFER (Cetonia aurata). — This hand-
some metallic green beetle is unfortu-
nately very injurious to the flowers of the |
Rose, Paeony, Candytuft, Lilac, Elder, j
and several other trees and plants. Their
grubs also are destructive to the roots of
many plants. They are very much like
those of the cockchafer, and are frequently
mistaken for them, and are each about
i^ inches in length and scarcely half an
inch in diameter, of a dirty white colour.
The tail, which is the thickest part of the
insect, is bluish. They lie in a curved
position some 2 inches or 3 inches below
the surface, so that no insecticide can
reach them. Watering very freely with
liquid manure or soapsuds is distasteful
to them and may make them shift their
quarters. The beetles are each about
three-quarters of an inch in length, and
are so conspicuous that they may easily be
picked off the flowers.
THE ROSE GALL-FLY (Rhodites rosae).
—These gall-flies lay their eggs in the
young shoots, and in the midribs of the
leaves of Briers, the young grubs from j
which form the curious mossy galls for-
merly known as " bedeguars," sometimes
2 inches or 3 inches in diameter, often
seen on Briers, and at times on other
Roses. The best way of destroying this
insect is to cut off and burn the galls.
THE ROSE SAWFLIES (Hylotoma rosa-
rum and others).— The grubs of these
insects feed on and do much damage to
the foliage of Roses. Some (the species
just named among them) eat away the
leaves, leaving only the thicker ribs ;
others feed only on the upper surface of the
leaves, and do not touch the lower skin or
the veins ; another species rolls up the
leaves into tubes about the size of a quill
pen and feeds within this shelter ; another
lives on the pith of the young shoots.
The grubs mostly become chrysalides in
the earth, so that after a bad attack it is
best to remove the earth from under the
bushes to the depth of about 3 inches and
burn it, or bury it not less than i foot
below the surface. The grubs should be
picked off by hand, or the bushes may be
syringed or sprayed with paraffin emul-
sion, or quassia extract and soft soap, or
Paris green. In the autumn cut off and
burn any shoots that appear to be withered,
as they may contain chrysalides.
SCALE INSECTS (Coccidas). — These in-
sects infest Roses, Cotoneasters, £c. To
destroy them spray or syringe with para-
ffin emulsion, or quassia extract and soft
soap ; then, if possible, any of the insects
that are on the stems or shoots should be
scraped off. In the course of a few days
spray again to make sure of killing any
of the young that escaped the first appli-
cation.
THE GARDEN SNAIL (Helix aspersa). —
There is practically nothing to be done in
the way of killing them but hand-picking.
Thrushes are very found of them.
SLUGS. — There are several kinds of
slugs that infest gardens ; the commonest
is Limax agrestis, its ravages being only
too well known. Small heaps of bran,
each placed on a small piece of slate or
board, make good traps. Dusting with
fresh lime is very useful, and large num-
bers may be killed of an evening if the
plants that are attacked and the ground
round them are searched with the aid of
a lantern. If the slug be stabbed or cut
through with a sharp-pointed knife at the
shield (that part just behind the head) the
creature dies immediately.
SNAKE MILLIPEDES (belonging to the
genera Julus, Blanjulus, and Polydesmus)
—These creatures are among the most
annoying pests in gardens, as they are so
difficult to destroy. They feed on the
roots of Lilies and other bulbs, Anemones,
Pansies, Stocks and various plants in the
flower garden. Few insecticides have any
effect on them, as their skins are so horny
and smooth ; but a strong solution of salt
or nitrate of soda will kill them if it can
be made to reach them. They may be
trapped by laying bricks, slates, tiles,
pieces of board, turf or Cabbage leaves
about, as the millipedes are fond of creep-
ing under such things. They may be
distinguished from the centipedes — with
which they are often confused, and which
are of great use in gardens — by the slow-
ness of their movements, while the centi-
pedes are very active. There is, however,
one exception, the luminous centipede, a
long, thread-like creature, 2 inches to 2^
inches in length, which, in spite of its
extraordinary number of legs, moves with
the greatest deliberation. The snake mil-
882
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
lipedes, according to the species, when
full-grown each measures from half to I
inch in length, and are composed of a
great number of joints. With the excep-
tion of the " flattened snake millipede,"
they are nearly cylindrical in form.
THRIPS (Thrips adonidum).— This in-
sect is more injurious to plants grown
under glass than to those in the open air;
but Phloxes, Carnations, Dahlias, and
some other plants often suffer from their
attacks. Syringing or spraying with para-
ffin emulsion, quassia extract and soft soap,
Gishurst compound, or tobacco water are
the best remedies for outdoor use.
VARIOUS CATERPILLARS.— Besides the
cati
in the flower gar<
tacked by the caterpillars of various moths,
which it is hardly necessary to enumerate.
Suffice it to say that they are best destroyed
by hand-picking.
THE WHITE CABBAGE and TURNIP
BUTTERFLIES (Pieris brassicae and P.
rapi). — In the flower garden the cater-
pillars of these butterflies are very injuri-
ous to the leaves of Tropseolums of various
kinds and Mignonette. The plants should
be carefully looked over, and the cater-
pillars picked off. If very numerous,
syringe or spray with paraffin emulsion.
WIREWORMS (the grubs of various spe-
cies of "click beetles," Elaterida;).— These
terpillars already mentioned, most plants
the flower earden are liable to be at-
well-known pests are by no means easy to
get rid of, and as they are over two years
in coming to maturity, if left alone they
have plenty of time to do a great amount
of harm. They attack various flowering
plants, but they are particularly fond of
Carnations and plants of that nature.
Those belonging to the largest species
when full-grown are three-quarters of an
inch in length, and much resemble a piece
of brass or copper wire of that length, and
they are almost as tough. No insecticide
is of much use, and trapping them is the
best way of destroying them. Slices of
Carrots, Turnips, Potatoes, or Rape-cake
buried about an inch below the surface
make good traps. Each should have a
small skewer stuck into it to show where
it was buried. They should be examined
every morning. Most birds are fortu-
nately very fond of them.
WOODLICE, if found to congregate at
the base of a wall or in other positions,
may be killed by pouring boiling water
over them. They may be trapped by lay-
ing bricks, tiles, or pieces of slate or
board near their haunts, which they will
creep under. Toads kill great numbers
of them. Or they may be poisoned by
laying pieces of Potato about which have
been boiled in water in which some arsenic
has been placed. G. S. S.
Eden Hall, Cumberland,
INDEX.
ILLUSTRATIONS IN ITALICS.
A Alpine, plant on border, i^\ , Armeria, 435
Barbarea, 447
plants at bottom of c<cspitosa, 435
Barbary Ragwort, 696
Abelia, 405
ridge, 142 ; in groups,
Arnebia, 435
Barberry, 448
Abies, 405
149 ; on ledge of
Aronicum, 439
Coral, 448
magnified at Castle-
ivellan, 406
natural rock, 142 ; rock
and, 165
Arrowhead, 788
Art in relation to flower gar-
Bark, Nine, 68 1
Barkhausia, 447
Abronia, 407
Alstromeria, 416, 417 dening and garden
Barren-wort, 542
Abutilon, 408
Alternanthera, 418 design, 3
Bartonia, 447
Boule at Neige, 408
Acacia, 408
Althaea, 418
rose a, 418
Artemisia, 435
Artichoke, French, 510
Basket of fine-leaved plants
Regent's Park, 201 ; of
False, 770
Alum Root, 591
Arum, 43.5
pansies, 178
Acaena, 408
Alyssum, 420, 618 Bog, 456
stone, of flowers and
microphylla, 408
Acantholimon, 408
montanum, 420
Amaranthus, 421
crinitum, 436
Italian, 436
plants, 206
Batsford, in the rock garden
glumaceum, 409
Acatithopanax, 409
Amaryllis, 421
Belladonna, 422
Lilies as aquatics, 260
A rnndel Castle. 1 7
at, 148
Bean, Indian, 469
Acanthus, 409
Amberboa, 421, 474 j Arundinaria, 436, 448
Yellow Sacred, 681
Acer, 409
Amelanchier, 421
Arundo, 436
Bear-berry, 433
; circinatum, 410
canadensis, 423
Asarabacca, 437
Beard-tongue, 706
Achillea, 410
Amellus, 422, 617
Asarum, 437
Bear's-breech, 409
Aciphylla, 410
Amicia, 422
Asclepias, 437
Beauty of form in the flower-
Aconite, Winter, 543
Ammobium, 422
Ash, 559
garden, 222
Aconitum, 411
Amorpha, 422
Asimina, 437
Bed of Carnations at Bui-
napellus, 411
Ampelopsis, 422
Asparagus, 437
wick, 527 ; China A sters,
Acorus, 411
Anagallis, 422
Climbing, a, 437
113 ', fine-leaved plants,
Acroclinium, 411
Anchusa, 423
Asperula, 438
Hyde Park, 234 ;
Actaea, 411
Actinella, 411
Andromeda, 423
Androsace, 423
Asphodel, 438
Asphodeline, 438
Italian Narcissiis, 105
Bedding and fine-leaved
Actinidia, 411
at Chaddleivood, isi Asphodelus, 438
plants, 205
Adam's Needle, 872 sarmcntosa, 424
Aspidium, 438, 623, 729
out, colour in, 285 ; prin-
Adder's Tongue, 692 Andryala, 424
Asplenium, 438
cipal plants used for, 210
,, ,, Yellow, 552 Anemone, 424
Aster, 451, 569
sub-tropical, 207
Adenophora, 412
japonica alba, 426
China, 456
summer, 202 ; and winter,
Adiantum, 412
pulsatilla, 427 elcgans, 439
209
Adlumia, 412
Annual and biennial plants,
Stracheyi, 438
Beds, double cropping of, 92
cirrhosa, 412
108
Asters, China, bed of , 113
flower, plastered margins
Adonis, 412
families of, 115
Astilbe, 439
to> 3*5
pyrenaica, 412
^sculus, 412, 702
flowers, 173
Annuals, half-hardy, 113
Astragalus, 439
Astrantia, 440
on turf, bulbs in, 106
rose, and alpine flowers,
/Ethionema, 413
Anomatheca, 428
major, 444
191 ; preparation of
Agapanthus, 413
Antennaria, 428
Athyrium, 440
the, 191
rt»il>ellatus, 214
Agatheea, 413
Anthemis, 428
macedonica, 428
Atragene, 440
Aubrietia, 440
Beech, 557
Beet, Chilian, 449
Agave, 414
Anthericum, 428, 481, 701
Aucuba, 441
Beetle rose, the, 88 1
Ageratum, 414
Antirrhinum, 429
Auricula, 171, 732
Beetles click, 882
Agrostemma, 414
Ants, 878
Azalea, 441
Begonia, 447
Agrostis, 414
Aphides, 879
mo 1 Its, 441
Bell Napoleons, 622
Agrotis segetum, 880
Aphrophora spumariae, 880
nudiflorum, 442
Bellevallia, 448
Ailantus, 414
Aponogeton, 429
ivhite Indian, tlie, 121
Bellflower, 462
Tree, young, -with
Apple, 751
Azara, 442
Broad, 723
Cannas, 414
Thorn, 517
Clematis lanuginosa grow-
Chilian, 683
Air and Shade, 345
Apricot, 744
ing through, 488
Gland, 412
Aira, 415
Aquatics, 256
Azolla, 442
Great Oriental, 695
Ajuga, 415
Arum Lilies as, 260
Michauxs, 666
genevensis, 415
for shallow water, 256
B
Bellis, 448
Akebia, 415
Aquilegia, 429
Bellium, 448
quinata, 136
ivhite, 430
Babiana, 442
Bellwort, 851
Alder, 416
Arabis, 431
Baboon-root, 442
Belmont, climbing clin,te>'
Alisma, 415
Aralia, 432
Bachelor's Buttons, 757
rose at, 183
Alkanet, 423
chinensis, 432
Bacres,Henlcy-on- Thames,
Poefs Narcissus in the
Alley, plashed, the, 357
spinosa, 433
Honeysuckle, 290
grass at, 153
Alleys around play-lawns,
Araucaria, 432
Balm Bastard, 663
Spircea at, 123
climber covered, 354
Arbor-Vitae, 837
Bee, 667
Belvedere, 620
Allium, 415
Arbutus, 432
Common, 663
Belvoir, shaded ivalk at,
Allosorus, 415
Arches, light over walks,
of Gilead, 471
351
Allspice tree, 460
132
Balsam, 601
Benthamia, 497
Almond, 744
Architecture and Flower
Bamboo, 442
Berberidopsis, 448
Alnus, 416
Gardening, 22
garden at Keiv, the, 233
Berberis, 448, 660
glutinosa, 416
Arctostaphylos, 433
Gunnera and, at Fota,
nepalcnsis, 448
Aloe, American, 220
Arctotis, 433
Co. Cork, 231
BerkeleyCastle. Old clipped
Alonsoa, 416
arborescens, 433
Heavenly, 672
evergreens, 325
Aloysia, 416
Alpine and rock plants 152
Arenaria, 434
montana, 434
plantation, a, 389
Bambusa, 436, 442, 714
Berkheya, 449
Berry, Bear, 433
flower rock and wall gar-
Arethusa, 434
palmata, 444
Deer, 667
dens, 137
Argemone 434
Banana, 668
June, 421
flowers, ledge of 142 ;
Aristotelia, 434
Baneberry, 411
Partridge, 570
rose beds and i
Aristolochia, 435
Baptisia, 447
Silver, 539
884
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Illustrations in Italics.
Beta, 449
Bravoa, 452
Calopogon, 460
Centaury, 551, 787
Betula, 449 j Brevoortia, 452
Caltha, 460
Centranthus, 475
Bidston, Cheshire, Rhodo- Bridge, tree, over streain-
Calycanthus, 460
Cerastium, 475
dendron garden at, let, 363
Icevigatus, 460
Cerasus, 475
173 Bridges, 362
Calypso, 461
IVatereri, 746
Biennial plants, 114 ; annual
and, 108 ; families of,
earth-bank, 364
Brier, Austrian Copper,
Calystegia, 461
Camassia, 461
Cercidyphyllum, 475
Cercis, 475
"5
the, 783
Camellia, 461
Cerinthe, 475
Bignonia, 450
green, 817
Camomile, 428
Ceterach, 476
grandiflora, 129
Briza, 452
Campanula, 462
Cetonia aurata, 88 1
Bindweed, 493
Brodiaea, 452, 841
carpatica, 463 Chaenostoma, 476
Birch, 449
Bromus, 452
chimney, the, 323 Chamaebatia, 476
Weeping, 450
Broom, 512
Iiirsuta, 463
Chamatjpeuce, 476
Bitton, plan of flower-gar-
and Furze, 175
pyramidalis, 464
Chamarops, 476
den at, 300
Butcher's, 787
turbinata var., 464
fortune!, 477
Bladder Senna, 492
Pink, New Zealand, 683
Campion, 653
Chambers Court, Tewkes-
Blanjulus, 88 1
Rock, 571
Camptosorus, 465
bury. ^ST
Blanket-flower, 566
Spanish, 820
Canary Creeper, 843 Chaste-tree, 865
Blechnum, 450
Broomflcld, Catcrham.
Candytuft, 598
Cheiranthus, 477
Bleeding Heart, 533
Bletia, 450
a hardy fernery at,
279
Canna, 465
iridflora Ehcmanni,
Chelone, 478
Chenopodium, 450, 478
Blitum, 450
Browalha, 452
465.
Cherry, 744
Bloodroot, 772
Brugmansia, 4=53
Cannabis, 466
Bird, 744
Bluebell, 806
Knightii, 518
sativa, 466
Cornelian, 497
Californian, 681
Bluets, 593
Brush Bush, the, 554
Bryanthus, 453
CannzsyoungA ilantus tree
with, 414
J«\vs, 497
Laurel, 744
Blumenbachia, 450
Buckbean, 664 ; yallow, 858;
Canterbury Bell, 463
Pie, 586
Boathouses, 369
fringed, 642
Cape Pond flower, 429
11 'inter, 714
Bocconia, 450, 655 Buckeye, 412
Caragana, 466
Chestnut, Chinese, 872 ;
cordata, 451 Buckthorn, Sea, 592
CJiamlagu, 467
Horse, 412; Sweet, 469
Bog-garden, formation of, Buddleia, 453
Carbenia, 466, 491
Chicory, 481, 483
267, 268 ; the, 264 Bugbane, 482
Cardamine, 467, 523
Chickweed, Mouse-ear, 475
rocky, 270 ; Mocassin- Bugle, 415
Cardinal-flower, 646
Chillingham Castle, 53, 56
flower in, 265 Bug, May, 879
Carex, 467
Chimaphila, 479
Boltonia, 451 Bugs, plant, 880
Carnation, 528 Chimonanthus, 479
Bomarea, 451 Bulb mite, the, 879
fly, the, 879 | China Aster, 456
Bongardia, 451 Bulbocodium, 453
Lily and Iris, 196 Asters, bed of , 113
Borage, Cretan, the, 451 ; Bulbous and tuberous flow-
Carnations and roses in Chionanthus, 479
Borago, 451 ers, hardy, 94 ; plants,
front of Tudor House, \ virginica, 479
Border, alpine plant on, some hardy, 107
199 Chionodoxa, 479
142 Bulbs, hardy, among choice
at Bulwick, bed of, 527 sardensis, 480
flower, against house, 81 ; shrubs, 105; for cut
in pots and vases, 528 Chive, 415
wall at Sidbury Manor, \ flowers, 105 ; in beds on
perpetual, in the open air, '' Choisya, 479
79 at Fillingham Cas- turf, 106
528 Christinas Rose, 587
tie. Lincoln, 77 ; ferns ' various, 103
Carpenteria, 467 Roses in bed in reserve
and, 277 ; in fruit gar- < Bulrush, 807
californica, 467 garden, 91
den atDunrobin Castle,
83 ; the fruit or kitchen
Bulwick, 57
Bed of Carnations at
Carpinus, 468
Carya, 468
Chrysanthemum, 479
Cottage Pink, 484
garden, 79 ; Mr. Frank
527
aquatica, 468
frutescens, 481
Miles on the, 81
Iris border at, 107
Caryopteris, 468 Mdnic. Desgrange, 48?
flowers, hardy, for British
gardens, 87
Bunchberry, 496
Bupthalmum, 453, 835
Cassiope, 468 Chrysobactron, 481
fastigiata, 469 Chrysurus, 481
Iris, at Bulwick, 107
speciosum, 453
Castanea, 469 , Cichorium, 481
of Delphiniums at Hall Bush Brush, the, 554
Green, 86 ; hardy flow- Fire, 541
pumila, 469 } Cider Orchards, 377
Castle, the Ding wall, Tulip Cimicifuga, 482
ers, 85 ; Michaelmas Pearl, 557
garden at, 101
Cineraria, 483
Daises, Munstead, 238 ; Spray, 821
tea roses, 188 Sweet Pepper, 490
Castleivellan, co. Down,
Abies magnifica at, 106',
Cinquefoil, 730
Cissus, 483
rocky, with edging of Butcher's broom, 787
Tree Rhododen iron
Cistus, 483
dwarf plants, 315 j Butomus, 453
at, 765
florcntinus, 485
shady, a, 283 Buttercup, 757
Castor-oil plant, 769
formosus, 486
Borders, by grass walks, Butterflies, white cabbage
Catalpa, 469 ladaniferus, 487
78 ; cost and endurance, and turnip, the 882
bignonioides, 470 - j Cladium, 483
73 ; evergreen, of hardy Butterwort, 717
Catananche, 470 ; Cladrastis, 483, 864
flowers, 84 ; flower, Buxus, 453
coerulea, 471 Clarkia, 483
against walls and
Catchfly, 654, 814 Claytonia, 485
houses, 79 ; at Broad- \
Caterpillars, 882
Clematis, 168, 440, 485
way, \Vorcester, 9 ; O
Cat's-ear, 428
and other hardy climbers,
fringing shrubberies, \
CawdorC as tie, garden with
pergola with, 131
76 ; with grass path \ Cactus, 454
natural forms, 13, 43
Davidiana, 490
between, 74 ; of hardy Caesaipinia, 454
Ceanothus, 470
Lady Caroline Neville,
flowers, 73 ; plans of, Calampelis, 454
azureus, 47
489 _
284 ; The Grove, Wis- Calandrinia, 4S4
Cedar, 472
lanuginosa alba, 488
haw, 88 ; the true way,
74
oppositifolia, 454
Calceolaria, 454
Incense, 630
of Lebanon, 473
on pillar, 125
Clerodendron, 490
Borkhausia, 451
Calendula, 456
Cedars,GunnersburyIIouse, Clethra, 490
Botryanthus, 451
Calla, 456, 769
327 _alnifolia, 490
Boussingaultia, 431
Lilies at Trclissick,
Cedrela, 471
Chanthus, 491
Bower and stone table, 369
Vine shaded, a, 372
Truro, 263
Callichroa, 456
Sinensis, 472
Cedronella, 471
puniceus, 491
Climbers, and fruit trees
Box, 453
Calliopsis, 456
Cedrus, 472
to walls attaching,
j' 7->J
edgings, 311
Calliprora, 456
Celastrus, 473
393 ; their artistic use,
Thorn, 654
Callirhoe, 456
Celosia, 473
125
Brachycome, 451
Callistephus, 456
Celsia, 473
annual and herbaceous,
Bracken, New Zealand, 598
Calluna, 457
crctica, 475
132
Brake, 744
Calochortus, 457, 510
Celtis, 473
evergreens as, 135
Bramble, 784
flavus, 458
Centaurea, 421, 474
of classic beauty or
Brassica, 452
fuscns, 459
i Centauridium, 475 rarity, 127
llhistrations in Italics.
INDEX.
885
Climbers, on Shrubs, fragile,
Cottage gardens, English, 32 Daisy, Swan River, 451
Echinocloa, 538
128 ; on the Vicarage,
porch, climbing rose on,
trees, 689
Echinocystis, 538
Odiham, 127 ; on trees,
179 turfing, 751
Echinops, 538
vigorous, 126 ; on walls,
Sehuood, near Frame, 45 • Daphne, 516
ruthenicus, 538
285
Sheen, 41
Cneorum, si6
Echium, 538
Roses as, 129
wall, summer roses on, Daphniphyllum, 517
Edelweiss, 627
trees supporting, 132
Climbing, fumitory, 412
190
west country, a, 33
Darlingtonia, 517
Datisca, 517
Eden Hal^Cumberlandfizz
Edge Hall, Malpas, Che-
twining and wall plants,
Cotton-weed, Sea, 535
Datura, 517
shire, 6 1, 66
some 136
Covered way, the, 368
cornigera, 518
Edging, Ivy, 312
Clintonia, 491
Cowslip, 171
Decumaria, 519
•mud, example o, ugly
Clipped shrubs in the beds
of the flower garden, 340
American, 535
Virginian, 665
Delphinium, 519
Delphinium, 520
cracked, 315
of dwarf plants in groups,
Clipping, annual cost of, ! Crab bloom, 176
grandiflorum, 521
315 ; foam-flower, 310
343 ; disfigurement of
forest trees by, 34 1 ; ever-
Crambe, 499
Crane fly, 879
Delphiniums at Hall
Green, border of, 86
stone, 309
to rough border, bold ever-
green and other trees, 1 Cranesbill, 573
portion of a group of,
green, 311
335
Crataegus, 499
522
white Pink, 314
Cnicus, 491
parvifolia, 499
Dentaria, 523
Edgings, Box, 311
Cobaea, 491
Crepis, 447, 451, 500
Desfontainea, 523
dwarf evergreen, 312
CoccidEe, 88
Cress, large, Indian, 843
Design and Position, 15
flower garden, live and
Cockchafer, 879
rock, 431 ; purple, 440 ;
Garden, Art in relation
dead, 309
Cockscomb, 473
violet, 601
to flower gardening
grass, 311
Cocksfoot, 512
Cresses, rock, 165
and, 3
natural stone, 310
Codonopsis, 491
Colchicum, 491
Crinum, 500
Moorei album, 500
not formal only, 24
Desmodium, 523
walks and, 305
Yew, Ivy, Heath, and
in grass, 491
Crocus, loo, 169, 500
Deutzia, 524
various, 312
Coleus, 492
balansce, 501
parvijlora, 524
Edraianthus, 539
Colletia, 492
biftorus pusillus, 501
Dewberry, 786
Edwardsia, 539
cruciata, 492
etruscus, 501
Dianthus, 524
Efford Manor, old Wist-
Collinsia, 492
leucorhynchus , 501
alpinus, 525
aria at, 164
Collomia, 492
reticulatus, 501
neglcctus, 531
Elaeagnus, 539
Colour, 342
Crowberry, 541
Diapensia, 533
Elateridae, 882
in bedding out, 285; sunny
Crowfoot, 757
Dicentra, 533, 534
Elder, 792
places, 283 ; the flower
Crown Imperial, 563
Dicksonia, 533
Elderfield, Miss Yonges
garden, 280
Cryptomeria, 504
Dictamnus, 534
garden at, 67, 72
progression of, a, 282
Cuckoo-flower, 467
fraxinella, 533
Elephant's-ear, 447
purple and lilac, 282
pint, 435 Didiscus, 534
Elm, 850
Colours, warm, 282
Cucullia verbasci, 880 Dielytra, 534
water, 875
Coltsfoot, 849
Cucumber tree, 655 Diervilla, 534
Wych, on lawn, 346
variegated, 85 c
Cucurbita, 504 Digitalis, 534
Elymus, 540
Columbine, 168, 429
Cultivation and water, 385 Digraphis, 534
arenarius, 540
Siberian, 431
Cup-flower, 808 \ Dimorphanthus, 534
Embothrium, 541
Colutea, 492
Cuphea, 505
Dimorphotheca, 534
Empetrum, 541
arborcsccns, 492
Cupidone, Blue, 470
Diotis, 535
Emulsion, paraffin, 878
Comfrey, 828
Commelina, 493
Cupressus, 504, 759
sempervircns, 506
Diplopappus, 535
Dipsacus, 535
Enemies, water garden, 261
Enkianthus, 541
Compton Winyates, 48
thyoides, 507
Dittany of Crete, 693
Enys, Cornwall, pond at
Comptonia, 493
Cups and Saucers, 491
Dividing lines, fences and,
253
Conandron, 493
Currant, 768
366
.Lomecon, 541
Cone-flower, 786
Cyananthus, 507
Dock, 787
Ephedra, 541, 542
Coneyhurst, steps in rock Cyathea, 507
Dodecatheon, 535
Epigaea, 542
garden at, 144
Cycas, 507
Dogwood, 496
repens, 541
Contrasts, how to be used,
revoluta, head of, 508
Dondia, 535
Epilobium, 542
285
Cyclamen, 507
Doronicum, 535
Epimedium, 542
Convallaria, 493
count, 509
plantagineum excclsum,
foliage of, 321
Convolvulus, 461, 493
Cyclobothra, 510
536
Epipactis, 542
sylvaticus, 494
Cydonia, 510
Downingia, 536
Equisetum, 542
Coolhurst, Sussex, Azalea
Cynara, 510
Draba, 536
Eragrostis, 543
at, 121
Cyperus, 510
Dracaena, 536
Eranthis 543
Coptis, 494
Cypress, 505
Dracocephalum, 536
Eremostachys, 543
Coral-tree, 551
Summer-leafing, 831
Dragons, 436
Eremurus, 543
Cordyline, 494, 536
Cypripedium, 510
head, 536
robustus, 544
a its tralis B osachan,
spec tab He, 511
Mouth, 436
Erianthus, 545
Cornwall, 495
Coreopsis, 495
Cystopteris, 512
Cytisus, 512
Drainage, 386
Drop more, Loggia, 373
Erica, 512, 545
Erigeron, 547, 826
Coris, 496
nigricons, 512
stone bench, 362
multiradiatus , 547
Corn, Indian, 874
Dropwort, 821
speciosus, 546
Cornel, 496
Drosera, 536
Erinus. 548
Cornflower, blue, 474
D
Dryas, 537
1 Eriobotrya, 548
Cornus, 496
Duckweed, fruiting, 682
Eriogonum, 548
alba, 496
Dabcecia, 512
Dunrobin Castle, N.B.,
Eriophorum, 548
Coronilla, 497
Dacrydlum, 512
lower border in fruit
Eritrichium, 548
Corydalis, 497
Corylopsis, 498
Dactylis, 512
Daddy Longlegs, 879
garden, 83
Dutohman's-breeches. 533 ;
Erodium, 548
Erpetion, 549
Corylus 498
Daffodil, 672 Dine, 4.1$
Eryngium, 549
avellana, 498
Daffodils, 95
Dyer's greenweed, the, 572
amethystinum, 550
Cosmos, 497
Dahlia, 512
maritimum, 551
Cost and endurance, 73
Cactus, Juarez!, 515
B
Oliverianum, 552
Cotehele. Cornwall, 51, 54
Daisies, Michaelmas^ bor-
Erysimum, 550
Cotoneaster, 498
der of , 238
Earth, wasted labour in
Erythraea, 551
Cottage and garden near
Charing, Kent, 36
Daisy, 448
Blue, 413
moving, 397
Earwig, the, 880
i Erythrina, 551
; Erythronium, 552
garden at Maltingley,
Crown, 480
Eccremocarpus, 454, 537
Escallonia, 553
near Winch field, 31 ;
Globe, 578
Echeveria, 537
Eschscholtzia, 553
Devonshire, a, 4 ; in
Marguerite fly, the, 880
Echinacea, 537
Eucalyptus, 553
Kent, a, 33 ; Great
Michaelmas, 430
Echinocactus, «?
Eucharidium, 554
Tew, Oxfordshire, 338 Paris, 481 " Echinocereusj 538
Eucnide, 554
886
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Illustrations in Italics.
Eucomis, 554
Flag, 602
Fuchsia, 563
Garden, Old Mill House, 34
Eucryphia, 554
Sweet, 411
California!!, 874
Primrose, in Surrey, 93,
Eulalia, 554
Flame-flower, 617
Fumitory, 497
95
japonica, 555
Flax,. 643
climbing, 412
Rectory, Eversley, 64
Euonymus, 555
New Zealand, 714
Funkia, 564
reserve, 301 ; Christinas,
Eupatorium, 556
Fleabane, 547
Sieboldi, 565
roses in bed in, 91 ; plan
Euphorbia, 556
Floss-flower, 414
Furze, 850
of, 304 ; plants for the,
Eurybia, 557
Flower garden, an amateur
Broom and, 175
and for cutting flowers,
Eutoca, 557
on plants in tubs for
Needle, 571
94 ; what to grow in
Evaporation, 392
the, 217 ; and pleasure-
the, 90
Evergreen flowering shrubs,
ground houses, 362 ; at
Jl
Rhododendron, at Bid-
the nobler, 330
Farnham Castle, 70 ;
G
ston, Cheshire, 173
noble native, 324
Hawley, plan of, 300 ;
rock, a, 137, 270; Alpine
tree, weeping, 353
Madresfield Court, 208 ;
, Gaillardia, 566, 567
Hair be It in, 461 ; at
trees and shrubs, 324 ;
Shrubland Park plan
1 Galanthus, 567
Galatella ^60
Batsford, in the, 148 ;
forms, 327 ; the nobler,
in the, 222 ; clipped
Galax, 569
144 ; passage in, 141 ;
331 ; weeds, 329
shrubs in the beds of
Galega, 569
position for the, 140 ;
Evergreens as climbers, 135
the, 340 ; colour in the,
1 Galingale, 510
right way, 142 ; steps
Berkeley Castle, 325
280 ; edgings, live
Galtonia, 570, 595
from deep recess ^142;
Everlasting, 760
and dead, 309 ; fine
Ganymede's Cup, 680
wrong way of forming,
flower, 585
turf in and near the, 357;
Garden and grounds at
144
Winged, 422
in Autumn, 235 ; in
Hawley, plan of, 300
room, a, 364
Eversley, Rectory Garden
Surrey Villa, evergreen,
at Bit ton, plan of, 300 ;
rose, climbing and bush
at, 57, 64
Exochorda, 557
299 ; the house, 316 ;
Winter, 242 ; of Surrey
Elder-field, 72 ; Gol-
der s Hill, plan of, 294 ;
tea roses in, 187 ; my,
189 ; the new, 179
Exogonium, 557
Villa, plan of, 303 ;
Hall Green, Delph-
roses for the, 772
pests, 877 ; plans,
iniums at, 86 ; Scl-
seat, Warley Place, 366
P
simpler, 291 ; Rose
borne, Gilbert White s,
summer, beautiful, the,
to come back to the, 182;
40 ; Uffington, plan of,
179, 196, 202, 211
Fabiana, 557
rotation in the, 387 ;
296 ; Venice, pergola
Sussex, Pampas grass
Fagus, 557
tea roses for the, 772
in Mrs. Eden's, 133
in, 225
Fair Maids of France, 757
Flower gardening, and
Bamboo Kew, the, 233
terraced with picturesque
Farfugium, 558
garden design, 3; Archi-
Bishop's, entrance to, 371
planting, 42
F'amham Castle, the Keep,
tecture and, 22
Bog, ai 267 ! formation
town, Broadway, IVor-
garden at, 65, 70
gardens, stone walks in
of, 268 ; the, 264
cester, 9
Fatsia, 432
small, 306
Cottage near Charing,
Tulip, at the Castle
Fences, 362 ; and dividing
various, 29
Kent, 36
Dingwall, TOO
!• yy
lines, 366
Flowers, annual, 173 ; be-
at Maltingley, near
Water, enemies, 261 ;
sunk, and retaining walls,
neath trees, 162 ; blue,
Winchfiela, 31
forming the, 254 ; upper
366
282
Devonshire, a, 4
part of my, 250
Fencing, oak, pale, 365
the orchard beautiful, 379
hardy bulbous and tu-
berous, 95
Great Yew, Oxford, 338
in Kent, a, 33
west country, a, 45
wild, how to plant, 161 ;
Fennel, flower, 683
white, 282
with protecting fence, 338
Narcissi in the, 155 ;
Giant, 558
Fly Carnation, the, 879
Design, art in relation to
secret of the soil, 162 ;
Fern, Bladder, 512
Crane, the, 879
flower gardening and, 3
some plants for the, 163 ;
Climbing, 654
Marguerite Daisy, 880
Essex, an, 194
the, 153
garden, a hardy, 271
Foam-Jio'Mer, edging of,
Fern, a hardy, 271
Winter, shrubs and trees
Lady, 440
310; the, 838
Flower, an amateur on
in the, 46 ; keep the
Maidenhair, 412
Foliage, coloured, 205
plants in tubs for the
stems of hardy plants,
Oak, 728
Forficula auricularis, 880
217 ; and pleasure
244
Ostrich, 827
Forget-me-not, 172, 670
ground houses, 362 ; at
with natural for/us, 13 ;
Parsley, 415
Antarctic, 670
Madresfield Court,
picturesque planting,
Royal, 695
Sensitive, 690
Creeping, 690
Fairy, 548
, 208 ; Shrubland Park,
plan of, 302 ; Beauty of
gardening, flower, archi-
Shield, 438
Form, loss of, 342
form in the, 222 ; clipped
tecture and, 22
Stone, 476
Forsythia, 558
shrubs in the beds of
Gardens abroad and their
tree, Silver, 507
Fota, co. Cork, Gunncra
the, 340 ; colour in
lessons, English, 67
Fernery at Brooinfield,
and Bamboo at, 231
the, 280 ; edgings,
cost and care of stone-
Caterham, a hardy,
Fothergilla, 559
live and dead, 309 ;
work in, 24
279
Fountains in gardens, 371
fine turf in and near
Cottage, English, 32
Ferns and flower border,
Foxglove, 534
the, 357 ; in Autumn,
flower, stone walks in
279 ; evergreen hardy,
•white, at Gravetvc
235 ; Surrey Villa ever-
small, 306 ; various, 29
276 ; exotic evergreen,
276 ; hardy, 279 ; group
Manor, in
Fragaria, 559
green, 299 ; the house,
316 ; Winter, 242 ; of
fountains in, 371
landscape painting and, 12
of, 279 ; in foreground,
effect of native, 272 ;
Fragrance, 287
Flagrant plants, some,
Surrey villa, plan of,
303 ; pests, 877 , plans,
of one flower, 92
reserve and cut flower, 89
native , massed by shady
walk, 274 ; rock and
290
Francoa, 559
simpler, 291 ; plants in
tubs for the, 2 17; Rose to
rock and wall, Alpine
flower, 137 ; ill-formed,
sun-loving, 278 ; tree.
ramosa, 560
come back to the, 182 ;
144
and stove plants , 222
Fraxinella, 534
rotation in the, 387 ;
spring, 164
Ferula, 558
Fraxinus, 559, 561, 694
tea roses for the, 772
terraced, 18
Festuca, 558
Fremontia, 561
fruit at Dunrobin,
time and, 20
Feverfew, 750
Fringe-flower, 804
floiver border in, 83 ;
wall, 150
Alpine, 628
tree, 479
or kitchen flower bor-
water, by various water-
Ficaria, 558
Fritillaria, 561, 793
der in the, 79
gardeners, 251
Ficus, 558
Fig, Marigold, 665
imperialis, 563
Frittillary, 169, 561
keep, at Farnham Castle,
70
Garland-flower, 516
Garlic, 415
Prickly, 692
white, 562
lawn, at Colder s Hill,
Garrya, 570
Figwort, Cape, 714
Frog-bit, 597
68 ; for hardy flowers,
elliptica, 569, 570
Fillingham Castle, Lin-
coln, Denver border at,
hopper, 880
Fruit garden at Dunrobin,
21 ; Herts, 361 ; with
hardy flowers, 66 ; Pen-
Gaultheria, 570
procumbcns, 570
77
border in, 83 ; border
dell Court, 38
shallon, 570
Fir, Scotch, old tree, 722
in the kitchen or,
Garden, Manor House, 47
Gaura, 570
Silver, 405
79
near Loch Kishorn,
Gazania, 570
Spruce, 715
trees, covered ways of,
Ross, 210
nivea, 571
Fire as a cleanser, 391
134; to walls attaching,
of Tudor House, plan of,
Gazeebo, Vine growing on
Bush, 541
393
298
a, 866
Illustrations in Italics.
INDEX.
Genista, 571 Grove the, Wishaw, Borders
Hibiscus, 591
Iresine, 602
pilosa, 571 at, 88
syriacus, 592
Iris, 98, 169, 602
radiata, 571 ; Gum Seseli, 813
Trionum, 591
and the nobler summer
Gentian, 172, 572 tree, 553
Hickory, 468
flowers, Lily and, 200
Gentiana, 572 Gunnera, =578
Hieracium, 592
asiatica, 603
affinis, 572
and Bamboo, Fota,Cork,
Hippophae, 592
border, Bulwick, 107
on level ground, 146
231
rhamnoides, 592
Carnation, Lily and the
verna, 573
manicata at Narrow , Holboellia, 502
nobler summer flowers,
Gentianella, 572 Water Park, 579 Hollies, protecting, 388
Geranium, 573 Gunn^rsbury House, Holly, 599
196
cr is tat a, 604
Geraniums, group of hardy, Cedars at, 327; The Sea, 549 ; Amethyst, the,
English, 89, 611
573 Yulan at, 171 550 ; Common, 551 fcetidissitna. 60^
Ger.irdia, 574 Gymnadenia, 578 Hollyhock, 418
iberica, 606
Gerbera, 574 Gynerium, 579
double flowered, 418
ochroleuca, 607
Germander, 835 Gypsophila, 580
Fungus, the, 419
pallida, 608
Geum, 574
cerastioides, 580
Holm Lacy, Hereford,
paradoxa, 608
Gilia, 575
Orangery at, 216
Peacock, Blue-eyed, 858
Gillenia, 575
Honesty, seed vessels of , 652
persica, 609
Gladiolus, 575
Honeyflower, Cape, 663
reticulata, 609
hybrid, a, 577
Habenaria, 580
Honeysuckle, 290, 648, 650
Spanish, 612
The Bride, 576
Haberlea, 580
at Baeres, Henley-on-
susiana, 610
Gladwin, 605
GlanAlynN. W ales, Star -
Habranthus, 580
Hacquetia, 535
Thames, 290
Bush, 869
Xiphium, 612
Ironweed, 854
worts by side of mill H addon Hall, 19
French, 582
Isopyrum, 612
stream, 263 Hairbell, 462
Swamp, 441
Isotoma, 612
Glasshouses, wasted labour alpine, in rock garden,
Honeywort, 476
Ivy, 581
in, 396
461
Hop, 593
edging, 312
Glaucium, 578
tufted, 869
plant, 693
German, 666
Globe-flower, 168, 842
Halesia, 581
Hordeum, 592
pyramid of large-leaved,
Thistle, 538
tetraptera, 581
Hornbeam, 468
582
Globularia, 578
Halimondendron, 581
Horse-tail, Giant, 542
Ixia, 612
Glory of the Snow, 479 Hall Green, border of Del-
Shrubby ,-54 1
Lily, 613
Glycine, 870 phiniums at, 86
Hoteia, 592
Ixiolirion, 613
Goat's-beard, 439, 820
Hamamelis, 581
Hottonia, 592
rue, the, 569
Harmony rather than con-
Houseleek, 811
J
Gold Thread, 494
trast, 281
Houses, &c. , 362
Golden Bell, 558
Harrow Lodge, Dorking,
Houstonia, 593
Jacobaea, purple, 812
Club, 694
group of house plants, 227
ccerulea, 593
Jacob's Ladder, 725
Drop, 691
Rain, 621
Hart's-tongue 807
Hawk's-beard, 500
Humea, 593
Humulus, 593
Jalap-plant, 557
Jamesia, 613
Rod, 819
Golder's Hill, 62
Hawkweed, 592
Hawley, plan of garden
Hunnemannia, 593
Huntsman's-horn, 793
Jankaea, 613
Heldreichi, 613
lawn at, 68
plan of garden at, 294
Goodyera, 578
and grounds, 300
Hawthorn, Japanese, 759
Hazel calkins, 249
Hutchinsia, 593
Hyacinth, 169, 593
Californian, 452
Jasione, 613
Jasmine, 614 ; winter, 242
Jasminum, 614
Goosefoot, 478
Heart's-ease, 862
Cape, 570
frucicans, 614
Gourd, 504
Heath, 545
Grape, 169, 669
humile, 614
Grafting, 378
and moss walks, grass,
Star, 805
officinale, 614
Grammanthes, 578
Grange, the Knutsford,
307
Dabeocs, 547
Wood, 806
Hyacinths, 102, 594
effersonia, 614
onquil, 677
portion of group of
False, 557
Hyacinthus, 448, 593
oy-weed, 418
Delphiniums at, 522
Prickly, 709
amethystinus, 595
udas-tree, 475
Grape, 865
Yew, Ivy, and various
Hyde Park, bed of five-
uglans, 614
Vine, common, 867
Grass, Brome, 452
Cloud, 414
Cotton, 548
edgings, 312
Heather, 547
Himalayan, 468
HeckfieldP lace, stone basket
leaved plants, 234
Hydrangea, 595
Climbing, 804
plumed, the, 596
ulus, 881
uncus, 615
uniper, 615
showing natural growth,
edgings, 311
of flowers and plants,
quercifolia, 596
.334
Feather, 827
Fescue, 558
Flowering, 428
206
Hedera, 581
Hedges, Yew, the abuse of,
Hydrocharis 597
Hylemyia nigrescens, 879
Hylotoma rosarum, 88 1
Juniperus, 615
climensis, 615
communis, 616
Hair, 415
Hares-tail, 621
Heath and Moss walks,
339
Hedychium, 582
Hedysarum, 582
Hypericum, 597
uralum, 598
Hypol«pis, 598
drupacea, 616
oxycedrus, 616
phcenicea, 616
u3°7 -,
Helenium, 582
virginiana, 616
Horse-tail, 621
Helianthemum, 583
I
Love, 543
lignosum, 583
K
Lyme, 540
Millet, 666
of Parnassus, 701, 702
sabrosum, 583
Helianthus, 583
Helichrysum, 585
Iberis, 598
gibraltarica, 598
iucunda, =599
Kalmia, 617
angustifolia, 617
Pampas, 579 ; in a Sussex
Heliophila, 586 Idesia, 599'
Kaulfussia, 617
garden, 225
Quaking, 452
Ribbon, 534
walks, borders by, 78
Heliotrope, Winter, the, 709 Ilex, 333, 599
Heliotropium, 586 Illicium, 600
Helix aspersa, 881 Impatiens, 601
Hellebore, white, 852 Incarvillea. 601
Kerria, 617
japonic a, 617
Kctton Cottage, 49, 50
Kew, Bamboo garden at,
Whitlow, 536
Worm, 820
Gravetye Manor, hardy
American Water Lily,
Helleborus, 586
Helonias, 588
Hemerocallis, 588
/lava. q8o
Indiarubber-plant, 558
Indian corn, 874
Shot, 465
Indigo, Bastard, 423
233
Kitchen garden, flower
border in the frui tor, 79
Knapweed, 474
at, 685 ; upper part of \ HemipterarSSo
False, 447
Mountain, 476
water garden at, 250 ;
white Foxglove at,
in ; Winter Sweet at,
Hemlock Spruce, 845 ;
weeping, 353
Hemp-plant, 466
Indigofera, 60 1
Insecticides, 878
Insects, scale, 881
Knautia, 617
Knightwick Rectory,
American Aloe at, 220
247
Greenlands, 35
Hepatica, Great, 425
Heracleum, 590
Inula, 60 1
glandulosa, 60 1
Kniphofia, 617, 841
grandis, 618
Grevillea, 578
Gromwell, 645
Groundsel, 812
Herniaria, 590
Hesperis, 590
Heuchera, 591
lonopsidium, 601
Ipoma;a, 493, 602
Ipomopsis, 6.02.
obelisk, 620
Knotweed, 727
Kochia, 620
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN.
Illustrations in Italics.
Koelreuteria, 620
Liatris, 630 '• Loggia, Dropmore, 373
May Apple, Himalayan,
Koniga, 621
Libertia, 6qo Loiseleuria, 648
724
Kudsu, 749 Librocedrus, 6^0 Lomaria. 4 so. 648
bug, 879
Light and shade, 350 ; plant- 1 London Pride, 801
flower, 541, 452
ing in, 350 ! Lone-teat, 21
weed, 660
L | Ligularia, 630
Torch Lilies, 235
Maze, plan of 344 ; the,
Ligustrum, 630, 631
Lonicera, 648
344
Label for Trees, simplest,
Lilac, 85-9
japonica, 649
Mazus, 661
400
Lilies, 95
Periclymenum, 650
Meadow Beauty, 760
tree, position/or, 400 and Rhododendrons,
sempervirens, 6 so
Rue, 835
Labels, 400 Warley Place, 167 Loosestrife, 655
Saffron, a, 491 ; spring,
cast-iron, 401 Arum, as aquatics, 260 Lophospermum, 651
453
Labour wasted in glass- gionp of Giant Indian, \ Loquat, 548
Sweet, 820
houses, 396
moving earth, 397
Labours for good or evil, 382
Martagon, white, 639
other, 102
Lotus, 651
Love-lies-bleeding, 420
Lunaria, 651
Sweets, shrubby, 821
Meconopsis, 66-2
IVallichi, 662
Laburnum, 621
Torch, Lonrleat, 235
biennis, 652
Medlar, 665
Nepaul, 722 under Pergola, 133""
Lungwort, 749
Megasea, 603, 802
New Zealand, 819 water, and waterside
Lupine, 70, 651
Meisteriu, 541
Lady's Slipper, 510 plants for the house,
Lupinus, 651
Melianthus, 663
Smock, 467 322
arboreus, 653
major, 663
Lagurus, 621 i Lilium, 631
polyphyllus, 652
Melissa, 663
Lamarckia, 481, 621 candidum, 634
Luzuriaga, 653
Melittis, 663
Lamium, 621
Landscape painting and
giganteum, 636
Humboldti, 637
Lychnis, 653
Lycium, 654
Melolontha vulgaris, 879
Menispermutn, 663
gardens, 12
longiflorum Harrisi, 638
chinense, 654
Mentha, 663
Lantana, 621
monadelphum var. Szo-
Lycopodium, 654
Mentzelia, 447, 664
Lapageria, 622
itzianum, 630
Lygodium, 654
Menyanthes, 664
in a Cornish garden, 622 Parryi, 640
Lyonia, 654
Menziesia, 664
Larch, 622 testaceum, 641
Lysimachia, 655
Merendera, 664
Lardizabala, 622 j Lily, 631
Lythrum, 655
Mertensia, 664
Larix, 622, 623
African, 413 ; blue, 214
virginica, 665
Larkspur, 519
and Iris and the nobler
Mesembryanthemum, 665
Lasius niger, 878
summer flowers, 200
M
Mespilus, 665
Lasthenia. 623
Atamasco, 875
Meum, 666
Lastrea, 623
Belladonna and Zephyr-
Macleaya, 655
Michauxia, 666
Lathyrus, 623
latifolius albus, 623
anthes,Kew,-2^i ; group
of, 422
Madaria, 655"
Madresfleld Con rt, flower
campanuloides, 666
Microlepia, 666
Laurel, Cherry, 741
Mountain, 617
Brodies, 452
Bugle, 869
garden at, 208
Madwort, 420
Mignonette, 759
Vine, 655
Poet's, the, 287 ; 214,
Caffre, 804
Magnolia, 655
Mikania, 666
626 ; in tubs, 214
Dayi 588 ; yellow, 589
conspicua, 171
Milfoil, 410
Laurus, 626, 793
Lavatera, 626
giant Indian, group of, 97
Iris, Carnation and the
glauca, 656
grandiflora, 656
Milium, 666
Milkweed, 437
Lavender, 626
nobler summer flowers,
in a Japanese garden,
Milkwort, 725
Cotton, 792
196
657
Milla, 666
Sea, 825
Ixia, 613
obovata var., 659
Mimulus, 666
Lavendula, 626
Madonna, 634
Rhododendron and, 175
Mint, 663
Lawn at Offing ton House,
Mariposa, 457
stellata, 658
Cat, 682
Worthing, 63
of the field, 826 ; Nile,
Mahonia, 660
Mirabilis, 666
garden at Colder s Hill,
68 ; Herts, 361 ; -with
769 ; Valley, 493 ; twin-
leaved, 660
Maianthemum, 660
Maiden-hair tree, 788
Mistletoe, 864
in various parts, 86=,
hardy flowers in beds
Peruvian, 416, 417
Maiden s Wreath, 560
Mitchella, 667
and groups, ,66; Pendell
Plantain, 229, 565
Malcomia, 660
Mitraria, 667
Court, 38
Rockwood, 759
Mallow, 660
Mitre-flower, 667
hardy flowers on, 85
Scarboro, 852
Jews, 617 ; white, 767
Mocassin-flo^ver, 265 511
tree, type of weeping
St. Bruno's, 428
Poppy, 456 Molopospermuin, 667
native, 353
Sword, 575
Rose, 501
cicutarium, 667
Wych Elm on, 346
Torch, 617
Syrian, '59 1
Moluccella, 667
Lawns and Playgrounds,354
Tree, 655
Tree, 626
Monarda, 667
on peaty and sandy soils,
Water, 684 ; bud of hy-
Venice, 591
Moneywort, 813, 814
360
brid, 686 ; hardy
Malope, 660
Monkey-flower, 666
treatment of old, 359
American, 685 ; yellow,
Malus, 660
puzzle, 432
Layia, 456
683
Malva, 660
Monkshood, 411
Leadwort, 724
Wood, 840
Manetti stock, the, 186
Monkshood, 411
Leaves, 322
white, 841
Manure, roses and, 188
Monotony, the waste of,
fallen, 390
Ledum, 627
Lime, 839
Limnanthemum, 642
Maple, 409
Marble slab, seat, 368
393
Montbretia, 667
Leiophyllum, 627
Limnanthes, 642
Mare's-tail, 593
Moonseed, Canadian, 663
Lenten Rose, 168
Limnocharis, 642
Margins of water, 257
Morina, 667
Lenten Roses, 319
Linaria, 642
Marguerite, 480
Morisia, 668
Leontopodium, 627
antirrhinifolia, 643
Marigold, 175, 829
Morning Glory, 602
alpinum, 627
Linden, 839
African, 829
Morus, 668
Leonurus, 627
Linnaea, 643
Cape, 534
Moss heath and grass walks,
Leonitis, 628
Linum, 643
Corn, 481
3°7
Leopard's Bane, 535
Lion's-tail, 627, 628
Fig, 665
Iridescent, 803
Leptosiphon, 628
Leptospermum, 628
Leptosyne, 628
Lippia, 416, 644
Liquidambar, 644
Liriodendron, 645
French, 829
Marsh, 168, 460
Pot, 456
Moth, Dart, the. 880
Mullien, the, 880
Moths, Bell, 879
Leucanthemum, 628
tulipiferum, 645
Martynia, 660
Mother-of-Thousands, 800
Leucojum, 628
Leucothooe, 629
Lithospermum, 645
prostratum, 645
Marvel of Peru, 666
Mask-flower, 416
Motion, tree, 343
Mount Usher, Wick low,
acuminata, 629
Living supports, 369
Master-wort, 440 old mill house garden
Levens, riverside plants in
Lloydia, 645
Matricaria, 660 at, 34
front of, 255
Loasa, 645
"Matters of taste," the Mountain Avens, 537
T • • ^
Lewisia, 629
Lobelia, 645
fallacy of, 10 Sweet, 470
Leycesteria, 629
scarlet, the, 646
Matthiola, 660 Mud \edrine, example of
fortnosa, 629
Locust, clammy, 770 i Maurandia, 661 . ugly cracked, 31
Illustrations in Italics.
INDEX.
889
Muhlenbeckia, 668
Offington House, Worthing,
Papaver, 700
Pine, Barren Beauty, 752
Mulberry, 668
lawn at, 55, 63
somnifera, 701
Corsican, the, 719
Mulgedium, 668
Oil Jars, Italian, plants in,
Paradisia, 701
Ground, 654
Mullein, 852
218
Paraffin emulsion, 878
Huon 512
Cretan, the, 473, 475
Old Park, Axminster, the,
soluble, 878
Umbrella, 804
group of, 1 55
Rosette, 757
58
Olearia, 557, 689
Parnassia, 701
palustris, 702
white shoot of, 722
Pinguicula, 717
Musa, 668
Haasti, 690
Parochetus, 702
Pink, 524
Ensete, 669
Oleaster, 539
Parrotia, 702
Alpine, 525
Muscari, 451, 669
Omphalodes, 689
Parsnip, giant, 590
Cushion, 8"t4
Mutisia, 670
Lucilice, 691
Parterre, type of complex,
edging, white, 314
Myosotidium, 670
Onion, 415
291
Fire, 815
Myosotis, 670
Onoclea, 690
Partridge Berry, 570
Glacier, 531
alpestris, 671
Myrica, 493, 671
Ononis, 691
Onopordon, 691
Pasque-ftower, 427
Passiflora, 702
Moss, 713
Sea, 435
Myricaria, 672, 831
Onosma, 691
Constance Elliot, 703
Pinks, dwarf, single, and
Myrrhis, 672
taurica, 691
Passion-flower, 702
double, 532
odorata, 672
Myrtle, 672
Sand, 627
Onychium, 689
Ophioglossum, 692
Ophiopogon, 692
Paulownia, 702
Pavia, 702
Pea, everlasting, the white,
garden or border, 532
increasing stock of, 532
Pinus, 717
South Sea, 628
Ophrys, 692
623
rigida, 7^2
spray of, 221
Opuntia, 692
Glory, 491
Pipsissewa, 479
Myrtus, 672
Orange Ball tree, 453
Shamrock, 702
Piptanthus, 722
flower, Mexican, 320,
Sweet, 625
Pitcher plant, Californian,
N
479
tree, Siberian, 466
517
Mock, 710
Peach, 744
Pittosporum, 722
Nandina, 672
trees in tubs, 213
Peacock, the, 335
Plan of Bit ton, 300 ; Bor-
Narcissi in the wild garden,
155
trees in tubs, 213
Orangeries, cultivation of
Pear, 751
Pearl Bush, 557
der, 284 ; flower garden
atShnibland Park, 302 ;
Narcissus, 672
plants in, 215
Pearlwort, 787
of Surrey Villa, 303 ;
Narcissus, 96, 169
bifiorus, 675
calathinus, 674
Orangery, Holm Lacy,
Hereford, 216
Orchard beautiful, fencing
Peas, Sweet, 108
Pelargonium, 702
Dr. Andre, 704
garden at Colder s Hill,
294 ; Uffington House,
296 ; of Tudor House,
Emperor, 678
Horsfieldi, 673
the, 379; the, 374
bloom, 375
Pretty Polly, 705
Pendell Court, lawn
298 ; Hawley, 300 ;
Maze, 344; reserve gar-
Italian, bed of , 105
root-pruning in the, 377
garden, 38
> Ott J &
den, 304
poets, in the grass, 153
tree staking, 381
Pennisetum, 706
Plane, 723
princeps, 98
trees, the kinds to plant,
Pentstemon, 706
Plans, simpler flower,
Sir Watkin, 676
380
Pepino, 711
garden, 291
Snoivdrop, 679
wild garden, the, 382
Pepper Bush, Sweet, 490 ;
Plant, leaves of evergreen
Warley Place, 157
Orchards, cider, 377
Wall, 808
hardy, 321
Narrow water Park, Gun- \ starved, 378
Pergola, in Mrs. Edens
Plantain Lily, 229, 564,
nera manicata at, 579 i young, protecting, 389
garden at Venice,
565
Nasturtium, 843
Orchis, 692
X33
Rattlesnake, 578
Navelwort, 689
foliosa, 693
wooden, with Clematis
Water, 41 s
Neillia, 681
Rein, 580
and other hardy climb- Planting near the sea, 332
Nelumbium, 681
Origanum, 693
ers, 131
picturesque, house with,
Nemesia, 68 1
Ornithogalum, 693
Pergolas, 131
2£
j Nemophila, 681
Ornus, 694
Perilla, 709
Plants, Alpine, and rock,
Nepeta, 682
Orobus, 694
Periploca, 709
167 ; for British gar-
Nephrodium, 623, 682
vernus, 694
Periwinkle, 858
dens. i<;2
Nertera, 682
Orontium, 694
Pernettya, 709 annual'and biennial. 108 :
Nettle, dead, 621
Osier, 790
Pests, flower garden, 87
some important families
tree, 473
Osmanthus, 694
Petasites, 709
of, 115
Nicandra, 682
Osmunda, 695
fragrans, 709
bed of fine leaved, 229
Nicotiana, 682
Osoberry, 684
Petrocallis, 709
bedded out, 283
Nierembergia, 682
Ostrowskya, -695
pyrenaica, 709
biennial, 114
rivularis, 682
magnifica, 695
Petunia, 710
for reserve garden and
Nigella, 683
Othonna, 696
Phacelia, 557, 710
for cutting flowers, 94
damascena, 683
Ourisia, 696
Pheasant's-eye, 412
treated as annuals, 113
Nine Bark, 681
Oxalis, 696
Philadelphus, 710
hardy or half-hardy in.
Nolana, 683
Notospartium, 683
Acetosella, 696
Ox-eye, 412
grandijJorus, 711
Philesia. 711
British gardens, 241 ;
with fine foliage or
C armichaeliee , 683 Oxydendron, 697
Phlomis, 711
form, 234
Nuphar, 683
Oxytropis, 697
Phlox, 172, 712
in Italian oil-jars, 218 ;
i Nut, Bladder, 825 Oyster plant, 664
Phormium, 714
Orangeries, cultivation
Winged, 748 i Ozothamnus, 697
Phragmites, 714
of, 215 ; Tubs for the
Nutmeg, flowering, 629 rosmarinifolius , 697
Phygelius, 714
flower-garden, an ama-
Nuttallia, 684
Phyllostachys, 445, 714
teur on, 217 ; Vases and
Nycterinia, 684
Physalis, 714
tubs in the open air,
Nymphaea, 684
P
Alkekengi, 714
211
Marliacea carnea, 686
Physostegia, 715
placed out for summer,
tuberosa, 685
Nyssa, 687
Paeonia, 697
Pceonies in Munstead glass,
Phyteuma, 715
comosum, 715
group of house, 227
riverside, in front of
villosa, 687
3'8
Phytolacca, 715
Levens, 2^
Paeony, 170, 697
Phytomyza affinis, 880 ; Plants,some climbing, twin-
o
Oak, 753
Pagoda tree, 819
Palm, Chusan, the, 476
Picea, 715, 748
Morinda, 716
ing and wall, 136
silvery-leaved, 282
evergreen, an, 755 Club, 494
Picotee, Redbraes, 529
stove, tree ferns and, 222
lattico cover to seat, 368 < hardy, in the open air,
Pieris, 717
Vase, at Turvey Abbey,
Lodge Kensington, Wych 223
brassicas, 882
212
Elm at, 346 Pancratium, 699
flowers of, 717
water, 252
pale fencing; 365 Panicum, 538, 699
rapi, 882
waterside, 252 ; natural
Oaks, evergreen, 756 1 Pansies, basket of, 178 ;
summer leafing, 754 tufted, 320
Pilewort, 558
Pillar, Clematis on,
grouping of, 257
Plashed Alley, 134, 357
CEnothera, 687 Pansy, in basket, 178 ; dry
.125
Platanus, 723
Lamarckiana, 689 brick wall, 150
Pimpernel, 422
orientalis, 723
marginata, 688 tufted, a, 864
Pine, 717
Platycodon, 467, 723
89o
THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN. Illustrations in Italics.
Platystemon, 724
californicus, 724
Pyrethrum, 750
1 Pyrola, 751
Rockgardena, 137, 270; Al-
pine Harebell in, 461
Rose, Noisette, 779
not a " decorative" plant,
Playgrounds, Lawns and,
I Pyrus, 510, 660, 751
at Batsford,in the, 148
1 80
™ 354
abutifolia, 752
Coneyhurst, steps in
of Sharon, 591
Plum, 744
domestica, 752
144; passage in, 141
Proz'ence, 779
Plumbago, 724
in a Vase, 116
position for the, 140
Rock, 483
Poa, 724
Podophyllum, 724
Pyxidanthera, 752
right way, 142 ; steps
from deep recess of,
sawflies, the, 88 1
Small fruit, 779
Poinciana, 724
142 ; wrong way of
standard, the, 183
Polemonium, 725
forming, 142
Sun, 583
Polianthes, 725
Polyanthus, 171, 679
Polydesmus, 881
Polygala 725
Polygonatum, 726
Quamash, 461
Quamoclit, 753
Quassia extract, 878
Queen of the Prairie, 821
gardens, ill-formed, 144
misplaced artificial, 147
plants for British gardens,
Alpine and, 152
Purslane, 454
Tortrices, 879
to come back to the flower
garden, 182
tree, 761
Rosemary, 784
multiflorum, 726
Quercus, 753
rose, 483
Roses, Alba, 778
Polygonum, 727
" Rockeries," refuse brick,
and Manure, 188
sachalinense, 727
R
147
as climbers, 129
vaccinifolium, 728
Polypodium, 728
dryopteris, 728
Ragged Robin, double, 653
Ramondia, 757
Rocket, 590
double white, 590
Rockfoil, 172, 793
Bourbon, 778
Carnations and, in front
of Tudor house, 1 99
Polypody, 728
Polystichum, 729
pyrenaica, 757
Rampion, 715
great A Ipine, the,
796
climbing, 193, 774, 775 ;
over-pruning, 193
Pomegranate, 749
Pond at Enys, Cornwall,
Ranunculus, 757
aconitifolius ft. -pi., 757
hybrids, great, 801
Irish, the, 802
evergreen, 780
Gallica, 780
253
flower, Cape, 429
Pontederia, 729
Poplar, 729
and Anemone, 103
lingua, 758
Raphiolepis, 759
indie a, 759
Rock foils, group of silvery,
799
Rockspray, 498
Rod, Golden, 819
hybrid perpetual, 774
Lenten, 319
Monthly or China, 775
Moss, 776
Poppies, opium, 701
Raspberry, Nootka Sound,
Rodgersia, 770
Noisette, 778
white, 700
the, 785
podophylla, 770
over-pruning, 193
Poppy, 170, 700
Rectory Garden at Evers-
Romneya, 771
Polyantha, 777
Californian, 553
ley, 64
Coulteri, 771
Scotch, 777
Corn, 701
Reed, Great, 436, 714
Romulea, 772, 839
Shelter, 192
Cyclamen, 541
Mace, 850
Rosa, 772
summer, on Cottage-wall,
Horned, 578
New Zealand, 436
alba, 781
190
Indian, 662
Regents Park, basket of
nitida, 779
tea, and monthly, border
Mallow, 456
Plume, 450
plants at, 201
Reseda, 759
sinica, 779
spinosissima, 784
of, 194 ; border of , 188 ;
climbing, 774 ; for
Plume, 451
Reserve garden, yn'.Ckrist-
Rose, 168, 772
English gardens, 773 ;
Prickly, 434
White Bush, 771
mas rose in bed in, 91 ;
plan of, 304 ; plants for
Alpine, 781
Ayrshire, 780
the flower garden, 772 ;
hybrid, 775
Populus, 729
the, and for cutting
Anna Olivier, buds of,
wild and single, 195, 780
nigra, 729
flowers, 89 ; what to
774 .
and their hybrids, 770,
Portulaca, 730
grow in the, 90
Banksian, the, 777
781
grandiflora, 730
Rest Harrow, 691
beds and alpine flowers,
Rosin-plant, 815
Position, design and, 15
Retaining walls,sunk fences
191 ; preparation of the,
Rosmarinus, 784
Potato tree, 818
and, 366
191
Rotation in the flower gar-
Potentilla, 730
Retinospora, 759
beetle, 881
den, 387
Powis Castle, Welshpool,
Rheum, 760
Boursault, 780
Rubbish heaps, weeds and
49. 52
Rhexia, 760
Bracted, 779
388
Pratia, 731
Rhianva, Anglesey, 37,
Bramble-leaved, 781
Rubus, 784
angulata, 731
42
Brier, Austrian Copper,
caesins, 786
Primrose, 171, 731
Rhizoglyphus echinopus,
783 ; yellow, 779
deliciosus, 785
Alpine, an, 740
879
Campion, 414
laciniatus, 785
Bird's-eye, 735
Rhodanthe, 760
Caucasian, 779
nutkanus, 785
Evening, 687 ; an, 689
garden in Surrey, 93
Munstead early white,
Rhodites rosae, 881
Rhododendron, 175, 760
Falconeri, 761
Celeste, 773
chafer the green, 88 1
China, 781
Rudbeckia, 537, 786
Rue, 787
Rumex, 787
742
garden at Bidston, Che-
long-leaved, 781
Ruscus, 787
Primroses, bunch, 743
shire, 173
Christmas, 586, 587
Rush, 615
Primula, 731
magnolia and, 175
and bush tea roses in rose
flowering, 453
capitata, 734
tree, at Castlewellan, co.
garden, 187 ; cluster at
Ruta, 787
farinosa, 735
Down, 765
Belmont, 183 ; on Cot-
nivalis, 736
Rhododendrons and Lilies
tage porch, 179
rosea, 737
Sieboldi, 738
at Warley Place, 167
Rhodora, 766
Damask, 781
evergreen, 779
s
Princes-feather, 420, 421
Rhodothamnus, 766
gall fly, the, 88 1
Privet, 630
chameecistus, 767
garden, my, 189 ; the new,
Prophet-flower, 435
Rhodotypos, 767
179
Sabbatia, 787
Prunella, 744
Rhubarb, 787
Gloire Lyonnaise, 776
Saccharum, 787
Prunus, 475, 744
Davidiana, 745
Prickly, 578
Rhus, 767
Glossy, 779 ; double,
781
Sage, 791
Jerusalem, 711
Japonica, 747
copallina, 767
Guelder, 857
Sagina, 787
Pseudotsuga, 748
Cotinus, 768
Harrisoni, 778
Sagittaria, 788
Pteris, 748
Pterocarya, 748
typhina, 768
Ribes, 768
hedges, 780
in a Japanese bronze
Salisburia, 788
Sallow, 789
caucasica, 749
Richardia, 769
basin, 317
Salt-tree, 581
Pterocephalus, 749
Ricinus, 769
Japanese, 781
Salix, 788
Pamassi, 749
Robinia, 770
La Margue on south
vitellina, 790
Pterostyrax, 749
Pueraria, 749
Pulmonaria, 749
pseudo acacia, 770
Rock and wall gardens,
Alpine flower, 137
wall, 185
large- flowered, 779
Lawrenciana, 781
Salpiglossis, 790
sinuata, 790
Salvia, 791
Punica, 749
Beauty, 709
Lenten, 168
patens, 791
Purslane, 730
Broom, 571
Mallow, 591
Sambucus, 792
Rock, 454
Puschkima, 750
Cress, 431 ; purple, 440
cresses and Wallflowers,
Many-jlowered, 781
Marsh, 781
Samolus, 792
Sandwort, 434
scilloides, 750
165
Musk, 779
mountain, 434
Illustrations in Italics.
INDEX.
891
Sanguinaria, 792
Sida, 814
St. John's Wort, 597
T
canadensis, 792
Sidbury Manor, flower
St. Nicholas House, Scar-
Santolina, 792
border against wall at,
borough, Narcissus prin-
Table, Stone, bower with
Sanvitalia, 793
_., 79
ccps at, 98
373
Saponaria, 793
Silene, 814
Stachys, 825
Tagetes, 829
Sarana, 793
Silkweed, 437
Standards, No. IQO
Tamarack, 623
Sarracenia, 793
Silphium, 815 Staphylea, 825
Tamarisk, 831 ; German, 672
Sassafras, 793
Silver Berry, 539 Star-flower, 840
group 0/J 830
Satin-flower, 815
tree, Missouri, 539 of Bethlehem, 693
Tamarix, 831
crimson, 452
Silybum, 815 Starwort, 438
Tanacetum, 831
Savin, the, 616
Sisyrinchium, 815 lilac, 439
Tansy, 831
Saxifraga, 663, 793
Skimmia, 816 Statice, 825
Tar walks, 308
longifolia, 798
fragrans, 816 Staunton Court, the chim-
Tarweed, 476
pyramidalis, 796
sarmentosa, 801
Skullcap, 808 ney Campanula at, 323
Slipper flower, 455 Stauntonia, 826
Tassel-tree, 408
Taxodium, 831
Wallacei, 800
Slugs, 881 Stenactis, 826
distiohum, 831
Saxifrage, 793
Smilacina, 816 Stephanandra, 826
Taxus, 832
Scabiosa, 617, 802
Smilax, 817 Sternbergia, 826
Tchihatchewia, 834
Scabious, 801
aspera, 817 lutea, 826
isatidea, 834
Sheep's, 613
in fruit, a, 817 Stipa, 827
Tea, Labrador, 627
Scale insects, 881
Snail garden, the, 881 Stobaea, 449
New Jersey, 471
Schistostega, 802
Snake Millipedes, 881 Stock, 660
Teasel, 535
Schizanthus, 804
plant, 436 Night-scented, 591
Tecoma, 450, 834
Schizocodon, 804
Snakeroot, 630 Virginian, 660
grandiflora, 835
Schizopetalon, 804
Snake's-beard, 692 Stokesia, 827
radicans, 834
Schizophragma, 804
Schizostylis, 804
head, 562,611 Stone basket of flowers and
Snapdragon, 429 fine-leaved plants, 206
Tecophylaea, 835
Telekia, 457, 835
Sciadopitys, 804
Sneeze-weed, 582
bench, Dropmore, 362
Tellima, 835
Scilla, 169, 804
hispanica, 805
Snowball-tree, 857
Snowberry, 828
edging, 309
seat, old, 362
Tetranychus telarius, 835
Teucrium, 835
nutans, 806
Snowdrop, 100, 567 table and bower, 369
Thalia, 835
Scillaes, 102
tree, 581 Walks in small flower-
Thalictrum, 427, 835
Scirpus, 807
Scolopendrium, 807
Scorpion Senna, 497
Snowdrops in grass, 159 gardens, 306
naturalised, 160 ; Stonecrop, 808
Snowflake, 100, 169, Japanese, the, 809
aquilegifolium, 836
Thermopsis, 836
Thistle, Blessed, 466
Scutellaria, 808
628 Stonelands, Sussex, 47, 61
Blue, 668
Scyphanthus, 808
Snowy Mespilus, 421 Stonework in gardens, cost
Cotton, 691
Seat, garden, Warley, 366
Soapwort, 793 and care of, 24
Fishbone, 476
log, Tressei ve, 367
Soil and cultivation, 204 Storax, 828
Globe, 538
marble slab, 368
Soils, good and bad, 383 Stork's-bill, 548, 702
Milk, 815
stone, old, 362
local and natural, 384 Strajfan, co. Kildare,
Thladiantha, 836
Seats, 362, 367
Solanum, 818 Narcissus in grass at,
Thlapsi, 836
Sedge, 467
Soldanella, 818 159
Thorn, 499
Sedum, 808
Solidago, 819
Stratiotes, 827
Apple, 517
kamtschaticum , 810
Solomons Seal, 163,
Strawberry, 550
Box, 654
spectabile, 809
726 blite, 479
Thoroughwort, 556
Selaginella, 810
Sophora, 539, 819 tree, 432
Thrift, 435
Selborne, Gilbert Whites
Japonica, 819 Streamlet, tree bridge over,
Prickly, 408
garden at, 40
Sorrel tree, 697
36?
Tufted, the, 435
Self-heal, large, 44
Sowbread, 507
Struthiopteris, 827
Thrips adonidum, 882
Selwood Cottage, near
Sparaxis, 819 Stuartia, 827
Throatwort, Blue, 839
Frame, 45
Sempervivum, 811
pulcherrima, 819 Stubwort, 696
Spartium, 820 ; Stud-flower, 588
ThrumpingtonH all, Derby-
shire, 21
Senecio, 483, 630, 812
Spatlum, 629 " Style" right, no one, 25
Thunbergi, 837
Sequoia, 813
Spearwort Great, 759 Stylophorum, 828
Thuya, 837
Serapias, 813
Specularia, 820 Styrax, 828
Thuyopsis, 837
Service tree, the true, 752 i Speedwell, 854 Sumach, 767
Thyme, 837
Seseli, 813
Shrubby, 855 Venetian, 768
Cat, 835
Shade, Air and, 345
Spergula, 788 \ Summer bedding, 202 ; win-
Thymus, 837
light and, 340 ; planting
»n, 35°
Sphenogyne, 820 ter and, 209
Spider red, 880 flowers, some spring and,
Tiarella, 838
cordifolia, 838
spring flowers in sun and,
Spiderwort, 493
178
Tickseed, 495
177
blue, 493
garden, beautiful, 179,
Tiger-flower, 838
Sheen Cottage, 41
Mountain, 645
196, 202, 211
Tigridia, 838
Sheffieldia, 813
Virginian, 839
house, a thatched, 370 ;
pavonia alba maculata,
Shelter and wind screens, 332
Spigelia, 820
the, 369
839
Shortia, 813
Spignel, 666
Sundew, 536
Tilia, 839
Shrubberies, flower borders
Spikenard wild, 816
Sundrops, 688
Time and Gardens, 20
fringing, 76
Shrubbery, White Foxglove
Spindle-tree, 555
Spinovitis Davidi, 867
Sunflower, 583
annual, 585
Tipula oleracea, 879
Toad-flax, 642
in, in
Spiraea, 820
Double perennial, 584
Tobacco, 682
Shrubland Park, 51 ; plan
aricefolia, 822
Sun Rose, 583
water, 878
of flower garden at,
Aruncus, 821
and Shade, The Hoo,
Toothwort, 523
302
Belmont, Carlow, 123
Welwyn, 353
Topiary work, example
Shrubs and Trees, ever-
Bumalda, 824
Sutton Place, 26
of old, 340
green^ 324 ; ugly, 328 ;
japonica, A . Waterer,
Sweet Brier, 784
Tortricidas, 879
flowering, 116 ; hardy,
823
Cicely, 672
Totley Hall, near Sheffield,
some flowering, 124 ; in
the winter garden, 246 ;
Lindleyand, 825
Sorbifolia. 823
Gale, 671
Pea, 625
63
Town Garden, Broadway,
spring flowering, 174, Spleenwort, 438^
Peas, 108
Worcester, 9
178 ; evergreen, clipped, Spraguea, 825
340 ; the nobler flower- Spring and summer flowers,
Pepper bush, 490
William, 525
Trachelium, 839
Tradescantia, 839
ing,33o; fragile climbers some, 178
Violet, 860
Treasure-flower, 570
on, 128 ; hardy bulbs flowers in sun and shade,
Swertia, 828
Tree Ague, 793, Angelica,
among choice, 105 ; stak- ! 177
Symphoricarpus, 828
432
ing of, 395 gardens, 164
Symphyandra, 828
Beam, Himalayan the, 752;
Sibthorpia, 813 Spurge, 556
europ&a variegata, 814 Squill, striped, 750
Symphytum, 828
Syringa, 829
White, 752
bridge over streamlet, 363
892
INDEX.
Illustrations in Italics.
Tree, Catawba, 470
Tulips, 99
Viola, 549, 858
Weigela, 534, 869
Chaste, 865
old garden, 846
pedata, 86 i
grandiflora, 870
Coral, 551
Tunica, 849
reniformis, 862
Whitlavia, 870
Cucumber, 655
Sajcifraga, 850
Violet, 858
Whorl-flower, 667
Fringe, 479
Tupelo tree, 687
Bird's-foot, 86 1
Whortleberry, 851
Gum, 553
Turf, bulbs in beds on, 106
Cress, 60 1
Wigandia, 870
Iron, 702
formation of good, 358
Dog's-tooth, 169, 552
Wild garden, Narcissus in
Judas, 475
Turkey's-beard, 872
New Holland, 862
the, 155 ; some plants
label position for, 400
Turtle-head, 478
Sweet, 860
for the, 163 ; the, 153
Lawn, type of weeping
'Purvey Abbey, vase plants
Water, 592
Willow, 788
native, 349
at, 212
Viper's Bugloss, 538
French, 542
Lily, 655
Maidenhair, the, 788
Tussilago, 849
Farfara variegata, 851
Virgilia, 864
Virginian creeper, 866
old pollarded, in Suffolk,
788
Mallow, 626
Twin-flower, 643
Papaw, 437
Water, 523
Motion, 343
Scarlet, 452
Poke, 715
Weeping, the, 789
of Heaven, 414
leaf, 614
Virgin's Bower, 485
Willows and their colour,
Orange Ball, 453
Typha, 850
Viscaria, 864
263
* Pagoda, 819
Viscum, 864
Wilton, 53
Potato, 8t8
Vitex, 865
two views of, 60
Silver, Missouri, 539
u
Vitis, 483, 865
Wind screens, shelter and,
Snowball, 857
heterophylla variegata,
332
Snowdrop, 581
Uffington Stamford, plan
867
Windflower, 424
Spindle, 555
of a garden at, 296
Vittadenia, 868
A pennine, blue, 425
Strawberry, 432, 497
Ulex, 850
Windflowers, the, 166
Tassel, 408 '
Tulip, 645
Ulmus, 850
Umbilicus, 851
w
Winged everlasting, 422
Winter Aconite, 543
weeping evergreen, 353
Trees and Shrubs, ever-
Uniola, 851
Urospermum, 851
Wahlenbergia, 539, 868
bedding, summer and, 209
Cherry, 714
green, 324 ; ugly, 328 ;
Uvularia, 851
Waitzia, 869
garden trees and shrubs in
flowering, 116 ; hardy,
Waldsteinia, 869
the, 246
some flowering, 124 ; in
the winter garden, 246 ;
spring flowering, 174 ;
V
Walking-leaf, 465
Walk, shaded, Belvoir, 351
Walks and edgings, 305
green, 751
Jasmine, 242
Sweet, 479 ; at Gravetye
staking of, 395
vigorous climbers on, 126
Vaccinium, 851
Valerian, 852
concrete and asphalte, 308
grass, borders by, 808
Manor, 247
Wireworms, 882
by waterside, 402
Greek, 725
gravel, 306
Wistaria, 870
death and disease of, 343
Red, 475
heath moss and, 307
old, at Efford Manor,i6^
evergreen and other clipp-
ing, 335 5 in natural
forms, 327 ; the nobler,
Valenana, 852
Vallota, 852
Vancouveria, 852
light arches over, 132
stone, in small gardens,
306
on covered way, 135
white, the, 871
Witch Hazel, 581
331
Vase, Pyrus in a, 116;
tar, 308
Withy, 789
flowers beneath, 162
plants at Turvey Abbey,
Wall Garden, a, 1 5 1
Woodruff, sweet,~438
forest, the disfigurement
212
gardens, 14.9 ; alpine
Wood Sorrel, 696
of by clipping, 341
Vases, 207
flower, rock and, 1^7
Woodlice, 882
label for, 400
and tubs in the open air,
Wallflower, 477
Woodsia, 871
Orange, in tubs, 211
plants in, 211
Alpine, 550
Woodwardia, 871
supporting climbers, 132
vigorous climbers on, 126
Sunflowers in, 584
Venidium, 852
Fairy, 551
Wallflowers and rock-cres-
Wormwood, 435
Woundwort, 825
Trefoil, 840
Venus's Looking-glass, 820
ses, 165
Wulfenia, 871
Bird's-foot, 651
Veratrum, 852
Walnut, 614
Tick, 523
Verbascum, 852
Wand-flower, 819
X
Tresserve log seat, 367
olympicum, 852
plant, 569
white Wistaria at, 871
phlomoides, 853
Warley Place, garden
Xanthoceras, 871
Trichonema, 839
phaeniceum, 853
seat at, 366 ; Lilies
Xeranthemum, 871
Tricuspidaria, 839
Verbena, 854
and Rhododendrons
Xerophyllum, 871
hexapetala, 840
Sand, 407
at, 1^7 ; Narcissus at,
Tricyrtis, 840
Sweet, 416
J57
Y
Trientalis, 840
Verbesina, 854
Waste of monotony, the,
Yarrow, 410
Trifolium, 840
Vernonia, 854
3Q3
Yew, 832
Trillium, 840
Veronica, 854
Water, best, soft, ^86
hedges, the abuse of, 339
grandifiorum , 841
pinquifolia, 856 cultivation and, 389
Irish, the, 833
Triteleia, 840
Vervain, Creeping, 874 garden enemies, 261 ;
varieties of erect habit,
Tritoma, 841
Vesicaria, 856 forming the, 254; upper
832 ; spreading habit,
Tritonia, 667, 841
Vetch, 858 part of my, 250
832 ; variegated foliage,
Trollius, 842
Bitter, 694 ; Spring, 694
gardens by various water
833 ; weeping habit,
Tropaeolum, 843
Milk, 439
gardeners, 251
833
polyphyllum, 844
Viburnum, 857
Lilies and waterside
Yucca, 872
speciosum, 845
plicatum, 857
plants for the house,
Yucca, 873
Trumpet creeper, 834
flower, a, 129, 454
Vicarage, the, Odiham,
climbers on, 127
322
Lily, 684 ; bud of hybrid,
Yuccas in groups, 230
Yulan,thc, at Gunnersbury
Tsuga, 845
Vicia, 858
686 ; hardy American,
House, 171
Tuberose, 725
Vieusseuxia, 858
685 ; yellow, 683
Tubs in the open, plants
in vases and, 211
Villarsia, 858
Vinca, 858
margins of, 257
Plantain, 415
Z
Zapania, 874
Orange trees in, 211,
major, 858
plants, 252
Zauschneria, 874
213
Poet's Laurel in, 214
Vine, 865
claret-coloured, 868
Soldier, 827
Waterside, planting the,
Zea, 874
Knockdolian Colmonell,
plants in, for the flower
Grape, common, 867
262 ; plants, 252 ; for
N.B., 115
garden, 216
growing over Gazeebo,
the house, natural
Zelkowa, 875
summer cultivation, 217
866 _
grouping of, 257
Zenobia, 874
what to grow in, 219
Maderia, 451
Wat son i a, 869
Zephyr-flower, 874
winter cultivation, 216
Mignonette, 655
Weed, Pickerel, 720
Zephyranthes, 074
Tulip, 169, 174, 825
shaded bower, 372
Weeds and rubbish heaps,
and Belladonna Lily,
garden at the Castle,
Silk, 709
381 ; their seeds, 391
Kew, 241
Dingwall, 100
Staff, 473
evergreen, 329 Zietenia. 875
tree, 645
Vines, for their beauty of
using where they grow, Zinnia, 875
Tulipa, 846
form, 130 389 Zygadenus, 876
R. CLAY AND SONS, LTD., BREAD ST. HILL, E.G., AND BUNGAY, SUFFOLK.
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